Visioneering Technologies, Inc. (VTI), manufacturer of the NaturalVue (etafilcon A) Multifocal 1 Day Contact Lens, presented 2-year findings from the company's ongoing 3-year PROTECT (PROgressive Myopia Treatment Evaluation for NaturalVue Multifocal Contact Lens Trial) study at the American Academy of Optometry meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. According to a press release, Dr. Ashley Tuan, VTI’s chief medical officer, shared the results during her presentation, “New Evidence Uncovered: 2-Year RCT Findings in Myopia Management, Astigmatism, and Vision Outcomes with NaturalVue.”
Specifically, the data show that myopia progression minimization continued through 2 years with the NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day lens. Adjusted data, which were equalized for variables including age, sex, and region, demonstrated a 0.59 D slowing of myopia progression and a 0.22 mm reduction in axial-length elongation. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of children in the study exhibited near emmetropic change in axial length. Treatment effects were consistent across pupil sizes from 2 mm to 7 mm. Larger pupils received enhanced treatment effects.
The study also shows that NaturalVue Multifocal lenses preserved accommodative accuracy and reduced both accommodative lead and excessive lag through 2 years. Participants maintained 20/20 distance and near visual acuity, reported high satisfaction, and no trade-offs in vision or comfort. The average daily wearing time was 11 to 12 hours, and no serious device-related adverse events were reported, according to the study.
Dr. Tuan also presented results from a University Complutense of Madrid study that reveals the NaturalVue Enhanced Multifocal lens corrected 100% of astigmatism up to 3.00 D and 83% at 3.00 D. Further, all patients achieved 20/20 or better binocular vision and maintained stereopsis across pupil sizes.
The PROTECT study includes 145 children across the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and is continuing into its third year. After 24 months, the study protocol allows the control group to cross over to treatment. Further data will be shared as the study progresses. OM