title: Clinical Performance of a Spherical Hybrid Lens Design in High Regular Astigmatism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate safety, efficacy, and comfort of a spherical hybrid contact lens design in management of the regular astigmatic cornea.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study included 18 eyes from 18 subjects with regular corneal astigmatism greater than -3.00 diopters. All patients were fitted with optimal hybrid contact lenses. Demographic data and fitting parameters were recorded. Patient refraction, visual outcomes, contrast sensitivity, and glare levels were measured 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the start of lens use. Duration of lens use, comfort grades, causes of lens discontinuation, and any noticed complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An average of 1.8 lenses (range 1-3) was required to achieve the optimal fit. Average logMAR visual acuity had improved significantly from 0.92±0.03 to 0.03±0.04 (P<0.001) at the last follow-up. Contrast sensitivity and glare tests were also significantly improved. Statistical analysis of the subjective responses indicated a strong acceptance of the lens by most of the patients. Mean wearing time of lenses was 10.1±3.2 hr/d. Causes of discontinuation were discomfort (2 patients), high lens price (2 patients), and handling problems (1 patient). Minimal complications were demonstrated in wearers of the lenses during follow-up visits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Spherical hybrid contact lenses provide a good option for patients with regular astigmatic corneas. They provide optimal visual function with high comfort and patient satisfaction, especially when surgery is undesirable or contraindicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
authors.forename: Waleed Ali
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Abou Samra
authors.forename: Dalia Sabry
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: El-Emam
authors.forename: Manal Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kasem
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D019466:Glare; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult