Evaluation of vision-related quality of life of patients wearing photochromic lenses.

PURPOSE: A two-period, crossover study was undertaken comparing next-generation gray photochromic Transitions Lenses (Transitions Optical, Inc., Pinellas Park, FL) with clear lenses and a study purple-colored photochromic lens to evaluate enhancement to vision-related quality of life (VRQOL). METHODS: Fifty-two patients were randomized into one of four lens crossover groups: gray-->clear; clear-->gray; gray-->purple; and purple-->gray. Each lens was worn for 30 days. VRQOL was measured using a previously administered questionnaire, the Transitions Vision Related Quality of Life' (TVRQOL) survey instrument (see Appendix to this article). Differences in responses related to each lens worn in the comparison were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, next-generation gray Transitions Lenses were associated with the greatest improvement in VRQOL compared to clear or purple lenses. The gray lens proved statistically superior to the clear lens, across four of the five subscales. When given the choice of which lens they would like to continue to wear, 85% (23 of 27) of the patients preferred the gray lens. No statistically significant difference was observed between the gray lens and the study purple lens. CONCLUSIONS: Next-generation gray Transitions Lenses offer patients significant and clinically meaningful improvements in VRQOL, and are superior to clear lenses. A patient's overall visual experience is best served by proper product selection to provide optimal visual acuity and VRQOL performance.