Vision with spatial light modulator simulating multifocal contact lenses in an adaptive optics system

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optics
• Visual Science

Background:

• Multifocal contact lenses (MCLs) offer presbyopic correction.
• Accurate simulation of MCL vision is crucial for pre-treatment patient experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a spatial light modulator (SLM) as a tool for simulating vision through center-near aspheric MCLs.
• To compare visual performance between simulated and real MCLs.

Main Methods:

• Commercially available MCLs (low, medium, high additions) were mapped onto an SLM.
• Through-focus visual acuity (TFVA) was measured using the SLM and real MCLs.
• Correlation and Bland-Altman analyses assessed the similarity of TFVA curves.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant shape similarity was found between TFVA curves from simulated and real MCLs.
• Bland-Altman analysis showed minimal logMAR differences (±0.01 to ±0.06).
• Simulated MCLs showed approximately 20% better visual performance than real MCLs.

Conclusions:

• SLM technology effectively captures and reproduces the visual profile of center-near MCLs.
• MCL optical profile and eye interactions are the primary drivers of visual performance.
• SLM simulation is a viable tool for understanding MCL visual effects prior to fitting.