Reducing disconfort in contact lens wearers: Refitting symptomatic users to Kalifilcon A

Aims/Purpose: The prevalence of discomfort associated with contact lens (CL) wear is estimated to affect up to half of the wearers, often resulting in the discontinuation of CL wear. This study aimed to determine whether refitting symptomatic wearers with a daily disposable CL (Kalifilcon A) reduces symptoms and improves the wearer experience.Methods: 47 symptomatic CL wearers (CLDEQ‐8 > 12) were randomly assigned in a masked fashion to receive either Kalifilcon A or their usual CL (placebo). Following one month of CL wear, participants were switched to Kalifilcon A or placebo, which they wore for another month. Non‐invasive tear break‐up time measurements were performed using a Medmont E300USB topographer. Furthermore, the participants completed the CLDEQ‐8 and NEI VQF‐25 questionnaires to assess symptomatology and vision‐related quality of life while wearing CLs. Finally, the participants were asked to subjectively rate the ease of handling, manipulation and comfort of both CLs.Results: After a one‐month period of wearing both CLs, the results of theCLDEQ‐8 revealed a statistically and clinically significant reduction in symptomatology with Kalifilcon A CL (10.95 ± 8.82) in comparison to the placebo CL (14.65 ± 7.83; p = 0.02). The NEI VFQ‐25 questionnaire outcomes indicate that Kalifilcon A CL exhibits a substantial improvement in the subscales of eye pain, with a score of 59.4 ± 9.9, compared to the score of 47.3 ± 8.2 (p < 0.0001), and in the subscales of role difficulties, with a score of 10.1 ± 13.9, compared to the score of 38.6 ± 8.2 (p < 0.0001).In terms of subjective rate, Kalifilcon A CL demonstrated superior performance in terms of overall satisfaction with comfort (7.78 ± 1.88vs8.5 ± 1.86; p = 0.01) and overall satisfaction with the CL (7.8 ± 1.89vs8.44 ± 1.61; p = 0.04). The results of the tear quality study revealed no statistically significant differences between the two CLs.Conclusions: Refitting individuals who exhibit symptoms while wearing CLs with Kalifilcon A daily disposable contact lenses resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of symptoms and a noticeable enhancement in the user's overall experience. This presents a valuable solution for those who may otherwise be at risk of discontinuing CL wear.