Near visual function measured with a novel tablet application in patients with astigmatism

Clinical relevance While the clinical focus of performance metrics is traditionally based on visual acuity, research from field impairment has demonstrated that such as reading speed and critical print size correlate much more strongly with subjective patient reported outcomes assessed ability in real‐world tasks.Background More recently, digital device use increasingly replaced many paper‐based tasks. Therefore, this study aimed to assess correlation between standard acuity/contrast functional compared an iPad‐based task astigmatic patients corrected wearing toric mean spherical equivalent contact lenses.Methods Thirty‐four adult participants, −0.75 −1.50-D refractive astigmatism, were enrolled a double‐masked cross‐over fitted lenses, random order. A application was developed zoom, contrast modifications, distance at which tablet held, blink rate, time complete task. High low near logMAR acuity measured along (critical optimal speed).Results The amount participants chose increase font (zoom) correlated their high‐contrast correction (r = 0.434, p 0.010). With best sphere correction, zoom associated −0.450, 0.008) working 0.522, 0.002). Text also horizontal (toric: r 0.898, < 0.001; sphere: 0.880, 0.001) vertical scrolling 0.857, 0.846, 0.001). There significant negative association selection text −0.417, 0.0141; −0.385, 0.025).Conclusion Real‐world allows robust assessment function than alone. Digital technology offers opportunity better understand impact different vision options performance.