PURPOSE: To study the clinical performance of progressive addition lens (PAL) Gradal Top®, Carl Zeiss Vision compared with other PAL lenses previously worn by presbyopic ametropes. METHODS: Forty presbyopes satisfied with their PAL spectacles (addition <2.00D) were included in the study. Following a complete ophthalmologic examination all presbyopes received new prescription glasses fitted with Gradal Top® PAL supplied by Carl Zeiss Vision Brasil at no cost. Evaluation occurred during an interview and the results were recorded in three different forms. The first form concerned the PAL formerly worn and was completed at delivery of the new glasses. The two remaining forms were completed two or three weeks after wearing Gradal Top®. The visual performance was graded from 1 to 10, and concerned near, intermediate and dynamic (shift from near to intermediate) visual acuity, patient adjustment to PAL and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: According to all variables on the record form, visual performance with Gradal Top® was better than with the previously worn PAL. Thirty-three patients (82.5%) preferred Gradal Top®, five patients (12.5%) preferred their former PAL and two patients (5%) showed no preference. CONCLUSION: For most of the studied patients Gradal Top® showed better clinical performance than the formerly worn PAL.
Presbyopia; Progressive addition lenses; Patient satisfaction
