Does visual acuity predict visual preference in progressive addition lenses?

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine if visual acuity (VA) could differentiate the quality of vision with two ophthalmic lenses with unwanted astigmatism. METHODS: Twenty presbyopic subjects (48 to 62 years old; VA better than 0.0 logMAR) graded the magnitude of their preference between two progressive addition lenses (plano addition 2.00D) and their visual acuities were measured with both lenses at various eccentricities from -12 to +12 mm from the near vision point every 3 mm in controlled conditions. RESULTS: The Lens with the least peripheral astigmatism was preferred by 75% of the subjects. VA measured at the near vision point was statistically worse (p