Sequel PAL linked to reduced digital eye strain after 6 weeks of wear

A prospective clinical study commissioned by Newton found that Sequel PAL progressive addition lenses were associated with reduced digital eye strain symptoms and high wearer satisfaction among established progressive lens users after 6 weeks of wear.

The study, conducted across 6 clinical sites in the US, enrolled 30 participants aged 40 years and older who were established progressive lens wearers and used digital devices for at least 4 hours per day. Twenty-nine participants completed the study. All were fitted with Sequel PAL prescription lenses, with coating and refractive index matched to their existing lenses.

Sequel PAL was developed to address both accommodative and vergence demands during prolonged near and intermediate tasks through the integration of Convergence Boost technology, a proprietary prismatic correction applied through the lower intermediate and near zones of the lens.

“Convergence Boost technology applies a gentle, proprietary prismatic correction through the lower intermediate and near zones, counteracting these optical variables and supporting the eyes toward a more natural vergence position during near and digital tasks,” Newton stated in the study. “This correction is integrated into a proprietary lens design specifically engineered to serve each patient’s visual needs. No patient measurement or additional diagnostic step is required — Sequel PAL is prescribed and dispensed as any other premium progressive lens.”

The primary outcome measure was change in Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) scores, a validated 16-item assessment of digital eye strain symptoms. A score of 6 or more is considered symptomatic.

At baseline, the median CVS-Q score was 7. After six weeks of wear, the median score decreased to 2, representing a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05), a median reduction of 5 units, and a 71% improvement in digital eye strain symptoms. Investigators noted that this shift moved the median participant from symptomatic to non-symptomatic status.

Visual comfort and clarity were also evaluated using Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology. NPS scores for visual comfort exceeded 40 across all measured domains at week 6, while visual clarity scores exceeded 60 across all domains.

Among participants, 83% reported being very comfortable performing everyday tasks while wearing Sequel PAL lenses, and 76% said they were comfortable with the field of view provided by the lenses. Sixty-six percent reported being comfortable performing longer hours of computer-based tasks.

For visual clarity and performance, 76% reported no eye fatigue at the end of the day, 72% reported clear vision when switching from distance to near viewing zones, and 86% reported no swaying sensation while wearing the lenses. More than 65% reported no distortion or blurring while viewing through the lenses.

Overall satisfaction scores also exceeded 40, and 65% of participants reported being very satisfied after 6 weeks of wear.

The average age of participants was 58.3 years, and the average baseline CVS-Q score was 6.83. Researchers noted that participants were experienced progressive lens wearers, which may help distinguish adaptation to Sequel PAL from adaptation to progressive lenses more generally.

The authors identified the small sample size as a study limitation and noted that larger trials would strengthen the generalizability of the findings.

The white paper suggested that Sequel PAL may be most appropriate for established progressive lens wearers who report eye strain, end-of-day fatigue, or visual discomfort associated with digital device use, particularly those with significant screen time and higher baseline CVS-Q scores.

“Because all study participants were already adapted to progressive lenses, the adaptation narrative for Sequel PAL is straightforward: patients are not learning to use a progressive for the first time —they are transitioning to a design that adds vergence support on top of the optics they already know,” the company stated in the study. “Framing the lens this way at dispensing manages expectations well and is consistent with the strong field-of-view and no-swaying results observed in the study.”

Reference:

1. Clinical white paper. Sequel PAL: Visual Comfort, Clarity, and Digital Eye Strain Relief in Progressive Lens Wearers. Newton. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://5282963.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5282963/Sequel%20PAL%20White%20Paper.pdf