A patient with the RX Plano -1.25 x170 and "K" readings of 42.50/42.50 should use which lens design for best visual acuity?

In this scenario, the patient has a refractive error of plano with a prescription of -1.25 at an axis of 170 degrees. Additionally, the "K" readings, which represent the corneal curvature, are both the same at 42.50 diopters. This means that the cornea is symmetric and has equal curvature in all directions, which is important when considering lens design.

Choosing the best lens design for achieving optimal visual acuity in this case involves addressing the astigmatic component of the patient's prescription. A front toric lens is the correct choice here because it is specifically designed to correct astigmatism. It provides different powers in different meridians of the lens, which matches the patient’s axis of refractive error. The nature of a toric lens allows it to align with the specific curvature of the patient's cornea while providing effective correction for the astigmatism.

A spherical lens, while potentially suitable for patients with simple refractive errors, would not adequately address the astigmatic component, likely resulting in suboptimal visual acuity. Panafocal lenses are used for multifocal vision and do not specifically address astigmatism or the needs of this particular patient. Bitoric lenses are also