Advice about Contact Lenses

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Questions

• Best online contact lens site?
• Bifocal Contact Lenses
• Contact lense allergy?
• Have you switched from RGP to soft lenses?
• Thinking of switching to soft contacts
• Foggy Contact Lens
• Need help learning how to get soft contacts in

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Best online contact lens site?

April 2009

Recently got back into wearing contacts. Anyone researched the best place to buy online? I assume the product is the same everywhere and it is all about price, no? Thanks Bryan

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Hello! Actually, if you start looking at these things very carefully, the difference between places is pennies per box. The following advice only applies if you have no vision insurance. 1) If you are in a Vistakon product (Acuvue whatever) Costco is usually the cheapest. 2) If you are in anything else, then there is usually no significant difference in price. AND, be very careful of hidden costs like handling charges or shipping charges. Rebates that you see on line are usually available no matter where you buy the lenses from. Some rebates are only available from your doctor's office. Contact lens companies sometimes give better rebates to docs because they can't compete price wise with chain stores like Costco or Wallmart. I've also heard horror stories about companies that go belly up before they send out the contacts and after they take your money, so make sure that you don't just go with the cheapest on-line company--make sure they've been around a while and will stick around a while. Eye Doc

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I use Coastal Contacts and am very happy with them. I don't know how they compare to others, as I've never used anyone else. They're reasonable in price and quick with delivery. You fill out your prescription online and then fax them a current prescription from your doctor. Linda

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We like DiscountCountactlenses.com. Good prices, nice customer service. Anon

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Bifocal Contact Lenses

Feb 2009

After 15 years and failing to meet criteria for surgical vision correction - I am thinking of ditching the glasses and going back to contact lenses. This time I would need bifocal lenses. I am interested in your experience with these. Have you been happy? Is your vision (both near and far) acute with these lenses? I have read about both gas permeable and soft lenses. Any recommendations and advice would be most appreciated! Considering Contacts

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I have used bifocal contacts (gas permeable) for at least 10 years and they offer me much better vision than I can get with glasses, so I wear them almost constantly. Got them through Kaiser so don't know brand. I highly recommend them! 20/20

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Contact lense allergy?

Nov 2008

Contact lenses irritate my eyes, but I really miss wearing them--it's a challenge to play with my two active sons and toddler who loves to take them off of my face. My dr. said I am allergic to the lenses, and I am wondering if anyone can advise me on brands that you have found to be especially gentle. I'm not ready for LASIK yet and would love to avoid it completely. Thanks for any ideas! anon

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I too was allergic to contact lenses. I would get little white dots on the inside of my lids. So come to find out that it was not the lense, but the solution they came in. The Dr. suggested that instead of wearing 2 week lenses that I needed to clean every night, I should use disposables and for wear them for no more than 12 hours (+/-). So I use 1-day Acuvue disposable lenses for most of the day - and wear my glasses in the evenings to read or watch TV - and not a single allergy in years. AJ

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You might just be allergic to the preservative in the saline solution. Try plain saline (we get ours from Walmart - can't find it anywhere else - it comes in a tall can - much cleaner that way). Good luck! Jean

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I had something similar, but it really was that my body was depositing protein (or some other substance) on the contacts, and then I'd have an allergic reaction to the built-up deposits. So I switched to daily wear disposable contacts. I can wear a pair for two days (taking them out at night) before throwing them away. Since my vision is really bad, I also have to wear glasses on top of the contacts, but the glasses are a lot thinner and cuter than they'd be without contacts. -Yana

 

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Have you switched from RGP to soft lenses?

Oct 2005

I've had rigid gas permeable contact lenses for about 18 years now. For the past few years, I've had trouble with the RGP on and off, not being able to wear them part of the time. I have been repeatedly to the UC eye clinic where they have spent lots of time trying to figure me out - they know part of it is a fit issue. We discussed a switch to soft lenses about a year ago but they weren't sure that soft lenses would work for me either. Now I need to go back in but first thought I'd see if anyone out there has switched from RGP to soft and were you happy with the switch or did you go back to the RGP lenses? I really dislike wearing glasses full time so am anxious to find a solution that allows me to continue wearing lenses. Thanks! Kristen

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I switched from RGP to soft contacts after having worn RGPs for about 15 years. I was tired of the discomfort and the times when the RGP would slip into the corner of my eye if I blinked the wrong way. Because of astigmatism, I used toric soft lenses and had to put up with less clear eyesight (impossible to completely correct strong astigmatism, even with toric lenses).

I was living in a city where I didn't need to drive, so the worst that would happen is I would squint to see the numbers of approaching buses. After 10 years, I moved here, where you can't survive without a car. As I drove around, squinting at street signs, I realized that I could no longer manage with less-than-perfect eyesight. Reluctantly, I decided to switch back to RGPs. During my eye appointment, they discovered that my poor eyesight with soft toric contact lenses was due to keratoconus - a condition where the cornea is uneven, causing astigmatism-like symptoms. I now wear special RGPs designed to reshape the cornea. My eyesight is crystal clear, which is wonderful for driving, but I wish I could go back to soft contacts. They were SO much more comfortable! cclocke

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I used RGP lenses from age 7 to age 27, and then switched to soft for no particular reason. I used the soft lenses for a year and a half and then switched back to RGP. I loved my RGP lenses before I switched, and never had any trouble with them, wearing them on average 12-16 hours a day. The soft lenses always seemed like more of an object in my eye - I never could forget I was wearing them, and my eyes were MUCH drier, requiring use of daily rewetting drops. (With that said, my new RGP lenses aren't as perfectly comfortable as I remember them being before - my eyes are still a bit drier than before.) The optometrists I've spoken to say that RGP lenses are healthier for your eyes, and they definitely FEEL healthier to me. ProRGP

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I switched from hard (RGP) to soft lenses at the recommendation of an optometrist a few years ago. I had tried soft lenses before but couldn't see well enough with them, so went back to hard. After 2 years with soft lenses, still unable to see as well as I could with hard lenses, I decided to switch back. Alas, it was no longer possible to go back to hard lenses because the shape of my eyeballs had changed so much without the hard lenses to mold them. I had also switched from the aforementioned optometrist to the UC Optometry School, which I have found to be a great place when you need to experiment with different possibilities. They explained everything to me, tried to find me the best possible lenses given my particular vision parameters, gave me a pair of contacts for free once when I needed them, and finally performed laser surgery when I decided I could no longer stand the soft lenses. They also told me that hard lenses are actually better for your eyes than soft ones, which was the opposite of what the previous optometrist had suggested. I recommend that you talk to your optometrist about different types of lenses before you make the switch. I have, or had, pretty severe astigmatism, which soft lenses simply cannot correct. I'm also old enough to need trifocals at this point, and with only 2 eyes neither Lasik nor monovision contacts can correct for everything. Good luck with your decision. Been there

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I switched from RGP to soft years ago, when they finally started making soft lenses that could correct for astigmatism. I would never go back to RGP. The vision may not be quite as sharp but I don't even notice any more, and the comfort level makes up for everything. You should definitely give soft lenses a try if you're having troubles with the rigid ones.

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I started off with RGP and switched to disposable soft contacts after I developed a recurring problem with corneal abrasions. I have to say, I never liked the soft contacts as much, and as a result, I've gone back to glasses (but that also speaks to laziness on my part). My vision was better with RGP, and I never got good at putting the soft lenses in and especially taking them out. On the other hand, soft lenses don't scratch (although you have to clean them really well to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria, which isn't as much a problem with RGP), and you don't have to ''break them in'' and get your eyes used to them like with hard lenses. Another plus is it's no big deal if you lose them, and it's nice to have a fresh pair every couple of weeks (or whatever length of time you have). I'd say that if you can make RGP work, it's better but if it's causing problems, soft contacts take some getting used to but are totally doable. good luck!

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I wore rigid gas permeables for 15+ years because of severe astigmatism and myopia. However, I got tired of having them ''seize up'' on me when a dust particle would get in my eye. (You know, where you stop cold in your tracks while your eyes water and you blink uncontrollably to make the pain stop). They also made my eyes tired at night. I switched over to (expensive!) attractive glasses and figured that was it.

Two years ago, my eye doctor got me to try soft lenses for people with severe astigmatism and I was hooked within 5 minutes of wearing the samples he had on hand. I now wear soft lenses everyday and I LOVE them. Not once have they ''seized up'' on me because of a speck of dirt!!!! I've been told the prescription isn't 20/20, but I've never been able to tell, even in the eye chart tests. I'm Converted!

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I switched from rigid gas permeable lenses to soft, (weekly) disposable. I never did go back to the gas perms after giving birth to my first child. My eyes were too dry while I was nursing. Six months after I gave up nursing, I found myself pregnant again, but I managed to try the disposables during that six months and liked them. I wore them throughout the second pregnancy. I don't see as well with the soft lenses, but they are comfortable. Now that I'm back to nursing, I'm back to wearing my glasses full time, but plan to keep wearing the soft lenses once the dry eye problem goes away. anonymous

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I wore gas permeable lenses for years, but always had trouble with them, including numerous incidences of scratched corneas from my eyes drying out. I never went to soft lenses because I have an astigmatism and thought they wouldn't correct my eyes well enough. However, after I had my baby, I couldn't wear the lenese at all, and out of desperation, I went in for soft lenses. First of all, it turned out that now soft lenses can correct for mild astigmatism such as I have. Second, it took trying a bunch of different brands, but eventually I used one that was larger than the average size, and I have never looked back. I can't believe I didn't switch years ago.

All my problems with lenses are in the past. I can wear these for 14 hours or more, I haven't had a single scratched cornea or any problems at all beyond eye allergies that have nothing to do with the lenses. I wear the kind that you discard every two weeks, and it still feels like a miracle after 6 years. I HIGHLY recommend giving them a try-just make sure you have the right brand that feels most comfortable (by the way, there's almost no ''getting used to them'' time at all--they are fairly comfortable the first day, and feel as if they aren't there by the the third). Good luck, and happy seeing! Susan

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Thinking of switching to soft contacts

Dec 2004

I've worn hard contact lenses all my life--they're not uncomfortable for me & the maintenance is easy. But they're expensive & easy to lose so I'm thinking of switching to soft lenses. I don't know anything about soft lenses--what are the best kind to get? Can I get reliable ones from Costco or is it better to go to a private eye doctor? How much do they cost? Thanks much! valerie

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you first need to see your optometrist see find out if soft lenses are even an option for you. switching from hard to soft may not be that easy. plus there are thousands of brands and modes of wear to choose from. take it from me, go to your doctor to find your answers. eye doc

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One thing to be careful of: soft lenses may actually be MORE uncomfortable for people accustomed to hard lenses. At the advice of my optometrist, I switched -- and almost went crazy! They wouldn't stay positioned in my eyes properly, I had to clean them many times a day, and they itched -- after a week, I ordered a new pair of hard lenses and have never gone back. Just make sure they work for you before you throw away the hard lenses. Karen

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I have only used soft contacts. I find them easy and the two week Acu Vue seem to me a good balance financially and hassle- wise between completely disposable and longer lasting. My optometrist clued me in that if I clean them well I can wear them for a month. But since they're only supposed to last two weeks, I don't feel too badly when I lose one. That said, it's my understanding that different lenses are more comfortable for different people, so it's worth trying a few. My recommendation is that you go to an optometrist and ask to try a few. My optomestrist charges extra, maybe $10 for the contact lense exam and prescription -- I think whether or not I buy from her. I bought the AcuVue lenses at Costsco and they're fine. In the past I've gotten them from 1-800-contacts which was fine too. The latter, and my optomestrist when I get them there, will replace flawed contact lenses. I don't know about Costco as I haven't had that issue with the lenses I got there. At the time I got them I got a huge amount (like a 6 mo or year supply) because that was part of the deal and I've had the same prescription for awhile so I'm not worried it will change. Good luck!

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Foggy Contact Lens

Dec 2003

I have worn Rigid Gas Permeable contact lens for over twenty years and have never had this problem. I have had the same Optometrist for the twenty years and he is completely baffled and does not know what to suggest next. A short time ago, I lost my left lens. I ordered a complete set. When I got the new set, as soon as I put them in, both lens became foggy. No matter how much I clean them or soak them. At first they thought the lens were defective. Since then, I have gone through five or six sets of lens. They all do the same thing. The lens become cloudy and impossible to wear. My old right lens is still perfectly fine, so it can't be something wrong with my eyes. Please help! Sarah

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I have had similar experiences, but never in only one eye! There are a number of very scary things that can cause an increase in the protein deposits on the lenses, so an evaluation by an opthamalogist may be a good idea, but in my case I found that the problem was pretty much solved after I either (1) got a new pair of lenses, or (2) stopped wearing the lenses for a few days and then went back to them. (I wore disposables, which I use for camping trips, swimming, etc., on a weekend trip and when I returned, no more cloudy lenses. Totally accidental.) Try wearing a different brand or type of lenses for a few days. Can't hurt, might help. Oh, and in recent years, I've had more problems with my lenses when I've stopped taking the pill, and fewer after getting pregnant. So I figured hormonal changes might be causing it somehow. Anything like that going on for you? Holly

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Need help learning how to get soft contacts in

Sept 2002

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for getting soft contact lenses into and out of the eyes. I've now made five attempts with three different contact lens fitters and still can't do it on my own. The last one watched very carefully and couldn't figure out what I'm doing wrong: I'm no longer afraid to touch my eyeball (that was the initial problem) and seem to be getting the lens in about the right place, but it folds or just sticks to my finger instead of going into my eye. The different people all had somewhat different techniques, so I'm hoping someone out there has yet another that might work for me. I've never been known for great manual dexterity but I'm not a hopeless klutz, either, although I'm beginning to feel like one! Thanks. All thumbs, apparently

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if the contact lens sticks to your finger rather than your eye, try drying your fingertip just before putting the lens on it, and then putting a TINY drop of wetting solution in the contact (or in your eye). the contact lens is hydrophilic (likes water). once the lense makes contact with your eye, pull your fingertip away while still holding the eyelids and release your eyelids slowly. do not squeeze your eyelids shut. just gently close them. most of all, practice, practice, practice. also there are some contacts that are easier to handle than others. you may need to be refit with a thicker lens. contact -lens-free -since-LASIK

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Soft contact lenses are hydrophilic (they like water), so the most important thing is to make sure your eye is wetter than your finger to try to entice the lens to move from your finger to your eye. First, squeeze some lens-wetting solution or saline into your eye. Next, get the lens out of its case with one hand and shake any excess solution off of it. Then transfer the lens to a dry finger before trying to insert it. It may also help to put a little drop of solution onto the inside of the lens just before inserting it (but not so much solution that it spills over and wets your finger, or distorts the shape of the lens). Good luck! June W.

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When I put on my contacts I make sure they are very moist. I start by placing the first contact on my right index finger, and then I add 1-2 drops of the solution you clean with(like RENU or Opti-free) or just plain saline. I then pull up my top eyelid with my eyebrow or eyelashes with my left middle finger and then I pull down the bottom eyelid with my right middle finger balancing my contact. Then I slowly place the contact on my eye. You can then pull your upper eyelid over your eye and move your eye around until you feel it lay completely flat. Then you move onto eye number two in exactly the same way. Good Luck!

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It sounds like your finger is too wet. If there's too much moisture on the finger, I find that the contact will stick or fold onto itself. Anita

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The contact lense will stick to the wettest surface. So if your finger is too wet it will tend to want to stick to it, instead of your eye. Since I take the lense out of the case with my index finger and thumb (therefore wetting these fingers), I use my ring finger or pinkie to place it on the eye. Also, make sure you don't tap too hard. Good luck. lourdes

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Forgive me if this is a dumb question, but do you need to wear soft lenses? Rigid ones take more getting used to at first, but they're a lot easier to put in and take out. Holly