Contact Lens problem- help?

[onehaehyuk]

Hey,

Just have a quick question, I tried wearing regular contacts and I've noticed that it kind of irritates my eyes a little and makes it feel dry. My friends who wear contacts say they don't even notice they have them on, but I can definitely feel them in there. I'm wondering, would contacts that allow more oxygen help me or are some people just destined to never be able to wear contacts? Anyone else experience something similar?

[sPiKyAZN]

How long have you been wearing contacts? In the first week or so it's kinda uncomfortable because you have to get used to them. As well, most people suck at getting them in their eyes at first so they dry out a bit while you attempt to get them in.

Have you tried eye drops? I'm a regular wearer but I still put in eye drops once in a while when they feel dry.

You could also ask your optician about monthly contacts, they're usually more oxygen permeable I found the switch from O2 Optix (bi-weekly) -> Night And Day (monthly) helped me a bit. The only drawback is you have to take care of them since they're for a month.

[Bree]

Maybe they're just not the right ones for you. Go back to whoever did your fitting and see what they have to say. Also, keep in mind that it is allergy season, so that could be part of your problem.

[eightyeight]

If you're new to contacts, it'll take you a good week to get 100% used to them.

If your eyes are still being bothered, try one of the following:

1. Use 'Natural Tears' eye drops when your eyes feel dry. They're safe for use on contacts. Do not use water!!!

2. Switch contacts. If you're on Acuvue, try their Acuvue 'Oasys' brand. They are much better in terms of breathing.

[ladybug193]

There is also Visine for contact lens wearers.
If you work around a lot of paper, it makes for a very dry environment which can irritate.
Sounds silly to some perhaps, but have you made sure you're putting them in correctly and not inside out? If you aren't familiar with them, it can easily happen.

[onehaehyuk]

Hey everyone thanks for your help. I've actually had my contacts for awhile, I usually only wear them in the summer though. I might try using visine, I hadn't thought of that. If that doesn't work, it looks like I'll have to make an appointment with my optometrist.

[7Stryder7]

remember to dispose your contacts biweekly (if they are disposable ones). I used to dispose contacts every month, but the optometrists said that the ideal time to throw them away is every two weeks.
also, once you wear disposable contacts, remember to throw them away once two weeks have passed, even if you've only worn it once.

[rems]

remember to dispose your contacts biweekly (if they are disposable ones). I used to dispose contacts every month, but the optometrists said that the ideal time to throw them away is every two weeks.
also, once you wear disposable contacts, remember to throw them away once two weeks have passed, even if you've only worn it once.

that's not what I was told...I told mine that I wore it only to play sports/work out and i was told that I could use my bi-weekly contacts for at least a month

[sPiKyAZN]

that's not what I was told...I told mine that I wore it only to play sports/work out and i was told that I could use my bi-weekly contacts for at least a month

I wouldn't keep it for over a month. My optometrist also told me to wash my contacts before putting them on if I haven't used them in a week.

[rems]

I wouldn't keep it for over a month. My optometrist also told me to wash my contacts before putting them on if I haven't used them in a week.

Can I ask what the difference is between the solution they originally come in and the ones you store them in after? As long as they are submerged in the solution, wouldn't it be the same thing?

[Valek]

Can I ask what the difference is between the solution they originally come in and the ones you store them in after? As long as they are submerged in the solution, wouldn't it be the same thing?

The solution purchased in the store is designed to remove protein etc that accumulates on your contact lenses after use.

[7Stryder7]

that's not what I was told...I told mine that I wore it only to play sports/work out and i was told that I could use my bi-weekly contacts for at least a month

you could use biweekly contacts for a month, but my optometrists told me it's not recommended. I also shared the same problems with what you experienced: dry eyes and sometimes, it feels as if the contacts were "poking" my eyes. I had to switch to some contacts that were a bit softer and allowed more oxygen to pass through.

Also, my optometrist said that you must clean your lens cases frequently (once it becomes gritty). You can either replace your disposable ones, or simply place it in the microwave for a couple of seconds to kill the bacteria. Also, wash the cases with warm water and let it dry every time you wear your contacts.

[Paranoidandroid]

I used to have that problem, my eyes would get red often. Eventually I switched to bi-weekly Acuvue Oasys (Hydraclear plus) and never looked back. You also have to learn to take care of them properly, but getting daily/bi-weekly contacts definitely help.

EDIT: Oh and I also find it helpful to put a drop of solution into each lens before I put them in my eyes.

[goldenegg]

You just need to find the right lens and solution for you. I found CooperVision Proclear Compatible lenses to be the best (in terms of comfort and vision) and I love Optifree Express solution (not the crappy new Optifree Replenish).

[winterfreshgrin]

you could use biweekly contacts for a month, but my optometrists told me it's not recommended. I also shared the same problems with what you experienced: dry eyes and sometimes, it feels as if the contacts were "poking" my eyes. I had to switch to some contacts that were a bit softer and allowed more oxygen to pass through.

Also, my optometrist said that you must clean your lens cases frequently (once it becomes gritty). You can either replace your disposable ones, or simply place it in the microwave for a couple of seconds to kill the bacteria. Also, wash the cases with warm water and let it dry every time you wear your contacts.

i've never heard of microwaving ur lenses - is that even safe??????

[goldenegg]

i've never heard of microwaving ur lenses - is that even safe??????

Apparently ... but I wouldn't do it.

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=992057