Right eye discomfort?

youroctober · #1 (**permalink**) 05-19-2011, 10:54 PM

Hi there everyone...I have been happily using Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism for 2 years now. However, ever since I moved back from school two weeks ago, I've been having problems with my contact lenses. After a few days, the problem became isolated only to the right eye. After about 5 hours of wear the lens becomes very dry. It doesn't burn or sting, but feels uncomfortable on the eye. I went to see one eye doctor who told me there was nothing wrong with my eye and gave me a different solution. The first day it worked fine, no problems. But since then every day I have had the same problem. I have tried several different lenses, no such luck. My eye is not red at all.

Has anyone had this problem? Any other suggestions? I have tried taking Claritin in case it is allergies, but no help. I've noticed that I am constantly thirsty at home, so I was wondering if it is dry/hot in my home. Can thirst cause dry eye, even if only in one eye? Any insights on this would be great...this is so irritating!

EDIT: I also started taking birth control pills about 8 months ago. Is it possible that this could be causing my problems? But why would it just start now...Anyway, I'll be calling my doctor tomorrow, but when I've had problems with my eyes in the past my doctors have never been much help. So if you guys have any ideas please let me know.

oingoboingo · #2 (**permalink**) 05-23-2011, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroctober

Hi there everyone...I have been happily using Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism for 2 years now. However, ever since I moved back from school two weeks ago, I've been having problems with my contact lenses. After a few days, the problem became isolated only to the right eye. After about 5 hours of wear the lens becomes very dry. It doesn't burn or sting, but feels uncomfortable on the eye. I went to see one eye doctor who told me there was nothing wrong with my eye and gave me a different solution. The first day it worked fine, no problems. But since then every day I have had the same problem. I have tried several different lenses, no such luck. My eye is not red at all.

Has anyone had this problem? Any other suggestions? I have tried taking Claritin in case it is allergies, but no help. I've noticed that I am constantly thirsty at home, so I was wondering if it is dry/hot in my home. Can thirst cause dry eye, even if only in one eye? Any insights on this would be great...this is so irritating!

EDIT: I also started taking birth control pills about 8 months ago. Is it possible that this could be causing my problems? But why would it just start now...Anyway, I'll be calling my doctor tomorrow, but when I've had problems with my eyes in the past my doctors have never been much help. So if you guys have any ideas please let me know.

Let's see, about two weeks ago your right eye began to feel dry and uncomfortable. The eye doctor says your eyes are healthy, and a change in solution helped for one day. You still felt the same with different lenses, your eyes are not red, allergy medication didn't help your eye feel better and you've been thirsty a lot, does that sound about right? Oh, and you've been taking birth control pills.
Now, when you say you "tried several different lenses" does that mean you tried different brands, or different lenses from the same box?

The fact that it's always just your right eye tells me that it's probably your eye and not your contacts. Let's hope that when you have your next eye exam they'll be able to find a physical cause for your discomfort. Keep us posted.

youroctober · #3 (**permalink**) 05-23-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oingoboingo

Let's see, about two weeks ago your right eye began to feel dry and uncomfortable. The eye doctor says your eyes are healthy, and a change in solution helped for one day. You still felt the same with different lenses, your eyes are not red, allergy medication didn't help your eye feel better and you've been thirsty a lot, does that sound about right? Oh, and you've been taking birth control pills.
Now, when you say you "tried several different lenses" does that mean you tried different brands, or different lenses from the same box?

The fact that it's always just your right eye tells me that it's probably your eye and not your contacts. Let's hope that when you have your next eye exam they'll be able to find a physical cause for your discomfort. Keep us posted.

Thank you for getting back to me...Sorry for not clarifying, I meant contact lenses from the same box. Since I posted my right eye has occasionally felt a bit of discomfort and pressure, and I haven't worn my contact lenses at all. So it has to be something with my eye, even though the doctor didn't notice...I'll post the results of my next appointment. Unfortunately can't get in before June 2nd.

Type40 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroctober

Thank you for getting back to me...Sorry for not clarifying, I meant contact lenses from the same box. Since I posted my right eye has occasionally felt a bit of discomfort and pressure, and I haven't worn my contact lenses at all. So it has to be something with my eye, even though the doctor didn't notice...I'll post the results of my next appointment. Unfortunately can't get in before June 2nd.

So you've stopped wearing your contact lenses altogether and you still feel discomfort in your right eye? I hope you doctor can help you figure out why.

youroctober · #5 (**permalink**) 05-27-2011, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type40

So you've stopped wearing your contact lenses altogether and you still feel discomfort in your right eye? I hope you doctor can help you figure out why.

Hi there, well my appointment is coming up, and since posting I've gone a week without wearing contact lenses. I decided to try them out today, brand new box. Again, same problem. After about 4 hours I started to feel the same pressure and strain in my right eye. I'm wondering now if it might be a change in my prescription, and one eye is strained? But then why wouldn't they be strained while wearing my glasses? Sigh.

Guess I just have to wait to go see the doc.

NYGiants · #6 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroctober

Hi there, well my appointment is coming up, and since posting I've gone a week without wearing contact lenses. I decided to try them out today, brand new box. Again, same problem. After about 4 hours I started to feel the same pressure and strain in my right eye. I'm wondering now if it might be a change in my prescription, and one eye is strained? But then why wouldn't they be strained while wearing my glasses? Sigh.

Guess I just have to wait to go see the doc.

Sorry you didn't find a solution before you got to your doctor's appointment. Let us know how it goes.

youroctober · #7 (**permalink**) 06-02-2011, 05:37 PM

First of all, I want to thank everyone for your kind wishes and advice. I went to a wonderful eye doctor today and found out the problem. My eye muscles have become weak, and my eyes are having trouble focusing. Due to my astigmatism the right eye lags behind the left one. The doc described this as a kind of limp, only with the eyes.

The only solution seems to be what he called vision therapy. I would go for 8-10 sessions and do activities to reduce strain and strengthen my eye muscles. It's expensive, and not sure my benefits will pay for it, but as it's my only option I'll probably go through with it.

Although it's a pain, I'm so grateful to say that otherwise my eyes are perfectly healthy. My dad is the youngest person in Ontario to ever be diagnosed with macular degeneration in his 30's, so I'm always very frightened about possible eye problems.

On the positive side, I can still wear my contact lenses. They won't make the problem any worst than my glasses would.

I'm posting this in case anyone else has this problem and is unsure what to do. I'll be contacting my insurance company and I'll see when I can afford the therapy, but I'd like to start asap. I'm really hoping this will make a difference.

Overall, upset, but just so grateful my eyes are otherwise okay.

Bootz · #8 (**permalink**) 06-03-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroctober

First of all, I want to thank everyone for your kind wishes and advice. I went to a wonderful eye doctor today and found out the problem. My eye muscles have become weak, and my eyes are having trouble focusing. Due to my astigmatism the right eye lags behind the left one. The doc described this as a kind of limp, only with the eyes.

The only solution seems to be what he called vision therapy. I would go for 8-10 sessions and do activities to reduce strain and strengthen my eye muscles. It's expensive, and not sure my benefits will pay for it, but as it's my only option I'll probably go through with it.

Although it's a pain, I'm so grateful to say that otherwise my eyes are perfectly healthy. My dad is the youngest person in Ontario to ever be diagnosed with macular degeneration in his 30's, so I'm always very frightened about possible eye problems.

On the positive side, I can still wear my contact lenses. They won't make the problem any worst than my glasses would.

I'm posting this in case anyone else has this problem and is unsure what to do. I'll be contacting my insurance company and I'll see when I can afford the therapy, but I'd like to start asap. I'm really hoping this will make a difference.

Overall, upset, but just so grateful my eyes are otherwise okay.

I'm glad someone was able to diagnose your vision problem. I'm just a little concerned with that "vision therapy" thing. It's not called the "See Clearly" or the "Bates" method is it? If your insurance doesn't cover it, ask them why not.

youroctober · #9 (**permalink**) 06-03-2011, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bootz

I'm glad someone was able to diagnose your vision problem. I'm just a little concerned with that "vision therapy" thing. It's not called the "See Clearly" or the "Bates" method is it? If your insurance doesn't cover it, ask them why not.

Hi there, it seems my insurance won't cover the vision therapy because it's seen as "experimental." Fantastic. Gives me so much hope in the procedure. :P

He didn't mention a specific name of the therapy. I've been searching online and everyone seems really divided over whether this whole thing is a gimmick or not. Unfortunately, it's the only option he really gave me. I'm going to be making some changes at home with my computer use and stuff, and see if that helps. If not, I'll book an appointment. I don't really know what other options I have.

Anthanxan · #10 (**permalink**) 06-03-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroctober

Hi there, it seems my insurance won't cover the vision therapy because it's seen as "experimental." Fantastic. Gives me so much hope in the procedure. :P

He didn't mention a specific name of the therapy. I've been searching online and everyone seems really divided over whether this whole thing is a gimmick or not. Unfortunately, it's the only option he really gave me. I'm going to be making some changes at home with my computer use and stuff, and see if that helps. If not, I'll book an appointment. I don't really know what other options I have.

Did your eye doctor offer you this "vision therapy"? There are some posts on this website that talk about this "Bates Method." Sorry to say that they can't seem to get this method to work in a laboratory setting. Look up the word "bates" here in Lens 101 and read up on it. The only "proof" that it works is that the patients say it does.

What about wearing glasses? They're not as sexy as contacts, but they're a better option than your contact lenses right now, and if they don't work for you, you can get your money back. I doubt if your "vision therapist" will give you such a guarantee.

youroctober · #11 (**permalink**) 06-03-2011, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthanxan

Did your eye doctor offer you this "vision therapy"? There are some posts on this website that talk about this "Bates Method." Sorry to say that they can't seem to get this method to work in a laboratory setting. Look up the word "bates" here in Lens 101 and read up on it. The only "proof" that it works is that the patients say it does.

What about wearing glasses? They're not as sexy as contacts, but they're a better option than your contact lenses right now, and if they don't work for you, you can get your money back. I doubt if your "vision therapist" will give you such a guarantee.

Hi there, right, my optometrist is the one who recommended it. Yeah, I saw some websites from a Google search about the Bates method. That one definitely seems like a hoax. I'll ask him what he thinks about it, hopefully he isn't planning on doing that.

I've been wearing my glasses for about three weeks straight now, and the problem is that I'm also getting eye strain from my glasses. He checked my eyesight of course and said my prescription hasn't changed at all. :\ That's why I'm frustrated, because at least I could just say "oh well, my lenses don't work, too bad." But now my glasses are giving me the same troubles. LOL, don't you hate when you feel like you can't win?

Finbar · #12 (**permalink**) 06-03-2011, 04:57 PM

Hi youroctober,

Have you gotten a second opinion regarding the diagnosis? Before spending the time/effort/cash on any therapy, it may be worthwhile to get another eye exam.

I would consider this procedure:

1) Get a regular eye exam and prescription from an ophthalmologist vs. an optometrist.
2) During the honing process for your prescription, mention that you have been getting headaches/etc, but, DO NOT mention anything about a previous diagnosis.
3) After the new Dr. completes his work and you have a "new" prescription compare any differences. Ideally, you will get the same correction.

A good friend of mine was given a strong prescription to correct his vision. After months of headaches, he visited a new doctor. The new doctor concluded that the prescription was too strong and that he needed correction for astigmatism, not a higher minus.

Just a few thoughts and an attempt to apply the scientific method.

Earthshock · #13 (**permalink**) 06-03-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finbar

Hi youroctober,

Have you gotten a second opinion regarding the diagnosis? Before spending the time/effort/cash on any therapy, it may be worthwhile to get another eye exam.

I would consider this procedure:

1) Get a regular eye exam and prescription from an ophthalmologist vs. an optometrist.
2) During the honing process for your prescription, mention that you have been getting headaches/etc, but, DO NOT mention anything about a previous diagnosis.
3) After the new Dr. completes his work and you have a "new" prescription compare any differences. Ideally, you will get the same correction.

A good friend of mine was given a strong prescription to correct his vision. After months of headaches, he visited a new doctor. The new doctor concluded that the prescription was too strong and that he needed correction for astigmatism, not a higher minus.

Just a few thoughts and an attempt to apply the scientific method.

Those are some great suggestions, Finbar. I hope they are a benefit to youroctober and anyone else who may be having similar problems.

youroctober · #14 (**permalink**) 06-03-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finbar

Hi youroctober,

Have you gotten a second opinion regarding the diagnosis? Before spending the time/effort/cash on any therapy, it may be worthwhile to get another eye exam.

I would consider this procedure:

1) Get a regular eye exam and prescription from an ophthalmologist vs. an optometrist.
2) During the honing process for your prescription, mention that you have been getting headaches/etc, but, DO NOT mention anything about a previous diagnosis.
3) After the new Dr. completes his work and you have a "new" prescription compare any differences. Ideally, you will get the same correction.

A good friend of mine was given a strong prescription to correct his vision. After months of headaches, he visited a new doctor. The new doctor concluded that the prescription was too strong and that he needed correction for astigmatism, not a higher minus.

Just a few thoughts and an attempt to apply the scientific method.

Thank you for your suggestions. I heard a lot about this really great ophthalmologist close to where I live, but unfortunately he retired. I do think I'll make an appointment for another opinion, because my eye has been sore all day, and I've hardly looked at the computer screen until now. Very frustrating. My first appointment for the vision therapy is supposed to be June 15th, so I guess I am just supposed to suffer until then.

Also, I've noticed that the pain seems to extend into the bridge of my nose. I know this sounds really stupid, but it feels like a sore pressure that goes from the corner of my eye and down the bridge of my nose. I don't know if that's common with eye strain or what else it might indicate. I guess when I go get another opinion I can mention that.

Finbar · #15 (**permalink**) 06-03-2011, 07:39 PM

I am not a doctor and do not pretend to be one...however, something else could be going on, too. Perhaps sinus issues...

youroctober · #16 (**permalink**) 06-23-2011, 09:35 PM

Hey there everyone, I'm back with some updates. I've had three sessions of vision therapy, and much to my own surprise, I'm able to wear contact lenses again!

The vision therapy itself can be pretty tiring. One of the exercises includes putting a lens over my eye (while wearing glasses or contacts) and forcing my eye to focus until I can read the words on the screen, then taking it away to rest. I also do some exercises with beads on a string to practice jumping and focusing. He's trying to help with my scanning, so I have a grid of letters I have to read by jumping from one side of the page to the other.

After doing these exercises, I tend to get headaches, nausea, and my eyes ache. The sessions get longer and more challenging each time, and I have homework to complete every week. BUT, my right eye isn't sore anymore unless I've been reading or using the computer for a few hours, and that's quickly relieved by taking a break. And I've noticed that when I read my eyes don't lose their place like they did before.

I had some skepticism, but given my results and how professional the sessions are, I'm really happy.

Please though, don't trust the claims on the internet of vision therapy to improve your vision so you don't need glasses/contacts. My doctor has told me vision therapy is to only help with focusing, tracking, syncing the eyes, and strengthening eye muscles. The exercises on the internet could actually harm your eyes!

It might not be for everyone, but if your ophthalmologist/optometrist recommends vision therapy, I would suggest you try it for three or four weeks. I'm really happy I did. My eyes are finally feeling better after two months of pain.

321contacts · #17 (**permalink**) 06-24-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroctober

Hey there everyone, I'm back with some updates. I've had three sessions of vision therapy, and much to my own surprise, I'm able to wear contact lenses again!

The vision therapy itself can be pretty tiring. One of the exercises includes putting a lens over my eye (while wearing glasses or contacts) and forcing my eye to focus until I can read the words on the screen, then taking it away to rest. I also do some exercises with beads on a string to practice jumping and focusing. He's trying to help with my scanning, so I have a grid of letters I have to read by jumping from one side of the page to the other.

After doing these exercises, I tend to get headaches, nausea, and my eyes ache. The sessions get longer and more challenging each time, and I have homework to complete every week. BUT, my right eye isn't sore anymore unless I've been reading or using the computer for a few hours, and that's quickly relieved by taking a break. And I've noticed that when I read my eyes don't lose their place like they did before.

I had some skepticism, but given my results and how professional the sessions are, I'm really happy.

Please though, don't trust the claims on the internet of vision therapy to improve your vision so you don't need glasses/contacts. My doctor has told me vision therapy is to only help with focusing, tracking, syncing the eyes, and strengthening eye muscles. The exercises on the internet could actually harm your eyes!

It might not be for everyone, but if your ophthalmologist/optometrist recommends vision therapy, I would suggest you try it for three or four weeks. I'm really happy I did. My eyes are finally feeling better after two months of pain.

Hello youroctober. I've been reading this thread with great interest and I'm glad that you've found some relief. The exercises you described do not sound like the Bates Method to me. That has techniques like "palming" and "swinging" which claim to actually sharpen your vision.

I wish you well with your therapy and I hope that you continue to feel better. Please keep us posted.