Wearing lens for more than 2 weeks??

Brian Searles · #1 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008, 11:29 PM

I have worn 2 week lens for a month numerous times with no noticeable negative effects. Does anyone else do this and what are your thoughts on it?

Eagleye · #2 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I have worn 2 week lens for a month numerous times with no noticeable negative effects. Does anyone else do this and what are your thoughts on it?

Hi Brian,

Please do not wear your contact lenses for longer than they are designed to be used.

There's another post here on Lens 101 that gives several good reasons for this, but I can't seem to find it right now. Look around and see if you can, but in the meantime, remember that just because you don't feel any pain doesn't mean that no damage is being done.
When you wear your contact lenses for too long, they're more difficult to clean, and that can lead to infection.
Also, contact lenses don't last forever, and when you over-wear them, there's a risk of one or both of them tearing in your eye, and getting a piece of a contact lens out of your eye isn't easy. It may even require a trip to the Emergency Room.

Probably your best bet would be to ask your doctor how he or she feels about you wearing your two week contact lenses for a month.

Take care and thanks for asking.

Eagleye

Ragnarox · #3 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I have worn 2 week lens for a month numerous times with no noticeable negative effects. Does anyone else do this and what are your thoughts on it?

Have you ever heard of "corneal neovascularization"? It's a condition in which blood vessels begin to form over your cornea, the clear "bubble" over the front of your eye. Corneal neovascularization is a common condition in people who wear contact lenses, and you can't see these blood vessels without special equipment. They don't hurt or obscure your vision until it's too late and your very eyesight is in jeopardy. Even if they are detected in time to save your vision, they never go away. If your eyes recover and blood stops flowing through these new blood vessels, they still show up on examinations as "ghost vessels." They are there forever.

This is just one of the many reasons why contact lenses like Acuvue Oasys were designed to be worn for two weeks tops if you don't sleep in them. Your eye doctor isn't just making this stuff up. There's a reason why these are called "two week disposable" contacts and not "change them when they start hurting" contacts.

Brian Searles · #4 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 01:53 PM

I will be honest, I have worn my lens for 30 days at a time for the last 4 years or so. If it were causing a problem wouldn't my eye doctor notice it and let me know when I have my yearly exams?

unclebuck · #5 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I will be honest, I have worn my lens for 30 days at a time for the last 4 years or so. If it were causing a problem wouldn't my eye doctor notice it and let me know when I have my yearly exams?

I hope so . . .

Stairwaytoheaven · #6 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I will be honest, I have worn my lens for 30 days at a time for the last 4 years or so. If it were causing a problem wouldn't my eye doctor notice it and let me know when I have my yearly exams?

It's not worth the risk. Stick with the replacement schedule recommended by the doctor that can examine your eyes and see exactly what condition they're in.

kashif · #7 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008, 12:41 PM

I dont know much but I had Accuvue Oasys yesterday from the leading biggest optics shop in my city and they are accuvue's authorised dealers here and they told me that that there is no harm if use for 30 days. Infact they recommend me to use it for 30 days and then use new after 30 days period. But if u can afford its better to change after two weeks. I bought one pack having 3 Pairs and they clearly told me that one pair will last for 30 days without any problem but u should remove them and store before sleeping. If u continuously wears it then they dont last long.

Hope u would find ur answer.

alecchong · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2008, 01:03 AM

attention:

acuvue brand, soflens 59, soflens 66 is recomended to use for two weeks in developed countries. but in the developing countries, such as china, malaysia, they are recomended to use for one month!

so why can not acuvue oasys be used for one month in those countries?

BigJim · #9 (**permalink**) 10-03-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecchong

attention:

acuvue brand, soflens 59, soflens 66 is recomended to use for two weeks in developed countries. but in the developing countries, such as china, malaysia, they are recomended to use for one month!

so why can not acuvue oasys be used for one month in those countries?

I bet it has something to do with the laws in various countries. In developed countries they have stricter laws than in so-called developing countries.

I don't understand why people are willing to risk their EYES because they don't want to replace their contact lenses so often. Some may say that there's some kind of "scam" going on, but I don't think so.

Let me put it to you this way. If it turns out that you're being "scammed" and you're buying more contacts than you need, so what, you've lost some money.

If you decide that you're not going to give in to the "scam artists" and wear your two week contacts for a month, you could damage your eyes. How much money is your eyesight worth? Would you rather lose money or eyesight?

It's your choice. If you're so paranoid about being scammed, there's always glasses.

alecchong · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigJim

I bet it has something to do with the laws in various countries. In developed countries they have stricter laws than in so-called developing countries.

I don't understand why people are willing to risk their EYES because they don't want to replace their contact lenses so often. Some may say that there's some kind of "scam" going on, but I don't think so.

Let me put it to you this way. If it turns out that you're being "scammed" and you're buying more contacts than you need, so what, you've lost some money.

If you decide that you're not going to give in to the "scam artists" and wear your two week contacts for a month, you could damage your eyes. How much money is your eyesight worth? Would you rather lose money or eyesight?

It's your choice. If you're so paranoid about being scammed, there's always glasses.

don't misunder stand my meaning, i never suggest anyone to over use their contact lens.

i' just angry about some lens companies, especially bausch & lomb. it's nothing about the laws in those poorer countries. the most important reason is that the consummers in those countries don't earn as much money as thoes who are in us, europe, japan, hongkong, singarpore, take china for example, most contact wearers still use traditional lens, when they first hear about monthly replaced lenses, they will all be surprised: wow, one pair for only one month?! so expensive! no more than daily lense!

take b & l for example:

optima 38, in us is recomended to use 6 months, in china 1 year.

soflense 59, in us 2 weeks, in china 1 month.

soflense 66, in us 2 weeks, in china 1 month.

soflense 66 toric, in us 2 weeks, in china 1 month.

sequence, in us 1 month, in china 3 months.

soflense 38, in us 1 month, iin malaysia 3 months, china 6 month!!!!!

everyone knows that the air environment in china is much worse than us and eu, but in china b & l all make the wearing period much longer.

why?

if they recomend to use the lens as long as in us and eu in those developing countries, very few people will buy!

this is why b & l has already discontinued its traditional lens in many rich countries, but sitll sell a lot in those poorer conutries.

tvu732 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-16-2008, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecchong

take b & l for example:

optima 38, in us is recomended to use 6 months, in china 1 year.

soflense 59, in us 2 weeks, in china 1 month.

soflense 66, in us 2 weeks, in china 1 month.

soflense 66 toric, in us 2 weeks, in china 1 month.

sequence, in us 1 month, in china 3 months.

soflense 38, in us 1 month, iin malaysia 3 months, china 6 month!!!!!

everyone knows that the air environment in china is much worse than us and eu, but in china b & l all make the wearing period much longer.

why?

if they recomend to use the lens as long as in us and eu in those developing countries, very few people will buy!

this is why b & l has already discontinued its traditional lens in many rich countries, but sitll sell a lot in those poorer conutries.

Really? Does CIBA Vision or Vistakon (J&J) do the same in developing countries? If so I would stop buying from them. I hate such kind of unethical business.

timetraveler · #12 (**permalink**) 10-16-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvu732

Really? Does CIBA Vision or Vistakon (J&J) do the same in developing countries? If so I would stop buying from them. I hate such kind of unethical business.

Now hold on. Don't be so quick to cry "unethical" because you read one post on the Internet. We all know that every word on the Internet is 100% accurate, right?

Before you go boycotting anyone, do some research of your own from reputable sources. Try going to the library instead of surfing the net.
If you're afraid of being taken for a fool by those Big Bad Corporations, it's just as bad, if not worse, to be taken for a fool by someone writing a post on the Internet without the aid of Big Bad Corporate Spin Doctors.

I don't know how true alecchong's accusations are, and I'm certainly not calling him/her a liar, but I'm going to do some of my own research before calling anyone unethical.

Would you care to tell us where you got your information from, alecchong?

alecchong · #13 (**permalink**) 10-19-2008, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvu732

Really? Does CIBA Vision or Vistakon (J&J) do the same in developing countries? If so I would stop buying from them. I hate such kind of unethical business.

ciba vision is good, its wearing period is complete same in rich and poor countries! johnson only makes its "acuvue brand' one month to be worn in china, two weeks in other rich countries. other johnson's lens, acuvue-2, acuvue advance, and acuvue oasys, all the same wearing period in both countries.

bausch & lomb is the worst, except pure vision, most of its lense have "multiple standard" in different countries---not based on the consummer's eye health, but their income!

alecchong · #14 (**permalink**) 10-19-2008, 01:13 AM

Woud you care to tell us where you got your information from, alecchong?[/quote]

hello, i just want to claim that "i've never learned these information of the wearing from internet!"

----all i learned from the real life, from the officials of bausch & lomb and johnson & johnson in some different countries!

i was born in china, now studying in college in malaysia.

i began to wear contact lens when i was in senior middle school in china. soon i became very interested in contact lens, i collected some information from professional books, advertisements of the lens companies, eye doctors , opticians and so on.

i first noticed the wearing period is different is the year 2003. than time in taiwan, b & l employed a local pop team s.h.e to advertise. i noticed that soflens 59, in taiwan, is recomended to use for two weeks, at the same time, in china mainland, soflens 59 is recomended to use in one month! i continued to check the official website of b & l in taiwan and china, later found that not only soflens 59, but soflens 66, toric, soflens 38, and sequence, the wearing period is all different, generally, in china is two times longer than taiwan.

later i fonud not only b & l, but also j & j, j & j's acuvue, in china is recomended to use for one month, but in other rich countries is only two weeks!

for this i called the official customer service line of both b & l and j & j, both of them gave the same explanation: we don't care how long the wearing period in other countries, we have already done enough medical experiment in china that to wear for one month won't damage your eyes.

yeah, their standar in china is only "won't damage your eyes"!

later i had travelled to hong kong for times, i went to ask some professional opticians there, found that the wearing period there is the same as in taiwan and us, almost only half of it in china.

in 2006 i came to malaysia to study in college, i found that in malaysia, soflens 56 and 66 toric is also recomended to use for one month, the same as china. but soflens 38 here is recomended to use for one or three months, different from china, in china is six months!

since malaysia is also a developing country, but a bit richer than china, not as rich as its neighbour singapore and other westen countries.

the most funny is that, in singapore, soflens 56 and 66 toric is recomended to use for two weeks. as we know, singapore is quite near malaysia, it takes only 1-4 hours to drive to some main cities of malaysia. and the climate, the air environment, and the people's living habbit is almost the same in the two countries, then why b & l recomends the different wearing period in the two coutries? -----although the climate, the air environment, and the people's living habbit is almost the same , the average income is different!!!

generally, i find out a rule of theses lens companies, especially b & l, its wearing period in each country is not based on the consummers' eyes, but their income!

their standard in rich countries is "to be most comfort", but in poorer countries is "won't damage eyes"!!!!

tvu732 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timetraveler

Now hold on. Don't be so quick to cry "unethical" because you read one post on the Internet. We all know that every word on the Internet is 100% accurate, right?

Hi,

I'm an international student so you can understand why I'm pretty sensitive if big companies are doing more harm than good in developing countries. I'd never worn contacts until I came to the U.S, so I don't know about the situation at home. I heard about some cases similar to what alecchong just told us, but always thought it's the cunning sellers who tell lies to boost their profits, not the big corps who have a double standard for different countries.

Having said that, I did an online research and found alecchong's accusations to be true. I went to B&L's Chinese website, looked for Soflens 59 (here: http://www.bausch.com.cn/2007new/blprodution_body.asp?ID=18) and translated it into English with Google's translation tool. Yes, the lens' usage time is extended to 1 month in China. Then, I found something called Soflens Quarterly. Having never heard of it before, I googled it and it turned out to be the Soflens 38 (Optima FW) which can be used for only 2 weeks here in the US. Worse, Google gave me same results with B&L India, B&L South Africa (they are in English so everybody can read easily!) As for J&J, their products have the same replacement time in different countries, except Acuvue (what is called Acuvue Clear in India.)

Is that enough? I hate companies that hold people's health so cheap.

And I feel lucky that my Rx is Focus Night & Day.

Update: I've found out that CIBA Vision China recommends 1-month replacement for O2Optix, in the US it's 2 weeks. So I won't have any contact lens to wear if I decide to boycott these companies.

alecchong · #16 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvu732

As for J&J, their products have the same replacement time in different countries, except Acuvue (what is called Acuvue Clear in India.)

Is that enough? I hate companies that hold people's health so cheap.

And I feel lucky that my Rx is Focus Night & Day.

Update: I've found out that CIBA Vision China recommends 1-month replacement for O2Optix, in the US it's 2 weeks. So I won't have any contact lens to wear if I decide to boycott these companies.

yeah, b & l do this in many poorer countries!

but i just want to tell you, j & j's acuvue is different from acuvue clear.

you can easily find the info of acuvue in j & j's official website, it's the word's first disapossible lens. its central thickness is only 0.07 mm, oxygen factor is 40 dk/t.

acuvue clear, maybe not sold in us, the central thickness is 0.105 mm. oxygen factor is 28 dk/t, is quite similar to j & j's discontinued lens survue, since it's a bit thicker than acuvue, so it's easier to hold on, is suggested to first time users, and its price is also lower.

acuvue and acuvue clear is both sold in china. since acuvue clear is not sold in us, we can not compare. but it's a fact than j & j make the wearing period to one month in china, in us only two weeks.

last, ciba vision o2 optix, in its us web site it says the wearing period can be two weeks or one month, depend on the custmers' opticians' suggestion.

bomb1977 · #17 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 12:32 AM

3 weeks plus one day and I am rubbing my eyes a bit at night, threw them out and starting a new pair tomorrow...

chemist · #18 (**permalink**) 02-20-2009, 10:36 PM

there has been no scientific evidence provided in this thread that confirms any health issues with extending the wear times. there do seem to be posts designed to frighten people. If there are specific peer-reviewed reports, please provide them.

in the mean time, assuming you are using a hydrogen peroxide based daily disinfectant, lens material does not appear to degrade with 1 month use.

it is possible to see clarity falling off as protein deposits build up. fortunately, there is a product "unizyme" that you can use once a week or two that breaks these down.

( I'm not associated with the company in any way )

lovian05 · #19 (**permalink**) 02-24-2009, 07:45 AM

hi,
im new in here, as i have read the posts i leard a lot from it. before i don't have any idea about contact lenses simply because i haven't try it, even once. im just thankfull that my eyes are clear, and i don't have any problem in it. but im very much curiose how it feels when we're using contact lens.

eyeC · #20 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 10:40 PM

Hey all, I am new here and am new contact wearer at age 50!!! I got tired of trying to find my reading glasses so decided to get contacts. I am now using the Acuvue Oasys after trying Acuvue2, Precision UV, and B&L Multifocals! All within a month!!!
I loved the Acuvue2 but heard about Oasys and the doc said he didn't care if I tried several different brands before I decided. So that is why I did. In my Acuvue Oasys one eye is for reading (2.50) and the other for distance(1)(which isn't too bad).

Now....here is what the doctor said about Oasys.
The Oasys CAN be used for one month with NO PROBLEMS!!! They are the EXACT same thing as the Oasys that is recommended for 2 weeks!!! The main reason for wearing for 2 weeks instead of one month would be protien build up on them. He is very knowledgable and been in the business for over 30 years! So....he is getting a years supply of "2 weeks" but told me I could wear them for a month at a time (taking them out at night) and it should not be a problem! That way I get more for my money thru insurance.

The only thing I noticed about the Acuvue compared to the B&L is that the first time I put in the Acuvues....it stung! I mean right away stung....then it went away after a few minutes. Anyone else have this?

Thanks in advance for any info or hints to a new contact wearer!!

sunshine4 · #21 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 09:12 PM

When I ordered mine, the eye doctor said not to wear them over the 2 week period. Then my order didn't come in and I asked if I could get another trial pair since my order wasn't in. The lady at the desk said not to worry, they can usually be worn up to one month if you dont' sleep in them.

Wierdscience · #22 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleye

Hi Brian,

Please do not wear your contact lenses for longer than they are designed to be used.

Probably your best bet would be to ask your doctor how he or she feels about you wearing your two week contact lenses for a month.

I agree with Eagleye. No matter what the Internet opinion is, I would recommend you follow your doctor's advice. You may even want to get a second opinion. If you can get two doctors who have actually examined your eyes to agree that for your particular set of eyes, wearing two week lenses for a month is okay, who am I to argue with medical professionals that have personally examined you?

Ynot · #23 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunshine4

When I ordered mine, the eye doctor said not to wear them over the 2 week period. Then my order didn't come in and I asked if I could get another trial pair since my order wasn't in. The lady at the desk said not to worry, they can usually be worn up to one month if you don't sleep in them.

Yes, of course. Why bother even seeing the doctor when you can just get medical advice from The Lady at the Desk?

sunshine4 · #24 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

Yes, of course. Why bother even seeing the doctor when you can just get medical advice from The Lady at the Desk?

She said that she has worn hers for a month and no effects. I think that it was just the excuse given since mine were suppose to be in within a week and it was over 2 weeks late.

angel0310 · #25 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 07:29 PM

My eye doctor told me that if I was not sleeping in them that they could be worn for a month not 2 weeks and I have been doing that over 2 years now with no problems. Right at the 3 and a half week to 4 week mark they get uncomfortable. Remember they were made to wear for 2 weeks 24 hours a day except when you wish to refreshen them.

painkill · #26 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 09:21 AM

hi.

i'm from Turkey and i can say there are no two week lenses in my country. all of them daily, monthly and annual.

acuvue series are sold as montly lenses.

bfralph · #27 (**permalink**) 07-20-2009, 04:27 PM

I am back to trying contacts after a two year layoff. Many years ago I used Focus Toric lenses as my first disposable lenses and they were originally rated for quarterly replacement schedule. When they changed to monthly I spoke to my doctor and he said the lenses hadn't changed and if 3 months was no problem then that was OK.

My next lens was the Acuvue Advanced Toric that were rated 2 weeks but I usually got 1 month out of them.

I now am on my first pair of Acuvue Oasys Astigmatism and the doctor of course wrote 2 week replacement schedule. I told him that I intended to go one month with them and he said if there was no discomfort that that was OK just dont go past one month.

My invincible son has Softlens 58 soft lenses that are rated monthly and he goes upto 5 months before replacing them. Yikes!

rfriel · #28 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 11:31 AM

the real criteria for determining the length of wear time for a contact lens?? All this discussion about wear time and being scammed and different times for different countries for the same lens....... what is the real criteria for determining wear time from the manufacturer??

Railfan · #29 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfriel

the real criteria for determining the length of wear time for a contact lens?? All this discussion about wear time and being scammed and different times for different countries for the same lens....... what is the real criteria for determining wear time from the manufacturer??

I think the "real criteria" here is what your own doctor has to say. If he or she examines your eyes and tells you you can wear Acuvue Oasys contacts for a month, then I would say get a second opinion, and if you get two doctors telling you that you can wear them for a month, then I think you're okay to follow their recommendations.

Wierdscience · #30 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railfan

I think the "real criteria" here is what your own doctor has to say. If he or she examines your eyes and tells you you can wear Acuvue Oasys contacts for a month, then I would say get a second opinion, and if you get two doctors telling you that you can wear them for a month, then I think you're okay to follow their recommendations.

I think that's a perfectly reasonable course of action, Railfan. If you can find two eye care professionals who independently agree that you can wear Acuvue Oasys or any other contact lenses for a month, even though they're marketed as two week lenses, then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't.

Until you do that, it really doesn't do much good to come here and cry "scam!"

rfriel asked "what is the real criteria for determining wear time" for your contact lenses, and those criteria are determined by your eye care professional based on the condition of your eyes.

Railfan · #31 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wierdscience

I think that's a perfectly reasonable course of action, Railfan. If you can find two eye care professionals who independently agree that you can wear Acuvue Oasys or any other contact lenses for a month, even though they're marketed as two week lenses, then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't.

Until you do that, it really doesn't do much good to come here and cry "scam!"

rfriel asked "what is the real criteria for determining wear time" for your contact lenses, and those criteria are determined by your eye care professional based on the condition of your eyes.

Thanks for the affirmation, weirdscience.

Is there anyone here who has been told by their eye doctor that it's okay to wear Acuvue Oasys contact lenses for 30 days?

timetraveler · #32 (**permalink**) 01-04-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railfan

Thanks for the affirmation, weirdscience.

Is there anyone here who has been told by their eye doctor that it's okay to wear Acuvue Oasys contact lenses for 30 days?

Anyone? Anyone? I'd like to get to the bottom of this. If people are wearing their contacts too long, they should know to stop it. If they're replacing contacts too often and wasting money, they need to know that too. Who can give us an authoritative answer?

unclebuck · #33 (**permalink**) 01-22-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kashif

I dont know much but I had Accuvue Oasys yesterday from the leading biggest optics shop in my city and they are accuvue's authorised dealers here and they told me that that there is no harm if use for 30 days. In fact they recommend me to use it for 30 days and then use new after 30 days period. But if u can afford its better to change after two weeks. I bought one pack having 3 Pairs and they clearly told me that one pair will last for 30 days without any problem but u should remove them and store before sleeping. If u continuously wears it then they dont last long.

Hope u would find ur answer.

I don't know if I would trust someone who sells contact lenses to tell me how often to change them. It would be different if I were buying a T-shirt or a pizza, but contact lenses . . . ?

My first thought would be that if I were selling contacts dishonestly I would tell them to change them more often then they should so they can buy more.
Then I thought about it again and if my customer thought that changing their contacts every two weeks was too often and wasn't going to buy anything, I might tell them that they don't have to go through the hassle of changing contacts so often. Cha-ching!

rfriel · #34 (**permalink**) 01-29-2010, 11:43 AM

give me a manufacturer basis for determining wear time? some say 2 week, some say 1 month, where the he!! did they get those figure, a dartboard? the wear time came from a math equation, internal manufacture research, or a dartboard, so why cant the manufacture just cough up the info and let us decide for ourselves. and dont tell me i cant understand it, that's BS, usually when someone says i cant understand it, they are hiding behind known faulty assumptions that they dont want reviewed so they copt out and say it's too complicated, when they actually know their just a bunch of dumb F**KS. and they are full of $hit but dont want anyone to know.

that's like NSA saying to a 5 year old, " we are taking possesion of your popsickle in the interest of National Security for reasons you woudn't understand". the 5 year old should say, GO F*** yourselves........ VIS A VIS, give me a good reason for doing something, AND I'll do it!! otherwise go to he!!, and just saying i told you so is BS and wont cut the mustard.

VAB · #35 (**permalink**) 01-29-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeC

Now....here is what the doctor said about Oasys.
The Oasys CAN be used for one month with NO PROBLEMS!!! They are the EXACT same thing as the Oasys that is recommended for 2 weeks!!!

Hi EyeC. I'm a little confused here. You sound like you're saying that Oasys contacts are the same thing as Oasys. Of course they are. Acuvue Oasys contacts are designed to be worn for 1-2 weeks. Which monthly lens are they supposed to be exactly the same as? I want to check it out and see if that's true.

Your doctor may have told you that you can wear these contacts for a month, but I don't want people reading this post and trying that on their own without talking to their doctor first.

rfriel · #36 (**permalink**) 01-29-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAB

Hi EyeC. I'm a little confused here. You sound like you're saying that Oasys contacts are the same thing as Oasys. Of course they are. Acuvue Oasys contacts are designed to be worn for 1-2 weeks. Which monthly lens are they supposed to be exactly the same as? I want to check it out and see if that's true.

Your doctor may have told you that you can wear these contacts for a month, but I don't want people reading this post and trying that on their own without talking to their doctor first.

we're all shooting from the hip here, cause the manufacture wont divulge the basis for determining wear time. all the OD can do is say, "this is what I see...... " yada, yada yada, doesnt have anything to do with weartime. the copt out is " my OD told me so, " or " the manufacture told me so",, what a cheap copt out.....

OH NO, what iFFFF the OD is wrong?" what's you do then?

rfriel · #37 (**permalink**) 01-29-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfralph

I am back to trying contacts after a two year layoff. Many years ago I used Focus Toric lenses as my first disposable lenses and they were originally rated for quarterly replacement schedule. When they changed to monthly I spoke to my doctor and he said the lenses hadn't changed and if 3 months was no problem then that was OK.

My next lens was the Acuvue Advanced Toric that were rated 2 weeks but I usually got 1 month out of them.

I now am on my first pair of Acuvue Oasys Astigmatism and the doctor of course wrote 2 week replacement schedule. I told him that I intended to go one month with them and he said if there was no discomfort that that was OK just dont go past one month.

My invincible son has Softlens 58 soft lenses that are rated monthly and he goes upto 5 months before replacing them. Yikes!

why the 2 year vacation from contact lens? allergies, work, contacts suck, presbyoipia, health, cancer (j/k) ?? could be many things, but what??

Railfan · #38 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chemist

there has been no scientific evidence provided in this thread that confirms any health issues with extending the wear times. there do seem to be posts designed to frighten people. If there are specific peer-reviewed reports, please provide them.

Chemist, would you care to provide specific peer reviewed reports that say that you can wear 1-2 week lenses like Acuvue Oasys contact lenses for a month without any damage to your eyes or any other ill effects? I'm assuming that since you asked for such evidence to the contrary that turnabout is fair play. Can you provide the evidence you asked for?

Railfan · #39 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfriel

we're all shooting from the hip here, cause the manufacture wont divulge the basis for determining wear time. all the OD can do is say, "this is what I see...... " yada, yada yada, doesnt have anything to do with weartime. the copt out is " my OD told me so, " or " the manufacture told me so",, what a cheap copt out.....

OH NO, what iFFFF the OD is wrong?" what's you do then?

I believe the phrase you're looking for is "cop out." That's when you don't really know the answer to a question and so you just say that there is no answer, or that you got your answer from someplace else.

The manufacturer will tell you that the wear time is based on the material the lenses are made of, as well as how well they allow oxygen to pass through to the wearer's eyes. That's easy enough to find out on the manufacturer's websites. That's not a cop out.

Saying "that's what my OD told me" is not a cop out. It's the best source of information you can expect about your contact lenses. I'd certainly trust the word of my eye doc over those of some stranger on the Internet who has not earned a doctorate of any kind.

Should I believe you over my eye doctor and the manufacturers of the contact lenses?

Wierdscience · #40 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfriel

why the 2 year vacation from contact lens? allergies, work, contacts suck, presbyoipia, health, cancer (j/k) ?? could be many things, but what??

You have a strange idea of what's funny, rfriel. I hope you don't get flamed for that cancer comment.

BigJim · #41 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 05:51 PM

Looks like we have some disagreement her in this thread. Just remember to be respectful everybody, even if you don't agree.

Knotlob · #42 (**permalink**) 03-21-2010, 07:26 AM

I did ask my Contact lens specialist recently about wear times in general. See is very sensible/practical and tries to give a straight answer. She said the recommended wear time is set by the manufacturer, because exceeding this time resulted in blocking of the pores in the contact lens, which in turn reduced the oxygen permeability.

That was a new one on me, so I said to her that silicone hydrogel lenses don't rely on pores, as the oxygen is transferred directly from silicon molecule to silicon molecule. I guess that stumped her, so she said I would probably be best trying to get an answer from the manufacturer directly (which I have yet to do).

knotlob

unclebuck · #43 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

I did ask my Contact lens specialist recently about wear times in general. See is very sensible/practical and tries to give a straight answer. She said the recommended wear time is set by the manufacturer, because exceeding this time resulted in blocking of the pores in the contact lens, which in turn reduced the oxygen permeability.

That was a new one on me, so I said to her that silicone hydrogel lenses don't rely on pores, as the oxygen is transferred directly from silicon molecule to silicon molecule. I guess that stumped her, so she said I would probably be best trying to get an answer from the manufacturer directly (which I have yet to do).

knotlob

And the beat goes on . . .

rfriel · #44 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebuck

And the beat goes on . . .

J&J are just greedy BA$TA****, coopervision is less greedy, screw the health, it's all about the $$$$, anyone can disagree, but they know their wrong......

Ynot · #45 (**permalink**) 03-23-2010, 03:52 PM

Since Brian Searles started this thread in August of 2008, over five thousand people have viewed it.

Lots of opinions expressed in this thread. Some of them thoughtful and logical, some . . . not so much.

Dragonslayer · #46 (**permalink**) 03-24-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfriel

Anyone can disagree, but they know [they're] wrong.

You remind me of my friend who said "My husband and I don't argue. When it sounds like we're arguing, that's just the sound of him being wrong."

rfriel · #47 (**permalink**) 03-24-2010, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragonslayer

You remind me of my friend who said "My husband and I don't argue. When it sounds like we're arguing, that's just the sound of him being wrong."

I do believe you understand the meaning of being wrong, but, I may have to disagree, still doesnt mean I'm right?

rfriel · #48 (**permalink**) 03-24-2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

I did ask my Contact lens specialist recently about wear times in general. See is very sensible/practical and tries to give a straight answer. She said the recommended wear time is set by the manufacturer, because exceeding this time resulted in blocking of the pores in the contact lens, which in turn reduced the oxygen permeability.

That was a new one on me, so I said to her that silicone hydrogel lenses don't rely on pores, as the oxygen is transferred directly from silicon molecule to silicon molecule. I guess that stumped her, so she said I would probably be best trying to get an answer from the manufacturer directly (which I have yet to do).

knotlob

show those overpaid OD's what KNOB's they really are, two points for knotlob, 0 for the KNOBS, LOL, LOL,LOL

Ynot · #49 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

I did ask my Contact lens specialist recently about wear times in general. See is very sensible/practical and tries to give a straight answer. She said the recommended wear time is set by the manufacturer, because exceeding this time resulted in blocking of the pores in the contact lens, which in turn reduced the oxygen permeability.

That was a new one on me, so I said to her that silicone hydrogel lenses don't rely on pores, as the oxygen is transferred directly from silicon molecule to silicon molecule. I guess that stumped her, so she said I would probably be best trying to get an answer from the manufacturer directly (which I have yet to do).

knotlob

So, what next knotlob? Are you going to ask the manufacturer directly about wearing Acuvue Oasys for more than two weeks? Here's a form I found for those who have questions about Acuvue contact lenses. Maybe the Lens 101 Nation can all flood them with this question and they'll know that lots of people are wondering about it.

http://www.acuvue.com/contact_us.htm

Knotlob · #50 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

So, what next knotlob? Are you going to ask the manufacturer directly about wearing Acuvue Oasys for more than two weeks? Here's a form I found for those who have questions about Acuvue contact lenses. Maybe the Lens 101 Nation can all flood them with this question and they'll know that lots of people are wondering about it.

http://www.acuvue.com/contact_us.htm

I haven't contacted any manufacturer with that question directly. I may try Coopervision for Biofinity, since that is a lens I have already asked them about. Sometimes they don't want to talk to non-eye care professionals, but Coopervision are fairly good. I've had to tell another manufacturer that if they could not give me a straight answer, then I would have to stop wearing their lenses, as I couldn't get along with their lens solutions. Another manufacturer was totally uncooperative and needless to say I won't be troubling them with my business.

These are basically technical questions that my experienced and knowledgeable Contact Lens Care Professional couldn't answer.

I would think that the wear times would be set for similar reasons in the case of most silicone hydrogel class lenses, etc.

knotlob

rfriel · #51 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

I haven't contacted any manufacturer with that question directly. I may try Coopervision for Biofinity, since that is a lens I have already asked them about. Sometimes they don't want to talk to non-eye care professionals, but Coopervision are fairly good. I've had to tell another manufacturer that if they could not give me a straight answer, then I would have to stop wearing their lenses, as I couldn't get along with their lens solutions. Another manufacturer was totally uncooperative and needless to say I won't be troubling them with my business.

These are basically technical questions that my experienced and knowledgeable Contact Lens Care Professional couldn't answer.

I would think that the wear times would be set for similar reasons in the case of most silicone hydrogel class lenses, etc.

knotlob

they dont know the difference, throw in some OD lingo terms in your question to make them believe you know the OD business, maybe they wont try to give you a BS answer if they think your an OD

Knotlob · #52 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfriel

they dont know the difference, throw in some OD lingo terms in your question to make them believe you know the OD business, maybe they wont try to give you a BS answer if they think your an OD

Yes, that's probably true but I hate these companies that treat their lens wearers as cretins.

knotlob

Droopy · #53 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfriel

they dont know the difference, throw in some OD lingo terms in your question to make them believe you know the OD business, maybe they wont try to give you a BS answer if they think your an OD

I believe in "gaming" circles, that's known as "bluffing." It can be very effective.

Wierdscience · #54 (**permalink**) 04-05-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfriel

they dont know the difference, throw in some OD lingo terms in your question to make them believe you know the OD business, maybe they wont try to give you a BS answer if they think your an OD

You mean OD lingo like "OD"?

mgash · #55 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragnarox

Have you ever heard of "corneal neovascularization"? It's a condition in which blood vessels begin to form over your cornea, the clear "bubble" over the front of your eye. Corneal neovascularization is a common condition in people who wear contact lenses, and you can't see these blood vessels without special equipment. They don't hurt or obscure your vision until it's too late and your very eyesight is in jeopardy. Even if they are detected in time to save your vision, they never go away. If your eyes recover and blood stops flowing through these new blood vessels, they still show up on examinations as "ghost vessels." They are there forever.

This is just one of the many reasons why contact lenses like Acuvue Oasys were designed to be worn for two weeks tops if you don't sleep in them. Your eye doctor isn't just making this stuff up. There's a reason why these are called "two week disposable" contacts and not "change them when they start hurting" contacts.

Any lens certified for two weeks by the FDA is only going to recommended for that period by your Dr. Most people buy 8 boxes for a year. This computes to 336 days. Do they wear glasses the rest of the time? No, if they change the lenses only two times a month they are ok. Yes people wear them a month, and people drive over the speed limit too. What level of risk to you want to accept? Other factors to consider is how well you clean them, change your cases, and the solution you use. I'll spend the extra $100 to keep my sight.

mgash · #56 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kashif

I dont know much but I had Accuvue Oasys yesterday from the leading biggest optics shop in my city and they are accuvue's authorised dealers here and they told me that that there is no harm if use for 30 days. Infact they recommend me to use it for 30 days and then use new after 30 days period. But if u can afford its better to change after two weeks. I bought one pack having 3 Pairs and they clearly told me that one pair will last for 30 days without any problem but u should remove them and store before sleeping. If u continuously wears it then they dont last long.

Hope u would find ur answer.

I'm guessing your not in the US, since you referenced a three pack. There are several good quality lenses rated for fourteen days but might last a month. An extra week might only increase your risk .001%, your eyeball vs your your dollar!

mgash · #57 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeC

Hey all, I am new here and am new contact wearer at age 50!!! I got tired of trying to find my reading glasses so decided to get contacts. I am now using the Acuvue Oasys after trying Acuvue2, Precision UV, and B&L Multifocals! All within a month!!!
I loved the Acuvue2 but heard about Oasys and the doc said he didn't care if I tried several different brands before I decided. So that is why I did. In my Acuvue Oasys one eye is for reading (2.50) and the other for distance(1)(which isn't too bad).

Now....here is what the doctor said about Oasys.
The Oasys CAN be used for one month with NO PROBLEMS!!! They are the EXACT same thing as the Oasys that is recommended for 2 weeks!!! The main reason for wearing for 2 weeks instead of one month would be protien build up on them. He is very knowledgable and been in the business for over 30 years! So....he is getting a years supply of "2 weeks" but told me I could wear them for a month at a time (taking them out at night) and it should not be a problem! That way I get more for my money thru insurance.

The only thing I noticed about the Acuvue compared to the B&L is that the first time I put in the Acuvues....it stung! I mean right away stung....then it went away after a few minutes. Anyone else have this?

Thanks in advance for any info or hints to a new contact wearer!!

Yes! Buy saline at Target. Two 12 oz bottles for $3.19, and rinse with saline not MPS, and rinse again when you take the lenses out of the case. I find that the MPS bothers my eyes. Since using saline, I have never had a problem.

mgash · #58 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

Yes, of course. Why bother even seeing the doctor when you can just get medical advice from The Lady at the Desk?

I bet she can even predict your future.

mgash · #59 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunshine4

She said that she has worn hers for a month and no effects. I think that it was just the excuse given since mine were suppose to be in within a week and it was over 2 weeks late.

This means you bought them at the wrong place. Lens.com would be on time and a lot less $$$

mgash · #60 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

So, what next knotlob? Are you going to ask the manufacturer directly about wearing Acuvue Oasys for more than two weeks? Here's a form I found for those who have questions about Acuvue contact lenses. Maybe the Lens 101 Nation can all flood them with this question and they'll know that lots of people are wondering about it.

http://www.acuvue.com/contact_us.htm

No manufacturer is going to tell you anything that the FDA didn't approve.
I'm still looking for the label on my underwear to see when I should change it.

FACT no ECP should ever recommend any product for use contrary to FDA approval. Every product has a tolerance, but this should not be the benchmark

StairMaster71 · #61 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

No manufacturer is going to tell you anything that the FDA didn't approve.
I'm still looking for the label on my underwear to see when I should change it.

Dude, if you need a label to tell you to change your underwear . . .

Seriously. Why is this even an issue? You go to your eye doctor, she examines your eyes, gives you a prescription for Acuvue Oasys and tells you to change the lenses every week if you sleep in them, or every two weeks if you don't. That's it. Why do anything else?

I look at some of these posts and think "Can people really be that cheap? I bet these people are the type who re-use coffee grounds and paper towels."

We're talking about your eyes here, people! If you're too cheap to wear contact lenses properly, wear glasses. How hard is that? If it pains you to think that you're throwing away "perfectly good" contact lenses after wearing them "only" two weeks, wear glasses. You can wear those for years without damaging your eyes.

If your eye doctor tells you to change your contact lenses every week, don't try and go for a month. It's so pointless. It's like you said earlier, "your eyeball or your dollar." I, for one, would rather save my sight than my money. If your eyes are damaged by worn out contact lenses, how is the money you saved going to help you then? This should be a no-brainer.

BigJim · #62 (**permalink**) 01-10-2011, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StairMaster71

Dude, if you need a label to tell you to change your underwear . . .

Seriously. Why is this even an issue? You go to your eye doctor, she examines your eyes, gives you a prescription for Acuvue Oasys and tells you to change the lenses every week if you sleep in them, or every two weeks if you don't. That's it. Why do anything else?

I look at some of these posts and think "Can people really be that cheap? I bet these people are the type who re-use coffee grounds and paper towels."

We're talking about your eyes here, people! If you're too cheap to wear contact lenses properly, wear glasses. How hard is that? If it pains you to think that you're throwing away "perfectly good" contact lenses after wearing them "only" two weeks, wear glasses. You can wear those for years without damaging your eyes.

If your eye doctor tells you to change your contact lenses every week, don't try and go for a month. It's so pointless. It's like you said earlier, "your eyeball or your dollar." I, for one, would rather save my sight than my money. If your eyes are damaged by worn out contact lenses, how is the money you saved going to help you then? This should be a no-brainer.

Do you feel better now, StairMaster?

I understand what you're saying and I agree. Wearing contact lenses is not like driving a car. You're supposed to change your oil every 3,000 miles. If you go for five or even six thousand miles, yes, you will cause undue wear on your car's moving parts, but I wouldn't call that damage per se. If your eyes are subjected to "undue wear" from expired contact lenses, it might be painful or even threaten your ability to see. That's a very big risk. I wouldn't take such a risk with my eyes.

VAB · #63 (**permalink**) 01-11-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigJim

Do you feel better now, StairMaster?

I understand what you're saying and I agree. Wearing contact lenses is not like driving a car. You're supposed to change your oil every 3,000 miles. If you go for five or even six thousand miles, yes, you will cause undue wear on your car's moving parts, but I wouldn't call that damage per se. If your eyes are subjected to "undue wear" from expired contact lenses, it might be painful or even threaten your ability to see. That's a very big risk. I wouldn't take such a risk with my eyes.

I hope this thread has made it clear that you should not wear contact lenses longer than your eye doctor prescribes them for.

mgash · #64 (**permalink**) 01-15-2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StairMaster71

Dude, if you need a label to tell you to change your underwear . . .

Seriously. Why is this even an issue? You go to your eye doctor, she examines your eyes, gives you a prescription for Acuvue Oasys and tells you to change the lenses every week if you sleep in them, or every two weeks if you don't. That's it. Why do anything else?

I look at some of these posts and think "Can people really be that cheap? I bet these people are the type who re-use coffee grounds and paper towels."

We're talking about your eyes here, people! If you're too cheap to wear contact lenses properly, wear glasses. How hard is that? If it pains you to think that you're throwing away "perfectly good" contact lenses after wearing them "only" two weeks, wear glasses. You can wear those for years without damaging your eyes.

If your eye doctor tells you to change your contact lenses every week, don't try and go for a month. It's so pointless. It's like you said earlier, "your eyeball or your dollar." I, for one, would rather save my sight than my money. If your eyes are damaged by worn out contact lenses, how is the money you saved going to help you then? This should be a no-brainer.

You've got that right. I do go a day or two over so that I can wear two pairs of lenses a month. As for the underwear, I don't put the contacts in till I get dressed, so I haven't seen the label.

mygodchris · #65 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

I look at some of these posts and think "Can people really be that cheap? I bet these people are the type who re-use coffee grounds and paper towels."

Cheap is one thing- broke is another...
I work and go to school full time, getting paid @ $10/hr and paying $675 per month on rent... you do the math! I'm here to say with that with no heath coverage, no money for check-ups, sometimes you MUST find ways to save money. I see all these posts from people saying things like 'don't use your contacts for blank amount of time and don't wear them overnight'... I say if they are still comfortable and clean, then wear them as long as you want! I've stretched an Oasys pair for over a month wearing them overnight every-night! Here is something to open the flood gates for discussion (or "me" bashing)

Since I am broke and you must have a prescription that must be confirmed by a doctor... I've been "prescribing" my own contacts for over 5 years now, (by upping my prescription if i notice some fuzzy vision on things in the distance...) I've even found a way, after arguing and explaining my situation with a few leading sites to no avail, to "confirm" my order without an optometrist! That being said...I understand the dangers of what I do and that **I DO NOT** recommend anyone to use any of my 'tactics' if they have the means to pay for contacts and see a doctor regularly!** Just wanted to leave my two cents so that everyone knows that there are people out there, with similar situations like mine, that are struggling just to get by...

ruththomas · #66 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mygodchris

Cheap is one thing- broke is another...
I work and go to school full time, getting paid @ $10/hr and paying $675 per month on rent... you do the math! I'm here to say with that with no heath coverage, no money for check-ups, sometimes you MUST find ways to save money. I see all these posts from people saying things like 'don't use your contacts for blank amount of time and don't wear them overnight'... I say if they are still comfortable and clean, then wear them as long as you want! I've stretched an Oasys pair for over a month wearing them overnight every-night! Here is something to open the flood gates for discussion (or "me" bashing)

Since I am broke and you must have a prescription that must be confirmed by a doctor... I've been "prescribing" my own contacts for over 5 years now, (by upping my prescription if i notice some fuzzy vision on things in the distance...) I've even found a way, after arguing and explaining my situation with a few leading sites to no avail, to "confirm" my order without an optometrist! That being said...I understand the dangers of what I do and that **I DO NOT** recommend anyone to use any of my 'tactics' if they have the means to pay for contacts and see a doctor regularly!** Just wanted to leave my two cents so that everyone knows that there are people out there, with similar situations like mine, that are struggling just to get by...

One rant . . . coming up.

Look. These are your eyes we're talking about. Do you really think you're going to take these huge risks and not suffer any consequences? I think you need to just accept the fact that you either need to wear glasses or squint. Contact lenses are for grown ups who know how to take care of themselves and not take foolish risks.

Listen, I don't know you, and you probably don't like what I'm saying, but you're setting yourself up for a lot of pain and suffering that simply isn't necessary. Just take a deep breath, throw your contact lenses away, put your glasses on, and better your situation. Believe me, I know what being underemployed is all about. There are other ways to save money that don't endanger your health. You already know about cutting out luxuries to save cash, contact lenses are one of those luxuries. You need those contacts like you need a fancy sports car or gourmet meals. Let those contacts be an incentive for you to find a better job with health insurance so you can wear them safely and comfortably.

I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. I wish you well, and I want to hear from you again. I want to read about your successes. I want you to earn those contacts and treat yourself with respect. Okay?

Stylinbabe · #67 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I have worn 2 week lens for a month numerous times with no noticeable negative effects. Does anyone else do this and what are your thoughts on it?

Well Brian, look what you did. You touched off quite a thread with your comments. So what are you going to do now after all the heated debate?

You'll probably just keep on doing what you've been doing, right?

mygodchris · #68 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruththomas

One rant . . . coming up.

Look. These are your eyes we're talking about. Do you really think you're going to take these huge risks and not suffer any consequences? I think you need to just accept the fact that you either need to wear glasses or squint. Contact lenses are for grown ups who know how to take care of themselves and not take foolish risks.

Listen, I don't know you, and you probably don't like what I'm saying, but you're setting yourself up for a lot of pain and suffering that simply isn't necessary. Just take a deep breath, throw your contact lenses away, put your glasses on, and better your situation. Believe me, I know what being underemployed is all about. There are other ways to save money that don't endanger your health. You already know about cutting out luxuries to save cash, contact lenses are one of those luxuries. You need those contacts like you need a fancy sports car or gourmet meals. Let those contacts be an incentive for you to find a better job with health insurance so you can wear them safely and comfortably.

I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. I wish you well, and I want to hear from you again. I want to read about your successes. I want you to earn those contacts and treat yourself with respect. Okay?

First off..wow!

Dear Senior Member,
I have yet to suffer any negative consequences in the last 5 years of taking over my own prescription/contact regimen with the exception of having to throw out contacts prematurely with too much protein built-up or cat hair issues. I haven't had a pair of glasses in over 10 years, and squinting is just not an option at -8.00 RX (20/800). Contacts are for grown-ups? Really? I've worn contacts since 6th grade! Look, you're right, you don't know me and I appreciate your concern, but maybe you're going about helping me the wrong way. My eyes are healthy and so is my body. When my contacts become uncomfortable or unsafe to use then I swap them out for new ones. I could also argue that contacts are not a luxury with my eyesight. But, you're right I could remove luxuries such as where I live (Santa Cruz, CA) and how I eat organic meats, but i refuse to leave friends/family/my hometown to live somewhere cheaper. Cheap foods are cheap for a reason...I refuse to eat at fast food places nor put any other highly unhealthy foods in my body that may contain cancer promoting additives and hormones and pesticides etc. in them. My work offers health insurance, but with no vision coverage. As for getting a better job...that is why I am in college. I treat myself with respect and my lack of health issues shows that. I understand your concern, but honestly this has worked for me so far without negative consequences. If you do care so much about me and my future "successes" please feel free to help my cause "Okay?"

:

paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BFZAD82JWGSB4

AmigaBonita · #69 (**permalink**) 01-28-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mygodchris

First off..wow!

Dear Senior Member,
I have yet to suffer any negative consequences in the last 5 years of taking over my own prescription/contact regimen with the exception of having to throw out contacts prematurely with too much protein built-up or cat hair issues. I haven't had a pair of glasses in over 10 years, and squinting is just not an option at -8.00 RX (20/800). Contacts are for grown-ups? Really? I've worn contacts since 6th grade! Look, you're right, you don't know me and I appreciate your concern, but maybe you're going about helping me the wrong way. My eyes are healthy and so is my body. When my contacts become uncomfortable or unsafe to use then I swap them out for new ones. I could also argue that contacts are not a luxury with my eyesight. But, you're right I could remove luxuries such as where I live (Santa Cruz, CA) and how I eat organic meats, but i refuse to leave friends/family/my hometown to live somewhere cheaper. Cheap foods are cheap for a reason...I refuse to eat at fast food places nor put any other highly unhealthy foods in my body that may contain cancer promoting additives and hormones and pesticides etc. in them. My work offers health insurance, but with no vision coverage. As for getting a better job...that is why I am in college. I treat myself with respect and my lack of health issues shows that. I understand your concern, but honestly this has worked for me so far without negative consequences. If you do care so much about me and my future "successes" please feel free to help my cause "Okay?"

:

paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BFZAD82JWGSB4

Hold on a minute. Time out.

You "refuse to eat at fast food places nor put any other highly unhealthy foods in [your] body that may contain cancer promoting additives and hormones and pesticides etc. in them" and yet you wear contact lenses without seeing an eye care professional. Does that make sense to you? It doesn't make sense to me.

When you say you don't eat food that has pesticides or hormones, I'm guessing that means organic food, right? That costs extra, so if you're willing to put in the extra effort and expense to eat healthy, why not go to an eye doctor to get professionally fitted for contact lenses? I mean, it's great that you want to take care of yourself, so why not take care of your eyes with the same care that you do your digestive system?

Do you know what neovascularization is? It's when your corneas are starved for oxygen because you've been wearing your contact lenses for too long. Blood vessels start growing right over your corneas. If it's not found in time, you will no longer be able to wear contact lenses and you may even lose your vision.
Thing is, the only way you know if you have neovascularization is if your eye doctor sees it during an exam. There are typically no symptoms. This is one of the biggest risk of wearing contact lenses, and they may still be comfortable while your vision is fading. So just because your eyes don't hurt doesn't mean they're healthy.

I hope you're right, and that your eyes and body are in top shape. I just don't want you to risk your vision just because . . . what . . . you're too proud and/or cheap to wear glasses?

rblenkhorn · #70 (**permalink**) 02-28-2011, 08:03 PM

I must say I stumbled into this forum by way of google search, and I am humored by alot of the replies to this topic.. I have been wearing contact lenses since I was 15 years old. since 1998 . I had up until January 15th always worn Frequency 55 by Coopervision, and would wear those lenses on a 3 month replacement schedule per my eye doctor. I see an actually OD who is a doctor of the eye.. I have now been changed over to Acuvue Oasys against my initial wants. I have been very happy with the Frequency 55's... I have been placed on a 1 month replacement of these Acuvue Oasys .. why would I be recommended 1 month replacement by my eye doctor if it was going to be so bad? Another thing I would like to add in is I never use any solution except for Alcon Opti-Free Express.. nothing but. I thoroughly rinse my lenses before putting them in case and when taking them out of case they are thoroughly rinsed, I never rub them and I do not smoke cigarettes but I do work in extreme temperatures high and low and hardly ever notice any extreme discomfort.

mgash · #71 (**permalink**) 02-28-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rblenkhorn

I must say I stumbled into this forum by way of google search, and I am humored by alot of the replies to this topic.. I have been wearing contact lenses since I was 15 years old. since 1998 . I had up until January 15th always worn Frequency 55 by Coopervision, and would wear those lenses on a 3 month replacement schedule per my eye doctor. I see an actually OD who is a doctor of the eye.. I have now been changed over to Acuvue Oasys against my initial wants. I have been very happy with the Frequency 55's... I have been placed on a 1 month replacement of these Acuvue Oasys .. why would I be recommended 1 month replacement by my eye doctor if it was going to be so bad? Another thing I would like to add in is I never use any solution except for Alcon Opti-Free Express.. nothing but. I thoroughly rinse my lenses before putting them in case and when taking them out of case they are thoroughly rinsed, I never rub them and I do not smoke cigarettes but I do work in extreme temperatures high and low and hardly ever notice any extreme discomfort.

I am surprised that your doc had you on Freq 55 for three months, since these lenses have a low Dk. As for Acuvue Oasys for a month, probably a safe bet. FDA says 14 days, but I wear these comfortably beyond the 14 days. Why the change if the old lenses worked well. Did your eyes change or did you go to a new doctor?

rblenkhorn · #72 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 11:10 AM

I had always liked the Frequency 55 but I had been talking to my doctor about computer usage making my headache and blurred vision after a long time watching tv or playing video games so she suggested the change to the acuvue as something to try.

Sevateem1 · #73 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

I am surprised that your doc had you on Freq 55 for three months, since these lenses have a low Dk. As for Acuvue Oasys for a month, probably a safe bet. FDA says 14 days, but I wear these comfortably beyond the 14 days.

Did you extend the life of your low Dk Frequency 55 lenses with your doctor's approval?

rblenkhorn · #74 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevateem1

Did you extend the life of your low Dk Frequency 55 lenses with your doctor's approval?

Yes it was doctors approval and recommendation to go 90 days before changing lenses

mgash · #75 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I will be honest, I have worn my lens for 30 days at a time for the last 4 years or so. If it were causing a problem wouldn't my eye doctor notice it and let me know when I have my yearly exams?

Prevention is the key word. Why do you want to wait for a negative diagnosis? Eye doctors know the risk, yes RISK. This doesn't mean that if you wear a lens longer than prescribed your eye balls will fall out, it only means a greater chance of optical problems. Ah, go for it, save money, it's only your sight.

mgash · #76 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mygodchris

Cheap is one thing- broke is another...
I work and go to school full time, getting paid @ $10/hr and paying $675 per month on rent... you do the math! I'm here to say with that with no heath coverage, no money for check-ups, sometimes you MUST find ways to save money. I see all these posts from people saying things like 'don't use your contacts for blank amount of time and don't wear them overnight'... I say if they are still comfortable and clean, then wear them as long as you want! I've stretched an Oasys pair for over a month wearing them overnight every-night! Here is something to open the flood gates for discussion (or "me" bashing)

Since I am broke and you must have a prescription that must be confirmed by a doctor... I've been "prescribing" my own contacts for over 5 years now, (by upping my prescription if i notice some fuzzy vision on things in the distance...) I've even found a way, after arguing and explaining my situation with a few leading sites to no avail, to "confirm" my order without an optometrist! That being said...I understand the dangers of what I do and that **I DO NOT** recommend anyone to use any of my 'tactics' if they have the means to pay for contacts and see a doctor regularly!** Just wanted to leave my two cents so that everyone knows that there are people out there, with similar situations like mine, that are struggling just to get by...

Buying contacts on your budget makes as much sense as using grocery money to buy makeup. Contacts are a luxury. Glasses are a necessity. You can buy inexpensive glasses on the internet for ten bucks, and see very well.

AllyCat · #77 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

Buying contacts on your budget makes as much sense as using grocery money to buy makeup. Contacts are a luxury. Glasses are a necessity. You can buy inexpensive glasses on the internet for ten bucks, and see very well.

That's a very good point, mgash. I'm glad you mentioned it. Yes, we love contact lenses here on Lens.com, but let's face it--you don't need them. They're nice to have if you can wear them and if you can afford them, but you're right, it's not a good idea to use your grocery money for contact lenses.

ruththomas · #78 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

Buying contacts on your budget makes as much sense as using grocery money to buy makeup. Contacts are a luxury. Glasses are a necessity. You can buy inexpensive glasses on the internet for ten bucks, and see very well.

You make a good point, but you can also fit contact lenses into your budget. Yes, it would be foolish to use the money budgeted for groceries to buy makeup, but what if you had money budgeted for makeup and groceries? You can fit contact lenses into your budget under something like "medical expenses."

rblenkhorn · #79 (**permalink**) 08-27-2011, 05:16 PM

and for the record, I have gone through one box of Acuvue Oasys, and they suck. I hate everything about them .. the Frequency 55's are so much better in my opinion. I need to get my optomotrist to give me a script for the frequency 55's

LeeRoberts · #80 (**permalink**) 08-29-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rblenkhorn

and for the record, I have gone through one box of Acuvue Oasys, and they suck. I hate everything about them .. the Frequency 55's are so much better in my opinion. I need to get my optomotrist to give me a script for the frequency 55's

What was it about the Acuvue Oasys lenses that you didn't like? Did the at least help you work more comfortably at your computer? As I recall that was your original reason to explore alternatives to Frequency 55 contacts.

VAB · #81 (**permalink**) 08-30-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeRoberts

What was it about the Acuvue Oasys lenses that you didn't like? Did the at least help you work more comfortably at your computer? As I recall that was your original reason to explore alternatives to Frequency 55 contacts.

Apparently rblenkhorn hates everything about Acuvue Oasys contact lenses.

AmigaBonita · #82 (**permalink**) 08-31-2011, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

Prevention is the key word. Why do you want to wait for a negative diagnosis? Eye doctors know the risk, yes RISK. This doesn't mean that if you wear a lens longer than prescribed your eye balls will fall out, it only means a greater chance of optical problems. Ah, go for it, save money, it's only your sight.

So after almost 100 posts, are we clear that if your doctor tells you to change your contact lenses once week, then you should do that, and not try to "cheat" and wear them for longer? Have we established the risks of this behavior?

Ynot · #83 (**permalink**) 08-31-2011, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StairMaster71

Dude, if you need a label to tell you to change your underwear . . .

Seriously. Why is this even an issue? You go to your eye doctor, she examines your eyes, gives you a prescription for Acuvue Oasys and tells you to change the lenses every week if you sleep in them, or every two weeks if you don't. That's it. Why do anything else?

I look at some of these posts and think "Can people really be that cheap? I bet these people are the type who re-use coffee grounds and paper towels."

We're talking about your eyes here, people! If you're too cheap to wear contact lenses properly, wear glasses. How hard is that? If it pains you to think that you're throwing away "perfectly good" contact lenses after wearing them "only" two weeks, wear glasses. You can wear those for years without damaging your eyes.

If your eye doctor tells you to change your contact lenses every week, don't try and go for a month. It's so pointless. It's like you said earlier, "your eyeball or your dollar." I, for one, would rather save my sight than my money. If your eyes are damaged by worn out contact lenses, how is the money you saved going to help you then? This should be a no-brainer.

Thanks for the well spoken reply StairMaster71, as well as that great "no-brainier" illustration.

OW22 · #84 (**permalink**) 11-23-2011, 08:26 AM

Hi all.

Very quick question. I've been using Oasys lenses for about 9 months. I wear them for 14 days max. Now I will typically not wear them at weekends. I like to give me peepers a nice rest. I presume that's OK? That is not stick to a strict 2 week schedule, but change them after 14 days? I'm very fussy with my routine, scrub hands, take time rubbing and rinsing and keep my lens case clean and change it every 2 months.

Adric · #85 (**permalink**) 11-23-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OW22

Hi all.

Very quick question. I've been using Oasys lenses for about 9 months. I wear them for 14 days max. Now I will typically not wear them at weekends. I like to give me peepers a nice rest. I presume that's OK? That is not stick to a strict 2 week schedule, but change them after 14 days? I'm very fussy with my routine, scrub hands, take time rubbing and rinsing and keep my lens case clean and change it every 2 months.

Hello OW22. Welcome to Lens 101. I'm not an expert in contact lenses, but I do read Lens 101 a lot, and there are plenty of people who don't wear their contacts on weekends, some wear them only on weekends, some every other day and so on. You don't have to wear them every single day. They'll last longer if you don't.

mgash · #86 (**permalink**) 11-24-2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adric

Hello OW22. Welcome to Lens 101. I'm not an expert in contact lenses, but I do read Lens 101 a lot, and there are plenty of people who don't wear their contacts on weekends, some wear them only on weekends, some every other day and so on. You don't have to wear them every single day. They'll last longer if you don't.

Fourteen days is a wearing cycle. If you don't wear themn one weekends then you still have four more days at the end of two weeks. It is easier to track weeks rather than days, but a simple calendar can be used to track usage. Usage timing isn't reall critical. I change mine at the beginning and middle of a month with my doctor's blessing. One or two extra days is not really considered overwear. I have heard of peeople who wear a one time daily lens for a mnonth, now that is really OVERWEAR.

Jere303 · #87 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I have worn 2 week lens for a month numerous times with no noticeable negative effects. Does anyone else do this and what are your thoughts on it?

Hi Brian, I have worn acuvue oasys for some time now. For me personally, I have worn my contacts for more than 2 weeks sometimes close to a month. It really depends on how you clean and take care of them as well. Usually I found out that being in different climates also affect the wear of your contact lenses as well. Like if you live in a hot dry dusty climate, you may find you contacts to be very dry as well depending on where you are and what debris falls onto your contacts maybe hard to clean with some solutions. So really if you find your contacts bothering you and have not yet reached that 2 week mark my suggestion is to replace them with a clean pair just to be safe that way you keep your eyes healthy. Hope this helps! take care!
Jeremy

SandiStix · #88 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jere303

Hi Brian, I have worn acuvue oasys for some time now. For me personally, I have worn my contacts for more than 2 weeks sometimes close to a month. It really depends on how you clean and take care of them as well.

Hi Jere303. I'll ask you what is typically asked around here when people wear their lenses longer than they are designed to be--what does your doctor think? Does he or she know that you wear your Acuvue Oasys lenses for a month sometimes? Have your eyes been examined lately and found to be healthy?
I can stand here and tell you that my daily alcohol binges aren't affecting me, but that doesn't mean my liver isn't silently disintegrating within me. Just because I feel healthy doesn't mean I am. I hope your eyes are in good condition, but maybe you should get them checked just to make sure. If your eyes pass inspection, then that's a good thing.

Jere303 · #89 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandiStix

Hi Jere303. I'll ask you what is typically asked around here when people wear their lenses longer than they are designed to be--what does your doctor think? Does he or she know that you wear your Acuvue Oasys lenses for a month sometimes? Have your eyes been examined lately and found to be healthy?
I can stand here and tell you that my daily alcohol binges aren't affecting me, but that doesn't mean my liver isn't silently disintegrating within me. Just because I feel healthy doesn't mean I am. I hope your eyes are in good condition, but maybe you should get them checked just to make sure. If your eyes pass inspection, then that's a good thing.

Hi, Thanks for the reply. In fact to answer your question, my eye doctor does know and is amazed as to why eye prescription hasn't changed in the past 4 years. I just recently had my eye exam and everything is healthy. I guess I can say that I really am strict when it comes to looking after my lenses and how I clean them. I emphasize CLEAN here.

AmigaBonita · #90 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jere303

Hi, Thanks for the reply. In fact to answer your question, my eye doctor does know and is amazed as to why eye prescription hasn't changed in the past 4 years. I just recently had my eye exam and everything is healthy. I guess I can say that I really am strict when it comes to looking after my lenses and how I clean them. I emphasize CLEAN here.

That's good Jere. I'm glad your eyes are healthy. I just want to make sure that everyone reading this understands that you probably should not wear your contact lenses in any way other than the way your doctor prescribes them. I know I don't always do what I'm told, but I think when it comes to something that touches my eyes, I wouldn't take any chances.

luvbostonxo2's · #91 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I have worn 2 week lens for a month numerous times with no noticeable negative effects. Does anyone else do this and what are your thoughts on it?

agreed.. a lens is a lens a lens.

protein, lipid and mucin deposits that are bound into the lens matrix determines how long a patient can wear ANY disposable soft lens.

This can easily be determined by a slit lamp observation!

MY honest opinion is that its a marketing issue. Frequent lens disposal also means frequent re-orders.

for most average wearers with a healthy tear film they MAY last longer but there are other factors such as tear film, wearing environment, allergies, chemical fume exposure etc that can determine how long a lens can be worn without being changed.

the same lens with someone that works in a hair salon with hairspray and chemicals in the air may last 2 weeks while the same lens on someone in a office may wear it for over a month.

Jere303 · #92 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2's

agreed.. a lens is a lens a lens.

protein, lipid and mucin deposits that are bound into the lens matrix determines how long a patient can wear ANY disposable soft lens.

This can easily be determined by a slit lamp observation!

MY honest opinion is that its a marketing issue. Frequent lens disposal also means frequent re-orders.

for most average wearers with a healthy tear film they MAY last longer but there are other factors such as tear film, wearing environment, allergies, chemical fume exposure etc that can determine how long a lens can be worn without being changed.

the same lens with someone that works in a hair salon with hairspray and chemicals in the air may last 2 weeks while the same lens on someone in a office may wear it for over a month.

Well said! I most definitely agree with you on here. I guess what you said is what I wanted to say. Thanks for that.

Jere303 · #93 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 02:03 PM

I also wanted to say that people who experience dry eyes and who have allergies could also affect how long you wear your contact lens for. Is there anyone on here that would like to share this similar experience with us?

Eagleye · #94 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2's

agreed.. a lens is a lens a lens.

protein, lipid and mucin deposits that are bound into the lens matrix determines how long a patient can wear ANY disposable soft lens.

This can easily be determined by a slit lamp observation!

MY honest opinion is that its a marketing issue. Frequent lens disposal also means frequent re-orders.

for most average wearers with a healthy tear film they MAY last longer but there are other factors such as tear film, wearing environment, allergies, chemical fume exposure etc that can determine how long a lens can be worn without being changed.

the same lens with someone that works in a hair salon with hairspray and chemicals in the air may last 2 weeks while the same lens on someone in a office may wear it for over a month.

Thank you for explaining all that, luvbostonxo2's. I've always wondered why contact lenses had a certain life time. As an eye care professional, what is you reaction to the posts from people who say things like "I'm supposed to change these lenses every week, but I've worn them for a month or even six weeks before and my eyes are fine." Does that sort of thing make you nervous like it does me?

luvbostonxo2's · #95 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleye

Thank you for explaining all that, luvbostonxo2's. I've always wondered why contact lenses had a certain life time. As an eye care professional, what is you reaction to the posts from people who say things like "I'm supposed to change these lenses every week, but I've worn them for a month or even six weeks before and my eyes are fine." Does that sort of thing make you nervous like it does me?

yes because...over wearing a lens coated in deposits can lead to blepharitis and GPC!!!!!!

All lenses can get coated with deposits and cause an immuno response in eye tissue!

Railfan · #96 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2's

yes because...over wearing a lens coated in deposits can lead to blepharitis and GPC!!!!!!

All lenses can get coated with deposits and cause an immuno response in eye tissue!

Can all that coating and blepharitis stuff happen without the patient experiencing any blurred vision or pain or anything like that?

AllyCat · #97 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railfan

Can all that coating and blepharitis stuff happen without the patient experiencing any blurred vision or pain or anything like that?

Good question. It seems like the people in this forum wear their lenses as long as they're not uncomfortable.

OW22 · #98 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 04:04 PM

Hi all again,

I decided to write to Acuvue to see what they said, I got a response, it's what I expected really. They say it's two weeks, but I'm sticking with 14 days.

Quote:

Dear Mr X

Thank you for your recent enquiry and I apologise for the delay in responding.

As contact lenses are classified as a Medical Device, only your Eye Care Professional should determine the appropriate wearing and replacement schedule based upon the patients history and their ocular examination, as well as the practitioners experience and clinical judgment. We believe that more frequent replacement of our products achieves optimal health and performance.

When prescribed for daily wear (less than 24 hours, while awake), ACUVUE® OASYS® with Hydraclear® contact lenses are recommended for replacement with a new lens every two weeks.

If additional information/ clarification is required, we can only advise you to seek guidance from your Eye Care Professional who will confirm for you.

If we can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards
XXXX
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
UK & Ireland Customer Care Adviser

Earthshock · #99 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Searles

I will be honest, I have worn my lens for 30 days at a time for the last 4 years or so. If it were causing a problem wouldn't my eye doctor notice it and let me know when I have my yearly exams?

What's the latest, Brian? Do you still wear your two-week lenses for a month without your doctor telling you not to?