Opinions on Air Optix Multifocals?

varuscelli · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2010, 06:49 PM

I've just had Air Optix Multifocals prescribed for me by my doctor and was hoping to find more comments on them from others.

I haven't worn contacts in a number of years. I wore only one for a time from my mid-30s to mid-40s (very bad vision in my left eye since childhood due to amblyopia). My right eye never required assistance until my mid-40s. Once it became necessary to help my right eye out, too, I started wearing glasses with progressive lenses (mid-40s to now, age 52).

I tried some kind of multifocal contact (for left eye only) about six or seven years ago, but it didn't work out for me. It was never very comfortable to me and I had trouble seeing. I eventually gave up on contacts and went with glasses since both eyes needed help, with especially bad vision in the left eye.

Needing a new glasses prescription recently, I asked about the latest in multifocal contacts and the doctor gave me a set of Air Optix Multifocals to try. I have a pretty large prescription difference between my two eyes (+4.50 for the left eye, +.75 for the right eye).

I've been using that trial set of Air Optix for the last 10 days or so and like the improvement thus far, although they're not perfect. I do find them relatively comfortable and I can actually read normal text with both eyes (a big relief compared to glasses, which I've never been fond of wearing).

Again, I was hoping to see more comments about the Air Optix here...but maybe they're too new to the market or something, eh?

If anyone's been using the Air Optix Multifocals and would like to comment -- especially in comparison to other choices -- I'd love to hear what you've got to say.

CousinMuscles · #2 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

I've just had Air Optix Multifocals prescribed for me by my doctor and was hoping to find more comments on them from others.

I haven't worn contacts in a number of years. I wore only one for a time from my mid-30s to mid-40s (very bad vision in my left eye since childhood due to amblyopia). My right eye never required assistance until my mid-40s. Once it became necessary to help my right eye out, too, I started wearing glasses with progressive lenses (mid-40s to now, age 52).

I tried some kind of multifocal contact (for left eye only) about six or seven years ago, but it didn't work out for me. It was never very comfortable to me and I had trouble seeing. I eventually gave up on contacts and went with glasses since both eyes needed help, with especially bad vision in the left eye.

Needing a new glasses prescription recently, I asked about the latest in multifocal contacts and the doctor gave me a set of Air Optix Multifocals to try. I have a pretty large prescription difference between my two eyes (+4.50 for the left eye, +.75 for the right eye).

I've been using that trial set of Air Optix for the last 10 days or so and like the improvement thus far, although they're not perfect. I do find them relatively comfortable and I can actually read normal text with both eyes (a big relief compared to glasses, which I've never been fond of wearing).

Again, I was hoping to see more comments about the Air Optix here...but maybe they're too new to the market or something, eh?

If anyone's been using the Air Optix Multifocals and would like to comment -- especially in comparison to other choices -- I'd love to hear what you've got to say.

Hi varuscelli. That sounds very Italian.

I don't wear contact lenses, but I just wanted you to know that people do see your posting and will respond to it. Sometimes it takes awhile because you actually have to have someone who wears Air Optix Multifocals to come specifically to this thread, but hopefully Google will lead them here.

Keep us posted on your progress.

varuscelli · #3 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CousinMuscles

Hi varuscelli. That sounds very Italian.

I don't wear contact lenses, but I just wanted you to know that people do see your posting and will respond to it. Sometimes it takes awhile because you actually have to have someone who wears Air Optix Multifocals to come specifically to this thread, but hopefully Google will lead them here.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks, CousinMuscles -- that name sounds very Italian, too...

My last name is actually Ruscelli, which is Italian.

I'm going to link here to my comments in another thread where I discuss some of the slight problems I'm having with clear focus related to my use of Air Optix, although the "problems" might be more related to my own eyes than anything wrong with the Air Optix Multifocals.

I don't see the vBulletin link feature activated for replies in this forum, so I'll just have to copy and past. If I copied this correctly with the permalink, it should go directly to my comment in that thread.

http://www.lens101.com/bifocal-contact-lenses/98979-new-contact-wearer-alternative-monovision-trial.html#post158426

Eyebrowze · #4 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Thanks, CousinMuscles -- that name sounds very Italian, too...

My last name is actually Ruscelli, which is Italian.

I'm going to link here to my comments in another thread where I discuss some of the slight problems I'm having with clear focus related to my use of Air Optix, although the "problems" might be more related to my own eyes than anything wrong with the Air Optix Multifocals.

I don't see the vBulletin link feature activated for replies in this forum, so I'll just have to copy and past. If I copied this correctly with the permalink, it should go directly to my comment in that thread.

http://www.lens101.com/bifocal-contact-lenses/98979-new-contact-wearer-alternative-monovision-trial.html#post158426

Hi varuscelli.

The link works and I read your other post. I won't mention what was discussed there because I want to keep you two questions separate so people won't be answering your other question here and vice versa. It's just more tidy that way.

You said that you've not seen a lot of comments and thought maybe it was because Air Optix Aqua Multifocal might be too new. According to www.optix-now.com, "Air Optix Aqua Multifocal was introduced in January 2009" so yes, they're fairly new. Maybe they're still working out the kinks, in which case you can tell all your friends you're wearing kinky contact lenses.

Maybe that will take your mind off the contact lens's shortcomings.

tadurkee · #5 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 04:26 AM

Just got my trial pair of Air Optix Multifocals 2 days ago and so far they are working out quite well. Over the last 2 years I've tried C-Vue, Proclear and Acuvue Oasys multifocals with not so good results. The Air Optix (so far) are giving me decent near vision with very little compromising of distance vision. I'm also pleased with the night vision....both up close and far away are very good with only slight blurring of headlights, which was my main complaint with the other multifocal brands. I drive at night for my job so good nighttime vision is crucial. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! How are your Air Optix working out?

unclebuck · #6 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

I've just had Air Optix Multifocals prescribed for me by my doctor and was hoping to find more comments on them from others.

Needing a new glasses prescription recently, I asked about the latest in multifocal contacts and the doctor gave me a set of Air Optix Multifocals to try. I have a pretty large prescription difference between my two eyes (+4.50 for the left eye, +.75 for the right eye).

I've been using that trial set of Air Optix for the last 10 days or so and like the improvement thus far, although they're not perfect. I do find them relatively comfortable and I can actually read normal text with both eyes (a big relief compared to glasses, which I've never been fond of wearing).

Again, I was hoping to see more comments about the Air Optix here...but maybe they're too new to the market or something, eh?

If anyone's been using the Air Optix Multifocals and would like to comment -- especially in comparison to other choices -- I'd love to hear what you've got to say.

Hi there varuscelli. Welcome.

You say that the Air Optix are "not perfect." What does that mean? Are they uncomfortable? Do they lack the ability to correct your vision properly? Has anything been resolved since you posted these comments?

varuscelli · #7 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 09:07 AM

Hi, tadurkee and unclebuck...

I found another wearer who seems to be experiencing the same problem I'm having with the Air Optix. I'm not trying to make this seem like a global problem with the Air Optix, but in this thread you'll see the problem that another wearer and I have experienced (although the other wearer is using only one of the Air Optix multifocals and I am using two).

Although the Air Optix give me MOSTLY improved vision, I'm having a focus issue as discussed in that thread, and as in the paragraphs below copied from that thread.

NOTE: Sorry, I don't have enough posts in this forum for the system to allow me to place a proper link here (it's disallowing my attempt to link to the thread, so all I can do is quote). The post title below appears in the Bifocal Contact Lens subforum.

New Contact Wearer - Alternative Monovision trial

From wearer "oldage"

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldage

Wearing these two lenses, my DOM (distance) eye is slightly blurry and my non DOM (multi) is fairly well corrected. If I cover my distance eye, my computer screen comes in better focus. BUT, and this is where it gets bizarre, if I keep focused in an area of my screen and turn my head about 30 degrees, the screen becomes razor sharp. I am still looking out my muti eye and staying focused on the same spot but the whole screen becomes much clearer -- Really, the desired affect. Turn back so that I am "face on" to the screen with my distance still covered, and it goes to "less clear" again.

From me:

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

I'm having the EXACT experience wearing Air Optix Multifocals (in both eyes). It's especially noticeable if I close one eye and turn my head about 30 to 35 degrees to the side (toward the closed eye), the text I'm reading becomes sharper. That is, close my left eye, focus on some on-screen text with my right eye, and rotate my head to the left and text becomes clearer to my right eye. Or vice-versa with closing my right eye and rotating my head to the right -- the vision in the left becomes clearer. I focus my eye on a point of text, turn my head, and it resolves to clarity. My eye doctor said he'd never heard of that before, but it's unmistakable when I do the head turn.

Anything that I'm reading when I'm looking at straight on with both eyes is never quite as clear as when I close one eye and turn my head slightly to the side (where it snaps into sharper focus). It's especially noticeable with text at any kind of normal reading distance.

I strongly suspect this is not a global problem with the Air Optix Multifocals, but may be that those lenses are just not a perfect fit for my own eyes (and same with wearer "oldage" as quoted).

unclebuck · #8 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Hi, tadurkee and unclebuck...

I found another wearer who seems to be experiencing the same problem I'm having with the Air Optix. I'm not trying to make this seem like a global problem with the Air Optix, but in this thread you'll see the problem that another wearer and I have experienced (although the other wearer is using only one of the Air Optix multifocals and I am using two).

Although the Air Optix give me MOSTLY improved vision, I'm having a focus issue as discussed in that thread, and as in the paragraphs below copied from that thread.

NOTE: Sorry, I don't have enough posts in this forum for the system to allow me to place a proper link here (it's disallowing my attempt to link to the thread, so all I can do is quote). The post title below appears in the Bifocal Contact Lens subforum.

New Contact Wearer - Alternative Monovision trial

From wearer "oldage"

From me:

I strongly suspect this is not a global problem with the Air Optix Multifocals, but may be that those lenses are just not a perfect fit for my own eyes (and same with wearer "oldage" as quoted).

From me.

Okay, so just to make sure I understand, when you close one eye and turn your head slightly, your vision becomes razor sharp, but when you've got both eyes open and looking straight on, things are a bit blurred, is that correct? This works with both eyes, right?

varuscelli · #9 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebuck

From me.

Okay, so just to make sure I understand, when you close one eye and turn your head slightly, your vision becomes razor sharp, but when you've got both eyes open and looking straight on, things are a bit blurred, is that correct? This works with both eyes, right?

Yes, that's correct. With both eyes working together and looking straight on, text is readable but not perfectly focused. Closing one eye and turning my head to the side slightly makes the text come into much sharper focus (this is true with both eyes when I test them separately, with a multifocal lens in each eye).

Any ideas about that?

When I asked my eye doctor about it, he said he'd never heard anyone describe a similar occurrence with multifocal lenses (at least, none of his other patients).

FitnessMistress · #10 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Yes, that's correct. With both eyes working together and looking straight on, text is readable but not perfectly focused. Closing one eye and turning my head to the side slightly makes the text come into much sharper focus.

Any ideas about that?

When I asked my eye doctor about it, he said he'd never heard anyone describe a similar occurrence with multifocal lenses (at least, none of his other patients).

I'm guessing that the same thing happens whether you're wearing contact lenses or not? It almost sounds as if you have an off-center "sweet spot" on your contacts.

varuscelli · #11 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitnessMistress

I'm guessing that the same thing happens whether you're wearing contact lenses or not? It almost sounds as if you have an off-center "sweet spot" on your contacts.

Well...I'm not exactly sure how to interpret what you mean by the same thing happening whether I'm wearing contact lenses or not. When not wearing them, all I get is fuzzy vision in both eyes...

Somewhat complicating this is that I have amblyopia in my left eye, so there's a rather large correction difference in the two eyes (+.75 right eye, +4.50 left eye). Despite that, the effect I'm seeing when closing one eye and looking only through the other is the same for both eyes in that I must turn my head a bit for text to become sharply focused.

And yes, I had more or less thought the same thing....that maybe the "sweet spot" was off center somehow.

But, one thing I mentioned in the other thread (and have not yet repeated here) was that I also obtained a trial set of Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals from my eye doctor for comparison with the Air Optix, and I get more or less the same effect -- but not quite as pronounced as with the Air Optix. (And I found the Bausch and Lomb lenses much less comfortable, so if choosing one over the other it would be the Air Optix for comfort.)

Finding essentially the same thing happening with two brands of multifocals, I have begun to suspect that there might be something peculiar about my own eyes that is causing the effect. That's not my conclusion by any means, but it's one bit of speculation on my part.

Spongebob · #12 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Well...I'm not exactly sure how to interpret what you mean by the same thing happening whether I'm wearing contact lenses or not. When not wearing them, all I get is fuzzy vision in both eyes...

Somewhat complicating this is that I have amblyopia in my left eye, so there's a rather large correction difference in the two eyes (+.75 right eye, +4.50 left eye). Despite that, the effect I'm seeing when closing one eye and looking only through the other is the same for both eyes in that I must turn my head a bit for text to become sharply focused.

And yes, I had more or less thought the same thing....that maybe the "sweet spot" was off center somehow.

But, one thing I mentioned in the other thread (and have not yet repeated here) was that I also obtained a trial set of Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals from my eye doctor for comparison with the Air Optix, and I get more or less the same effect -- but not quite as pronounced as with the Air Optix. (And I found the Bausch and Lomb lenses much less comfortable, so if choosing one over the other it would be the Air Optix for comfort.)

Finding essentially the same thing happening with two brands of multifocals, I have begun to suspect that there might be something peculiar about my own eyes that is causing the effect. That's not my conclusion by any means, but it's one bit of speculation on my part.

When I read FitnessMistress' question about whether this happens with or without your contacts, it made me think that she was trying to determine if the problem was with your contacts or your eyes. If you're not wearing contacts at all, can you still see better when you turn your head a bit?

varuscelli · #13 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spongebob

When I read FitnessMistress' question about whether this happens with or without your contacts, it made me think that she was trying to determine if the problem was with your contacts or your eyes. If you're not wearing contacts at all, can you still see better when you turn your head a bit?

Ahh! No...it's not something I experience in any other circumstances than with multifocal contacts.

I used to wear a single contact lens in my left eye only, but it was not a multifocal, and I recall no such issues.

Without eyewear (no contacts and no glasses), I don't experience anything similar to this.

With glasses with progressive lenses (which I have been wearing for about six years or so), I don't get that effect either. I mean, there are obviously vision "zones" with the progressive lens glasses, but nothing that gives me an effect like with the multifocal contacts.

Columbia · #14 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Ahh! No...it's not something I experience in any other circumstances than with multifocal contacts.

I used to wear a single contact lens in my left eye only, but it was not a multifocal, and I recall no such issues.

Without eyewear (no contacts and no glasses), I don't experience anything similar to this.

With glasses with progressive lenses (which I have been wearing for about six years or so), I don't get that effect either. I mean, there are obviously vision "zones" with the progressive lens glasses, but nothing that gives me an effect like with the multifocal contacts.

Now I think we're narrowing it down a bit. It must be something weird about the lenses, then. Could it be some kind of reaction to the material the lenses are made of, maybe?

varuscelli · #15 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Columbia

Now I think we're narrowing it down a bit. It must be something weird about the lenses, then. Could it be some kind of reaction to the material the lenses are made of, maybe?

Remember too, I'm having similar weirdness with both the Air Optix and another set of Bausch & Lomb SoftLens multifocals that I'm trying (though more pronounced with the Air Optix). The weirdness might be with my own eyes.

The one glimmer of hope I've seen (not necessarily an answer by any means, but at least someone else having the same problem) is that the other forum member in the thread referenced above is having the same occurrence when using Air Optix Multifocals...and that's the only other reference I've seen anywhere to anyone experiencing the same thing.

BUT...if they and I are having the same difficulty, it's not just something that's happening with me. So, is it happening with me and another person on the forum (and likely others, too, in a statistical sense) because of the contacts or some other reason associated with our individual eyes? It would sure be interesting to find out, for the sake of a solution or an explanation or (better) for both a solution AND and explanation...

madeinshades · #16 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Remember too, I'm having similar weirdness with both the Air Optix and another set of Bausch & Lomb SoftLens multifocals that I'm trying (though more pronounced with the Air Optix). The weirdness might be with my own eyes.

The one glimmer of hope I've seen (not necessarily an answer by any means, but at least someone else having the same problem) is that the other forum member in the thread referenced above is having the same occurrence when using Air Optix Multifocals...and that's the only other reference I've seen anywhere to anyone experiencing the same thing.

BUT...if they and I are having the same difficulty, it's not just something that's happening with me. So, is it happening with me and another person on the forum (and likely others, too, in a statistical sense) because of the contacts or some other reason associated with our individual eyes? It would sure be interesting to find out, for the sake of a solution or an explanation or (better) for both a solution AND and explanation...

That's why it's nice to be part of a community. I hope we can come together and sort this out.

varuscelli · #17 (**permalink**) 09-24-2010, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madeinshades

That's why it's nice to be part of a community. I hope we can come together and sort this out.

Thanks, madeinshades. It would be great if something in all this brought out a clue or two on what's going on in this situation. Hopefully then this thread might become a point of reference for someone else who might run into the same situation.

petern · #18 (**permalink**) 10-24-2010, 08:38 AM

I have been wearing the air optix multifocal since is was first introduced last year to some eye doctors who were testing the lens for the company. Over the last 10 years i have tired every multifocal lens available and find this lens to be the best in terms of delivering crisp vision and all day comfort. Are they perfect ? NO, but they are close.

varuscelli · #19 (**permalink**) 10-24-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petern

I have been wearing the air optix multifocal since is was first introduced last year to some eye doctors who were testing the lens for the company. Over the last 10 years i have tired every multifocal lens available and find this lens to be the best in terms of delivering crisp vision and all day comfort. Are they perfect ? NO, but they are close.

Thanks for the feedback, petern. I definitely don't have your experience with multifocals, having only one failed attempt a few years back and then my couple of months with Air Optix now.

Do you mind sharing a bit more on what you mean in terms of the statement, "Are they perfect? NO..."? In what way do you consider them to be imperfect? I mean, considering what you've said about their comfort level and crisp vision, I'm wondering what slight thing you might find not quite up to being a perfect fit (and I realize from what you say that the imperfections are probably pretty slight).

Thanks for any extra feedback you can provide. I appreciate it...

Spongebob · #20 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petern

I have been wearing the air optix multifocal since is was first introduced last year to some eye doctors who were testing the lens for the company. Over the last 10 years i have tired every multifocal lens available and find this lens to be the best in terms of delivering crisp vision and all day comfort. Are they perfect ? NO, but they are close.

Wow, we've got a contact lens tester on our forum. You can probably go to just about any section here and answer questions, couldn't you?
Have you taken notes on the various lenses? Can you read a question here on Lens 101 about . . . say . . . Air Optix Multifocal's performance after dark, open up your Handy Dandy Notebook and say "Ah, here we are. Yes, they work quite well after 10:00, while I'm writing postcards and when I'm listening to music"?

unclebuck · #21 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

NOTE: Sorry, I don't have enough posts in this forum for the system to allow me to place a proper link here (it's disallowing my attempt to link to the thread, so all I can do is quote).

I don't know why they place restrictions on links, but it's probably because of spammers. Just log into Lens 101 at about 8:00 in the morning and you'll see what I mean.

You can just copy and paste the URL without making it a link, right? Like this: http://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/lens625.asp

Have you tried that?

varuscelli · #22 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebuck

I don't know why they place restrictions on links, but it's probably because of spammers. Just log into Lens 101 at about 8:00 in the morning and you'll see what I mean.

You can just copy and paste the URL without making it a link, right? Like this: http://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/lens625.asp

Have you tried that?

At the time I made that note about the linking, I'm pretty sure I had fewer than the minimum number of posts on the forum to allow any kind of links in my posts (even as you show in the example of standard cut and paste).

I believe that new forum members with fewer than 10 posts have any kind of links rejected by the system. Once I reached the minimum number of forum posts, I could indeed post links just as you show....but at the time, no -- I couldn't even do that. And yes, as I understand it, that is indeed one of those forum safeguards built in (and usable at the forum owner's discretion) to to keep folks from doing "hit and run" posts of spam or other links unrelated to forum topics.

For some reason, the first time I pasted a link into this thread, it was allowed (something like my second post on this forum). The next time I tried it, the system rejected my link attempt, even though it was just to another thread in this forum. Maybe the system doesn't catch every link attempt by new users since it allowed my very first link, but it rejected my other cut-and-paste link attempts (except for my very first one) until after I had met the new user requirement for minimum posts...at least, I think I have that right. Many other vBulletin forums are set up just that way, so I assume that's the options the owners have chosen for this forum.

petern · #23 (**permalink**) 11-07-2010, 09:53 AM

Spongebob, Varuscelli,

When I say they are not perfect I am referring to low lighting. My vision is somewhat diminished in lower light settings. They do, however, deliver better vision than any other the other lenses I have tried. I did not keep notes over the years but I have a pretty good memory of what I tried and why they did not work.

varuscelli · #24 (**permalink**) 11-07-2010, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petern

Spongebob, Varuscelli,

When I say they are not perfect I am referring to low lighting. My vision is somewhat diminished in lower light settings. They do, however, deliver better vision than any other the other lenses I have tried. I did not keep notes over the years but I have a pretty good memory of what I tried and why they did not work.

Thanks for the extra details. I appreciate it!

madeinshades · #25 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petern

Spongebob, Varuscelli,

When I say they are not perfect I am referring to low lighting. My vision is somewhat diminished in lower light settings. They do, however, deliver better vision than any other the other lenses I have tried. I did not keep notes over the years but I have a pretty good memory of what I tried and why they did not work.

Okay, when someone says something about contacts not working as well in dim light, the first thing that comes into my mind is pupil size and optic zone. Every contact lens has a optic zone in the center where the focus is sharpest. Sometimes when someone puts on a pair of contact lenses--especially color contacts--in dim light, the pupils will expand past that sharp focus area and the vision becomes blurred. This may explain why your vision isn't as good after dark.

Columbia · #26 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Remember too, I'm having similar weirdness with both the Air Optix and another set of Bausch & Lomb SoftLens multifocals that I'm trying (though more pronounced with the Air Optix). The weirdness might be with my own eyes.

I looked up the composition of the two brand on Lens.com.

Air Optix Multifocal Aqua are 67% lotrafilcon B and 33% water. While SofLens Multi-Focal contact lenses are made of 62% polymacon and 38% H2O. So I think we're beginning to see where the weirdness is.

varuscelli · #27 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Columbia

I looked up the composition of the two brand on Lens.com.

Air Optix Multifocal Aqua are 67% lotrafilcon B and 33% water. While SofLens Multi-Focal contact lenses are made of 62% polymacon and 38% H2O. So I think we're beginning to see where the weirdness is.

Thanks, Columbia.

Not knowing that much about what materials comprise modern contacts, I'm not sure how to interpret that. Is it the similarity in H2O content? Since I have similar problems with both kinds (but seemingly a slight bit less of a problem with the Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals), I'm not sure what to read into the materials...

Walkaway · #28 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Thanks, Columbia.

Not knowing that much about what materials comprise modern contacts, I'm not sure how to interpret that. Is it the similarity in H2O content? Since I have similar problems with both kinds (but seemingly a slight bit less of a problem with the Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals), I'm not sure what to read into the materials...

Well, as I read the post about contact lens composition varuscelli, I can see that they're not identical. I don't know how similar they are, but they're not the same. So I think Columbia was saying that the lenses are not the same, so the problem is not that you're reacting to something that both contact lenses are made of. Perhaps he or she should have made that a little clearer.

varuscelli · #29 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkaway

Well, as I read the post about contact lens composition varuscelli, I can see that they're not identical. I don't know how similar they are, but they're not the same. So I think Columbia was saying that the lenses are not the same, so the problem is not that you're reacting to something that both contact lenses are made of. Perhaps he or she should have made that a little clearer.

I have a hunch that my general difficulties might be something related to the size of the optic zone in general, kind of as madeinshades referred to in the earlier post related to low light vision problems. I bet those material differences that Columbia refers to could easily be something that affects overall comfort (the Air Optix being more comfortable to me).

That optic zone/pupil enlargement issue might explain what I've also been referring to as "eye fatigue" late in the day and as I progress into evening. Perhaps that's why I'm struggling more to read later in the day as the light level drops and my pupils perhaps enlarge, thus possibly causing general focus problems. Of course, that doesn't explain the general problem of having to glance to the side to achieve proper focus that I experience ALL the time...but it certainly might explain my late-in-the-day problems of not being able to focus well enough at all to read text easily (compared to relative ease earlier in the day).

Autonation · #30 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

I have a hunch that my general difficulties might be something related to the size of the optic zone in general, kind of as madeinshades referred to in the earlier post related to low light vision problems. I bet those material differences that Columbia refers to could easily be something that affects overall comfort (the Air Optix being more comfortable to me).

That optic zone/pupil enlargement issue might explain what I've also been referring to as "eye fatigue" late in the day and as I progress into evening. Perhaps that's why I'm struggling more to read later in the day as the light level drops and my pupils perhaps enlarge, thus possibly causing general focus problems. Of course, that doesn't explain the general problem of having to glance to the side to achieve proper focus that I experience ALL the time...but it certainly might explain my late-in-the-day problems of not being able to focus well enough at all to read text easily (compared to relative ease earlier in the day).

Well it sounds like you have gotten some help from this website, and I'm glad. Maybe the next time you see your eye doctor you can ask about the optic zone. I'll bet he or she will be impressed.

varuscelli · #31 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autonation

Well it sounds like you have gotten some help from this website, and I'm glad. Maybe the next time you see your eye doctor you can ask about the optic zone. I'll bet he or she will be impressed.

Yes, I've certainly gotten a lot more to think about than my doctor shared with me (and more to ask him next time I see him). It's not that I think he's deliberately withholding information, but that he's just come up blank when I asked the questions.

chazas · #32 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 12:04 PM

I am currently on the third day of a trial of these lenses: -9.0/medium add in both eyes.

I tried a couple of soft multifocal contacts two years or so ago, and couldn't see at all out of either of them - everything was terribly fuzzy, at all distances. Technology must have improved since then. I also tried RGPs when the soft contacts failed, but even though the optometrist insisted they fit correctly, they didn't stay centered enough for me to see correctly and I could see around them when they did, which was disconcerting. So I went back to single vision Oasys and just added readers, which I hated carrying around.

This time I started with Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia - which were much better than the multifocal lenses I had tried last time. Extremely comfortable, no difference there from the single vision Oasys. Close vision was good, but medium and long distances were a bit fuzzy and I also had trouble with a bit of double-vision, which was giving me a little headache. Reading signs at night was very difficult - I was trying to read house numbers the other evening and just couldn't do it. But all told, I could have lived with if there were nothing better, it was still so much better than always having readers on top of my head.

I called the optometrist and asked to try the Air Optix as well before committing to a year's supply. He was amenable, but he must not prescribe them much as it took him almost a week to get trial lenses. For the first day and a half they felt very scratchy in my eyes, but I seem to be getting used to them. The close up vision isn't quite as good as Oasys, by a speck - however, I can see the TV clearly, which is awesome. Night vision is better. And no double vision problems - I would characterize the vision at longer distances as a bit "soft," rather than fuzzy, if that makes sense. (I have a bit of astigmatism, some of it may be attributable to that, even though I didn't really notice it with the single vision Oasys.) But often I can turn my head a bit and focus in if I concentrate. All in all, they're completely acceptable and I'm thrilled to be able to ditch the readers.

For anyone who's trialing multifocal contacts, I suggest that you try these out.

RawBob · #33 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazas

I am currently on the third day of a trial of these lenses: -9.0/medium add in both eyes.

I tried a couple of soft multifocal contacts two years or so ago, and couldn't see at all out of either of them - everything was terribly fuzzy, at all distances. Technology must have improved since then. I also tried RGPs when the soft contacts failed, but even though the optometrist insisted they fit correctly, they didn't stay centered enough for me to see correctly and I could see around them when they did, which was disconcerting. So I went back to single vision Oasys and just added readers, which I hated carrying around.

This time I started with Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia - which were much better than the multifocal lenses I had tried last time. Extremely comfortable, no difference there from the single vision Oasys. Close vision was good, but medium and long distances were a bit fuzzy and I also had trouble with a bit of double-vision, which was giving me a little headache. Reading signs at night was very difficult - I was trying to read house numbers the other evening and just couldn't do it. But all told, I could have lived with if there were nothing better, it was still so much better than always having readers on top of my head.

I called the optometrist and asked to try the Air Optix as well before committing to a year's supply. He was amenable, but he must not prescribe them much as it took him almost a week to get trial lenses. For the first day and a half they felt very scratchy in my eyes, but I seem to be getting used to them. The close up vision isn't quite as good as Oasys, by a speck - however, I can see the TV clearly, which is awesome. Night vision is better. And no double vision problems - I would characterize the vision at longer distances as a bit "soft," rather than fuzzy, if that makes sense. (I have a bit of astigmatism, some of it may be attributable to that, even though I didn't really notice it with the single vision Oasys.) But often I can turn my head a bit and focus in if I concentrate. All in all, they're completely acceptable and I'm thrilled to be able to ditch the readers.

For anyone who's trialing multifocal contacts, I suggest that you try these out.

Welcome to Lens 101 chazas. Thanks for sharing your experience in such detail. I'm sure it will help someone. Enjoy your TV watching.

unclebuck · #34 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Yes, I've certainly gotten a lot more to think about than my doctor shared with me (and more to ask him next time I see him). It's not that I think he's deliberately withholding information, but that he's just come up blank when I asked the questions.

Perhaps you're asking questions that none of his other patients have come up with. That might explain the blank look.

chazas · #35 (**permalink**) 12-22-2010, 11:07 AM

I still really like the vision from the Air Optix, but I am having a heck of a time getting adjusted to them. I've worn soft contacts since 1975, and have been in single vision Acuvue Oasys for a couple of years so I'm not new to silicone hydrogels. My eyes just hurt with these - some days it feels like it's getting better, then wham - the next day (like today) I wake up with really dry eyes and they just hurt. Rewetting drops help - Blink seems to last the longest - but they're just not very comfortable. By the time I took them out last night they were dry, dry, dry.

I am highly motivated to make this work. A couple of years ago, I spent a month and a half trying to get adjusted to PureVision multifocal and some other brand whose name escapes me (the optics didn't work for me on either, at all) and then RGPs (wouldn't stay centered, too small for my pupils, numerous other issues). Just couldn't do it.

I have no problems wearing Acuvue for Prebyopia, and the optics are ok, but not perfect - problems focusing at about 10-15 feet. Optics are great on the Air Optix, but they're pretty uncomfortable. Ugh.

varuscelli · #36 (**permalink**) 12-22-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebuck

Perhaps you're asking questions that none of his other patients have come up with. That might explain the blank look.

True...but, doctors are often more well informed about such anomalies than what patients alone express to them. I had hoped that a broader knowledge of the subject might have given my doctor a bit more insight or ideas about how to solve the problem.

ReTina · #37 (**permalink**) 12-22-2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazas

I still really like the vision from the Air Optix, but I am having a heck of a time getting adjusted to them. I've worn soft contacts since 1975, and have been in single vision Acuvue Oasys for a couple of years so I'm not new to silicone hydrogels. My eyes just hurt with these - some days it feels like it's getting better, then wham - the next day (like today) I wake up with really dry eyes and they just hurt. Rewetting drops help - Blink seems to last the longest - but they're just not very comfortable. By the time I took them out last night they were dry, dry, dry.

I am highly motivated to make this work. A couple of years ago, I spent a month and a half trying to get adjusted to Purevision multifocal and some other brand whose name escapes me (the optics didn't work for me on either, at all) and then RGPs (wouldn't stay centered, too small for my pupils, numerous other issues). Just couldn't do it.

I have no problems wearing Acuvue for Prebyopia, and the optics are ok, but not perfect - problems focusing at about 10-15 feet. Optics are great on the Air Optix, but they're pretty uncomfortable. Ugh.

Well, no one can say you didn't give contacts a try. Keep on trying and stay motivated, my friend.

chazas · #38 (**permalink**) 12-23-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReTina

Well, no one can say you didn't give contacts a try. Keep on trying and stay motivated, my friend.

Thanks. I took the Air Optix out yesterday morning because my eyes were so irritated - wore the Oasys instead - and my eyes didn't feel right again until I woke up this morning. I popped in the Air Optix and within 5 minutes my eyelids were itching and I started getting red spots below my eyes. Weird - I must have developed an allergy to the material - or possibly to the Blink rewetting drops I was using - threw those out too, just in case.

Anyway, enough of that - I ordered a year of the Oasys. Not perfect but at least comfortable, and perhaps in a year or two there will be an even better alternative.

Captainteneel · #39 (**permalink**) 12-23-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazas

Thanks. I took the Air Optix out yesterday morning because my eyes were so irritated - wore the Oasys instead - and my eyes didn't feel right again until I woke up this morning. I popped in the Air Optix and within 5 minutes my eyelids were itching and I started getting red spots below my eyes. Weird - I must have developed an allergy to the material - or possibly to the Blink rewetting drops I was using - threw those out too, just in case.

Anyway, enough of that - I ordered a year of the Oasys. Not perfect but at least comfortable, and perhaps in a year or two there will be an even better alternative.

Here's hoping Chazas. Keep us updated on your progress. I'm confident that your positive attitude and determination will see you through.

chazas · #40 (**permalink**) 12-26-2010, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainteneel

Here's hoping Chazas. Keep us updated on your progress. I'm confident that your positive attitude and determination will see you through.

The plot thickens. Xmas day it appears that I accidentally put in the Air Optix rather than the Oasys - and didn't notice until late night when I went to take them out. I had been thinking that the vision in the Oasys was working itself out. Funny thing that. Maybe I was allergic to the Blink rewetting drops, not the Air Optix lenses. Now I have to decide all over again.

MillersLastChance · #41 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazas

The plot thickens. Xmas day it appears that I accidentally put in the Air Optix rather than the Oasys - and didn't notice until late night when I went to take them out. I had been thinking that the vision in the Oasys was working itself out. Funny thing that. Maybe I was allergic to the Blink rewetting drops, not the Air Optix lenses. Now I have to decide all over again.

Maybe it was some Christmas magic . . .

traveller · #42 (**permalink**) 01-08-2011, 07:15 PM

The AirOptix Aqua Multifocals are my third attempt with multifocals and I believe the second set of aspherics ("progressive") I've tested.

For far distances, they work just as well as the others tested, not better, not worse (I use -1.25 in both, although my real diopters are -0.75 & -1.5).

The problem is with reading. I'm always struggling to keep text in focus, very tiring. I pulled out my Netbook and after a few mins, I decided to remove the lenses. Just to triple-check that I wasn't just tired, I put in the Bausch & Lomb Purevision Multifocals (the other asphericals), which were a relief in comparison (have them in as I'm typing this).

The other problem that I have with the AirOptix is that the lens was irritating one of my eyes. I took out the lens, reversed it, no change. I swapped out the two lenses, still no better. So I figured I had a problem with that one eye but the irritation went away with the B&Ls... Granted, the B&Ls are slightly smaller in diameter (by design; all lenses tested are for 14.2 dia. and a base curve of 8.6).

So unfortunately, AirOptix aren't for me. Neither were the Accuvue Bifocals I tested as well (I think those are concentric, not aspherics but I'm not sure.)

I do have one last pair I will be testing before making the final decision and that's the Coopervision Proclear Multifocals which are "reversed" spherical and aspherics designs for the dominant and non-dominant eye. I'll have those next week and hopefully come to a final decision on what works best for me!

Autonation · #43 (**permalink**) 01-20-2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traveller

The AirOptix Aqua Multifocals are my third attempt with multifocals and I believe the second set of aspherics ("progressive") I've tested.

For far distances, they work just as well as the others tested, not better, not worse (I use -1.25 in both, although my real diopters are -0.75 & -1.5).

The problem is with reading. I'm always struggling to keep text in focus, very tiring. I pulled out my Netbook and after a few mins, I decided to remove the lenses. Just to triple-check that I wasn't just tired, I put in the Bausch & Lomb Purevision Multifocals (the other asphericals), which were a relief in comparison (have them in as I'm typing this).

The other problem that I have with the AirOptix is that the lens was irritating one of my eyes. I took out the lens, reversed it, no change. I swapped out the two lenses, still no better. So I figured I had a problem with that one eye but the irritation went away with the B&Ls... Granted, the B&Ls are slightly smaller in diameter (by design; all lenses tested are for 14.2 dia. and a base curve of 8.6).

So unfortunately, AirOptix aren't for me. Neither were the Accuvue Bifocals I tested as well (I think those are concentric, not aspherics but I'm not sure.)

I do have one last pair I will be testing before making the final decision and that's the Coopervision Proclear Multifocals which are "reversed" spherical and aspherics designs for the dominant and non-dominant eye. I'll have those next week and hopefully come to a final decision on what works best for me!

Thank you for being our test subject, traveller. I'm looking forward to your next report.

madeinshades · #44 (**permalink**) 01-20-2011, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

I've just had Air Optix Multifocals prescribed for me by my doctor and was hoping to find more comments on them from others.

I haven't worn contacts in a number of years. I wore only one for a time from my mid-30s to mid-40s (very bad vision in my left eye since childhood due to amblyopia). My right eye never required assistance until my mid-40s. Once it became necessary to help my right eye out, too, I started wearing glasses with progressive lenses (mid-40s to now, age 52).

I tried some kind of multifocal contact (for left eye only) about six or seven years ago, but it didn't work out for me. It was never very comfortable to me and I had trouble seeing. I eventually gave up on contacts and went with glasses since both eyes needed help, with especially bad vision in the left eye.

Needing a new glasses prescription recently, I asked about the latest in multifocal contacts and the doctor gave me a set of Air Optix Multifocals to try. I have a pretty large prescription difference between my two eyes (+4.50 for the left eye, +.75 for the right eye).

I've been using that trial set of Air Optix for the last 10 days or so and like the improvement thus far, although they're not perfect. I do find them relatively comfortable and I can actually read normal text with both eyes (a big relief compared to glasses, which I've never been fond of wearing).

Again, I was hoping to see more comments about the Air Optix here...but maybe they're too new to the market or something, eh?

If anyone's been using the Air Optix Multifocals and would like to comment -- especially in comparison to other choices -- I'd love to hear what you've got to say.

How are you doing varuscelli? Are you still wearing Air Optix Multifocals?

varuscelli · #45 (**permalink**) 01-20-2011, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madeinshades

How are you doing varuscelli? Are you still wearing Air Optix Multifocals?

Thanks for asking, madeinshades. I'm still just kind of going with the flow. The Air Optix Multifocals are workable for me, but not ideal. The biggest problem to me is that as the day wears on, my ability to focus clearly seems to diminish.

My thought on that is that I am perhaps experiencing some kind of eye fatigue associated with the less-than-perfect focusing ability these lenses give me (so, perhaps my eyes have to work a bit too hard over the long haul of the day in compensating).

But, I also think it's very much a person-to-person, case-by-case thing. That is, some folks seem fine with them but others have some of the same issues I'm having.

What I'm doing is splitting time between contacts and glasses during the day, often about 50/50 time wise. Not my ideal choice, but a workable compromise. Six or seven years ago, I had tried multifocal contacts and couldn't use them at all, so I'm certainly seeing progress being made in terms of multifocals that actually work for me...so most likely over the next few years other options will appear that are even better.

Nichobec · #46 (**permalink**) 01-21-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Thanks for asking, madeinshades. I'm still just kind of going with the flow. The Air Optix Multifocals are workable for me, but not ideal. The biggest problem to me is that as the day wears on, my ability to focus clearly seems to diminish.

My thought on that is that I am perhaps experiencing some kind of eye fatigue associated with the less-than-perfect focusing ability these lenses give me (so, perhaps my eyes have to work a bit too hard over the long haul of the say in compensating).

But, I also think it's very much a person-to-person, case-by-case thing. That is, some folks seem fine with them but others have some of the same issues I'm having.

What I'm doing is splitting time between contacts and glasses during the say, often about 50/50 time wise. Not my ideal choice, but a workable compromise. Six or seven years ago, I had tried multifocal contacts and couldn't use them at all, so I'm certainly seeing progress being made in terms of multifocals that actually work for me...so most likely over the next few years other options will appear that are even better.

Well, I appreciate your optimism. It must be rather frustrating to put lenses in your eyes to correct your vision and they don't.
It's like the Olympic runner who comes in last in the race. "All that training and I came in last," he thinks. "I could have not trained at all and come in last."

madeinshades · #47 (**permalink**) 01-21-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Thanks for asking, madeinshades. I'm still just kind of going with the flow. The Air Optix Multifocals are workable for me, but not ideal. The biggest problem to me is that as the day wears on, my ability to focus clearly seems to diminish.

My thought on that is that I am perhaps experiencing some kind of eye fatigue associated with the less-than-perfect focusing ability these lenses give me (so, perhaps my eyes have to work a bit too hard over the long haul of the say in compensating).

But, I also think it's very much a person-to-person, case-by-case thing. That is, some folks seem fine with them but others have some of the same issues I'm having.

What I'm doing is splitting time between contacts and glasses during the say, often about 50/50 time wise. Not my ideal choice, but a workable compromise. Six or seven years ago, I had tried multifocal contacts and couldn't use them at all, so I'm certainly seeing progress being made in terms of multifocals that actually work for me...so most likely over the next few years other options will appear that are even better.

Here's hoping that things will get better for you soon, varuscelli.

Nichobec · #48 (**permalink**) 01-24-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Thanks for asking, madeinshades. I'm still just kind of going with the flow. The Air Optix Multifocals are workable for me, but not ideal. The biggest problem to me is that as the day wears on, my ability to focus clearly seems to diminish.

My thought on that is that I am perhaps experiencing some kind of eye fatigue associated with the less-than-perfect focusing ability these lenses give me (so, perhaps my eyes have to work a bit too hard over the long haul of the day in compensating).

But, I also think it's very much a person-to-person, case-by-case thing. That is, some folks seem fine with them but others have some of the same issues I'm having.

What I'm doing is splitting time between contacts and glasses during the day, often about 50/50 time wise. Not my ideal choice, but a workable compromise. Six or seven years ago, I had tried multifocal contacts and couldn't use them at all, so I'm certainly seeing progress being made in terms of multifocals that actually work for me...so most likely over the next few years other options will appear that are even better.

I hope you're right varuscelli. It's amazing some of the things that have come down the pike in contact lens technology. New contacts are hitting the market all the time.

varuscelli · #49 (**permalink**) 01-24-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nichobec

I hope you're right varuscelli. It's amazing some of the things that have come down the pike in contact lens technology. New contacts are hitting the market all the time.

Well...watching the progress over my lifetime of 50-plus years, and more specifically the last 25 years or so (dealing with my amblyopia in one eye and normal but slowing diminishing vision in the other eye), I've seen options for me grow from glasses only (no contact lens option) to single vision contacts to multifocals that are almost there for me -- and all this as my vision has grown progressively worse over the years.

With advancements progressing more rapidly now than ever before, I've no doubt that better solutions for all of us are in the making.

babyfaces · #50 (**permalink**) 02-23-2011, 01:26 PM

I am very new to Air Optix multifocal (1month) and have noticed that I also can see much better when turning my head a few degrees to the left for reading. I wear the multifocal lens in my right eye only. i notice these lenses seem to slip and make me blink a lot to get them back in place. Doc's office thought they were getting too dry, so I have been using drops and doing better, but have had them actually come out of my eye 3 times. I was not rubbing my eyes, just blinking to get them back in place. I am headed back to the doc Friday. Glad to hear that some of my problems are not just me.

varuscelli · #51 (**permalink**) 02-23-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

I am very new to Air Optix multifocal (1month) and have noticed that I also can see much better when turning my head a few degrees to the left for reading. I wear the multifocal lens in my right eye only. i notice these lenses seem to slip and make me blink a lot to get them back in place. Doc's office thought they were getting too dry, so I have been using drops and doing better, but have had them actually come out of my eye 3 times. I was not rubbing my eyes, just blinking to get them back in place. I am headed back to the doc Friday. Glad to hear that some of my problems are not just me.

Hi, babyfaces

If your doctor has anything new to say about the "turning of the head" thing for sharper focus, would you mind passing that along here, too? If he or she has any ideas about the focus issue in particular, I'd sure like to hear about it (as I'm sure others would, too).

Thanks for adding your experiences to the thread!

Logopolis · #52 (**permalink**) 02-23-2011, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Hi, babyfaces

If your doctor has anything new to say about the "turning of the head" thing for sharper focus, would you mind passing that along here, too? If he or she has any ideas about the focus issue in particular, I'd sure like to hear about it (as I'm sure others would, too).

Thanks for adding your experiences to the thread!

Yes, babyfaces, I'd like to know what your doctor has to say as well.

babyfaces · #53 (**permalink**) 02-23-2011, 06:03 PM

I will let you know after I see him then. Hope we all get some simple answers.

babyfaces · #54 (**permalink**) 02-25-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Hi, babyfaces

If your doctor has anything new to say about the "turning of the head" thing for sharper focus, would you mind passing that along here, too? If he or she has any ideas about the focus issue in particular, I'd sure like to hear about it (as I'm sure others would, too).

Thanks for adding your experiences to the thread!

Today I went for a recheck and asked about the "head turning" issue. The assistant thought that it was because when you turn your head and look to the side, you might be looking through a different concentric ring of the contact, plus you are essentially eliminating the use of your distance eye. She also thought there may be some sort of "pinhole" effect, too.
At any rate, today they switched me to PureVision multifocal, both eyes. The sharper vision when looking to the side does not happen with this particular lens for me.
They also said that you should really have to work to ever make a lens pop out. The Pure Vision lenses are flatter, and so perhaps that was a base curve problem. We do sort of anticipate having to change the left eye back to spherical but will have to wait to see for sure. They didn't have my rx for the left eye in stock so have to compromise a bit. They will have the spherical in Monday, but really it depends on how well I can see my monitor at work on Tuesday. Fingers crossed...

coconutoil · #55 (**permalink**) 02-25-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

Today I went for a recheck and asked about the "head turning" issue. The assistant thought that it was because when you turn your head and look to the side, you might be looking through a different concentric ring of the contact, plus you are essentially eliminating the use of your distance eye. She also thought there may be some sort of "pinhole" effect, too.
At any rate, today they switched me to PureVision multifocal, both eyes. The sharper vision when looking to the side does not happen with this particular lens for me.
They also said that you should really have to work to ever make a lens pop out. The Pure Vision lenses are flatter, and so perhaps that was a base curve problem. We do sort of anticipate having to change the left eye back to spherical but will have to wait to see for sure. They didn't have my rx for the left eye in stock so have to compromise a bit. They will have the spherical in Monday, but really it depends on how well I can see my monitor at work on Tuesday. Fingers crossed...

Good, it sounds like your eye doctor is really making an effort to work with you to find a pair of contact lenses that work. I hope to hear some good news from you soon.

ReTina · #56 (**permalink**) 03-04-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazas

Thanks. I took the Air Optix out yesterday morning because my eyes were so irritated - wore the Oasys instead - and my eyes didn't feel right again until I woke up this morning. I popped in the Air Optix and within 5 minutes my eyelids were itching and I started getting red spots below my eyes. Weird - I must have developed an allergy to the material - or possibly to the Blink rewetting drops I was using - threw those out too, just in case.

Anyway, enough of that - I ordered a year of the Oasys. Not perfect but at least comfortable, and perhaps in a year or two there will be an even better alternative.

Thanks for the update. If you decide to try a new brand of contact lenses, let us know how that works out, okay?

unclebuck · #57 (**permalink**) 02-02-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

Today I went for a recheck and asked about the "head turning" issue. The assistant thought that it was because when you turn your head and look to the side, you might be looking through a different concentric ring of the contact, plus you are essentially eliminating the use of your distance eye. She also thought there may be some sort of "pinhole" effect, too.
At any rate, today they switched me to PureVision multifocal, both eyes. The sharper vision when looking to the side does not happen with this particular lens for me.
They also said that you should really have to work to ever make a lens pop out. The Pure Vision lenses are flatter, and so perhaps that was a base curve problem. We do sort of anticipate having to change the left eye back to spherical but will have to wait to see for sure. They didn't have my rx for the left eye in stock so have to compromise a bit. They will have the spherical in Monday, but really it depends on how well I can see my monitor at work on Tuesday. Fingers crossed...

It's been almost a year since you posted this, babyfaces. What's going on?

babyfaces · #58 (**permalink**) 02-02-2012, 07:53 PM

Hello! Thanks for checking on me. I continued with the PureVision multifocal bilaterally and am very pleased. No problems except for an occasional "dry eye" day. Finding the opt. assistant who understands how to make adjustments was key for me. I stayed with the same practice but now go to a different office location just because of this young lady. She's a gem. I will be sending my son there next year as well.

SandiStix · #59 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

Hello! Thanks for checking on me. I continued with the PureVision multifocal bilaterally and am very pleased. No problems except for an occasional "dry eye" day. Finding the opt. assistant who understands how to make adjustments was key for me. I stayed with the same practice but now go to a different office location just because of this young lady. She's a gem. I will be sending my son there next year as well.

Fantastic. We're glad you're doing so well. Do you use any drops or anything for that occasional dry eye?

babyfaces · #60 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandiStix

Fantastic. We're glad you're doing so well. Do you use any drops or anything for that occasional dry eye?

yes, thankfully the otc drops work well for me.

FaceofBoe · #61 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

yes, thankfully the otc drops work well for me.

Cool. Would you recommend those drops by name to your friends on Lens 101?

babyfaces · #62 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012, 12:31 PM

The drops I use are Blinks Contacts Lubricating Eye drops.

Wierdscience · #63 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

The drops I use are Blinks Contacts Lubricating Eye drops.

Does the box look like this?

babyfaces · #64 (**permalink**) 02-04-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wierdscience

Does the box look like this?

It has been a while, but I think so.

Walkaway · #65 (**permalink**) 02-14-2012, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

Hello! Thanks for checking on me. I continued with the PureVision multifocal bilaterally and am very pleased. No problems except for an occasional "dry eye" day. Finding the opt. assistant who understands how to make adjustments was key for me. I stayed with the same practice but now go to a different office location just because of this young lady. She's a gem. I will be sending my son there next year as well.

Thanks for getting back to us. I guess things are going pretty well for you. Does your son wear contact lenses, too?

coconutoil · #66 (**permalink**) 02-14-2012, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

It has been a while, but I think so.

Wow, how long have you had that bottle of Blink eye drops?

Petra · #67 (**permalink**) 02-14-2012, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

Hello! Thanks for checking on me. I continued with the PureVision multifocal bilaterally and am very pleased. No problems except for an occasional "dry eye" day. Finding the opt. assistant who understands how to make adjustments was key for me. I stayed with the same practice but now go to a different office location just because of this young lady. She's a gem. I will be sending my son there next year as well.

I'm glad things are going well for you babyfaces and that you found a good opticians assistant. I only hope the optician is even better.

babyfaces · #68 (**permalink**) 02-14-2012, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkaway

Thanks for getting back to us. I guess things are going pretty well for you. Does your son wear contact lenses, too?

Yes, he has been in contacts since he was 14. He wore glasses beginning at age 8.

Moneyfornothin · #69 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyfaces

Yes, he has been in contacts since he was 14. He wore glasses beginning at age 8.

It sounds like he has had plenty of experience wearing contact lenses and glasses. Hopefully it translated into skill in fitting them.

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