Air Optix Aqua, problems removing - Is it common?

giodoc · #1 (**permalink**) 01-16-2011, 07:14 AM

Hi Everyone,

I've been using lenses for almost 20yrs now, mostly Baush & Lomb, Optima 38. I recently decided to try out some new technology, ie the silicon Hydrogel options.

So I got samples of Air Optix Aqua, and B&L's PureVision lenses, from the optician.

I only wear lenses a few times a week, and only for 3-4hrs each time, as I have dry eyes.. I'd read online that the brands above are good for dry eyes as they ave a high oxygen permeability etc..

However, with the air optix, when I put them in they were quite comfortable, but when I tried to take them out, I had a really hard time, and eventually had to go back to the optician who got the lens out for me.. I ended up with very sore eyes, which were dry after..

Is this common.. Did they dry my eyes out? Is that why it wouldn't come out..?

Any feedack/advice is much appreciated.

TomTom · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2011, 04:14 PM

I find the Air Optix extremely comfortable. It did take about 2 weeks for my eyes to adjust to them completely. It helps if you use Rewetting drops and I didn't notice my eyes being a little dry until I took them out, but didn't experience anything similiar to what you are describing. I would like to know what your doctor had to say after he or she got them out.

Juicer · #3 (**permalink**) 01-18-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomTom

I find the Air Optix extremely comfortable. It did take about 2 weeks for my eyes to adjust to them completely. It helps if you use Rewetting drops and I didn't notice my eyes being a little dry until I took them out, but didn't experience anything similiar to what you are describing. I would like to know what your doctor had to say after he or she got them out.

What kind of re-wetting drops did you use, TomTom?

TomTom · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2011, 05:46 PM

I use Opti-Free Replemish Rewetting Drops. I've had the lens about 6 weeks now and absolutely love them. They work better if they stay moist.

giodoc · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2011, 03:48 AM

Thx for replying Tom-tom.. My optometrist said I should try the after the soreness in my eyes went down.. Sore because I'd been trying to take them out and they wouldn't budge.. My decision was to leave them well alone and just stick with my B&L lenses.. To scared to put them in again.. having said that they are very comfy.

thecure · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

Thx for replying Tom-tom.. My optometrist said I should try the after the soreness in my eyes went down.. Sore because I'd been trying to take them out and they wouldn't budge.. My decision was to leave them well alone and just stick with my B&L lenses.. To scared to put them in again.. having said that they are very comfy.

Hi there giodoc. I'm glad to see you're getting help with your question here. I hope you can find the courage to try the silicone hydrogel lenses again. It's probably just a matter of practice. Can you feel a difference between the lenses when you're handling them?

TomTom · #7 (**permalink**) 01-19-2011, 11:30 AM

When removing your lens make sure that your hands are completely dry. Blink fully several times, then while looking up, slide the lens down onto the white part of the eye. Remove the lens by gently pinching it between the thumb and forefinger. If the lens is difficult to remove, do not pinch the eye tissue. Apply a lubricating and rewetting drop and try again after several minutes. See if this helps.

Mondas2 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-19-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomTom

When removing your lens make sure that your hands are completely dry. Blink fully several times, then while looking up, slide the lens down onto the white part of the eye. Remove the lens by gently pinching it between the thumb and forefinger. If the lens is difficult to remove, do not pinch the eye tissue. Apply a lubricating and rewetting drop and try again after several minutes. See if this helps.

Thanks for those detailed instructions, TomTom. I think you're going to help a lot of people that way.

giodoc · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2011, 04:51 PM

Yes its very helpful.. Nice to have a place where you can get imaprtial fisrt hand advice

.. Don't know if I'll use them again as my eyes have become very dry after the whole incident.. Maybe caused by the pinching, when trying to get them out..

Juicer · #10 (**permalink**) 01-19-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

Yes its very helpful.. Nice to have a place where you can get imaprtial fisrt hand advice

.. Don't know if I'll use them again as my eyes have become very dry after the whole incident.. Maybe caused by the pinching, when trying to get them out..

I'm glad you fond the site helpful. giodoc. Maybe you just need a break from your contacts for a couple of days.

kat · #11 (**permalink**) 01-21-2011, 11:13 AM

I too have worn contacts for over 20+ years. Proclear, Purevision, no problems.

Now two eye doctors have tried the newer silicone hydrogels on me (Air Optix, Acuvue Oasys) with serious, ghastly effects! My eyes get red, really red. Then I must take the contacts out by 4-5 hours max. Once I do, my eyes get even redder (pure bloodshot) and they immediately start to itch and slightly burn. While the itch and burn starts to calm down after about an hour, the redness does not subside. It has been almost forty hours since I took the contacts out (and they were only in my eyes for 4-5 hours) and my eyes are still sore and red.

This is my forth attempt. The other times the same thing happened -- even worse with vertigo and vomiting and severe head pain. If this plays out like last time the eye redness will last for at least 5-7 days after the removal of the contacts. Can you believe it?

I can only say, do your research. There are many people online who are posting problems with silicone hydrogels (though I had no problems with Purevision which I wore for many years).

I have a terrific new eye doctor and he is working with me and various brands so I will see what's next.

But I think what you are seeing (bad pun) will be more people with an adverse reaction to silicone hydrogel. Trust me, it's nothing to play around with. I was sick for days...and just from contacts?

A word to the wise: if your eyes are red or you're having any problem -- remove them immediately.

Glad to hear you went back to your good old B&Ls. That seems to be where I am heading, too.

madeinshades · #12 (**permalink**) 01-21-2011, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat

I too have worn contacts for over 20+ years. Proclear, Purevision, no problems.

Now two eye doctors have tried the newer silicone hydrogels on me (Air Optix, Acuvue Oasys) with serious, ghastly effects! My eyes get red, really red. Then I must take the contacts out by 4-5 hours max. Once I do, my eyes get even redder (pure bloodshot) and they immediately start to itch and slightly burn. While the itch and burn starts to calm down after about an hour, the redness does not subside. It has been almost forty hours since I took the contacts out (and they were only in my eyes for 4-5 hours) and my eyes are still sore and red.

This is my forth attempt. The other times the same thing happened -- even worse with vertigo and vomiting and severe head pain. If this plays out like last time the eye redness will last for at least 5-7 days after the removal of the contacts. Can you believe it?

I can only say, do your research. There are many people online who are posting problems with silicone hydrogels (though I had no problems with Purevision which I wore for many years).

I have a terrific new eye doctor and he is working with me and various brands so I will see what's next.

But I think what you are seeing (bad pun) will be more people with an adverse reaction to silicone hydrogel. Trust me, it's nothing to play around with. I was sick for days...and just from contacts?

A word to the wise: if your eyes are red or you're having any problem -- remove them immediately.

Glad to hear you went back to your good old B&Ls. That seems to be where I am heading, too.

Welcome to Lens.com, kat. Thanks for sharing your story, although I wish it were a happier story. Do you think that you had such a strong reaction because you have some kind of sensitivity to silicone hydrogel contact lenses?

giodoc · #13 (**permalink**) 01-23-2011, 10:39 AM

Hi Kat, That's really sad to hear, but I can somewhat relate to that.. I mean the dryness after wearing those lenses for just a few hours.. I tried Acuevue moist, then the air optix, and almost 2 weeks after my eyes are still not back to normal, though things have gotten better. I've got a sample of B&L Purevision. You said Purevision didn't affect you adversely?

Maybe its an allergic reaction to the fluid they are immersed in? If it was siliscon hydrogel allergy, then you would have had a problem with the Purevision ones too.. Right? As they are silicon hydrogel too?

kat · #14 (**permalink**) 01-23-2011, 11:09 AM

Dear madeinshades and giodoc,

For some reason I am unable to quick reply, so I hope you read this.

Yes, one would think it is a silicone hydrogel allergy/biocompatibility issue.

However, both the Purevision and Proclear are made of balafilcon A and omafilcon A, both a copolymer silicone vinyl (is that exactly a silicone hydrogel, I don't know. Perhaps they are an earlier incarnation of the newer hydrogels.). Are they exactly the same as the others? Apparently each company creates and trademarks their own silicone hydrogels.

But in the past I had no problems with both these lenses. And I was a lens warrior, wearing them for a month with no problems. My doctor is sending me a pair of the Purevisions or Proclears so I will be able to wear them and report back.

Best to everyone,

Kat

kat · #15 (**permalink**) 01-23-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

Hi Kat, That's really sad to hear, but I can somewhat relate to that.. I mean the dryness after wearing those lenses for just a few hours.. I tried Acuevue moist, then the air optix, and almost 2 weeks after my eyes are still not back to normal, though things have gotten better. I've got a sample of B&L Purevision. You said Purevision didn't affect you adversely?

Maybe its an allergic reaction to the fluid they are immersed in? If it was siliscon hydrogel allergy, then you would have had a problem with the Purevision ones too.. Right? As they are silicon hydrogel too?

Giodoc, please let us know how the B&Ls work out.

BTW, it took three plus days for my eyes to stop being sore and red. They still feel slightly sore but I should be ready to give an old team try when the new lenses arrive.

kat · #16 (**permalink**) 01-23-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

Hi Everyone,

I've been using lenses for almost 20yrs now, mostly Baush & Lomb, Optima 38. I recently decided to try out some new technology, ie the silicon Hydrogel options.

So I got samples of Air Optix Aqua, and B&L's Purevision lenses, from the optician.

I only wear lenses a few times a week, and only for 3-4hrs each time, as I have dry eyes.. I'd read online that the brands above are good for dry eyes as they ave a high oxygen permeability etc..

However, with the air optix, when I put them in they were quite comfortable, but when I tried to take them out, I had a really hard time, and eventually had to go back to the optician who got the lens out for me.. I ended up with very sore eyes, which were dry after..

Is this common.. Did they dry my eyes out? Is that why it wouldn't come out..?

Any feedack/advice is much appreciated.

BTW, the only lenses that have this FDA wording is Coopervision Proclear lenses. You might want to check Proclear lenses out. Here is the wording from Coopervision's site:

Proclear lenses are the only contacts with FDA clearance for the claim: "may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear."

Good luck!

giodoc · #17 (**permalink**) 01-24-2011, 07:59 AM

Hi Kat,
Thanks for the info on proclear. I don't know If I am going to riskit with the purevision lenses, my eyes are still dry, almost 10 days after the debacle.. lol!.. But If I do pluck up the courage I'll let you know how it went.. For now I'm going to play it safe and just stick to my original B&Ls..

Ragnarox · #18 (**permalink**) 01-24-2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat

Dear madeinshades and giodoc,

For some reason I am unable to quick reply, so I hope you read this.

Yes, one would think it is a silicone hydrogel allergy/biocompatibility issue.

However, both the Purevision and Proclear are made of balafilcon A and omafilcon A, both a copolymer silicone vinyl (is that exactly a silicone hydrogel, I don't know. Perhaps they are an earlier incarnation of the newer hydrogels.). Are they exactly the same as the others? Apparently each company creates and trademarks their own silicone hydrogels.

But in the past I had no problems with both these lenses. And I was a lens warrior, wearing them for a month with no problems. My doctor is sending me a pair of the Purevisions or Proclears so I will be able to wear them and report back.

Best to everyone,

Kat

I hope the new lenses finally give you comfort. It's hard to enjoy life when your eyes hurt.

madeinshades · #19 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

Hi Kat,
Thanks for the info on proclear. I don't know If I am going to risk it with the purevision lenses, my eyes are still dry, almost 10 days after the debacle.. lol!.. But If I do pluck up the courage I'll let you know how it went.. For now I'm going to play it safe and just stick to my original B&Ls..

How are you doing giodoc. Are you still wearing your "safe" B & L contact lenses?

Contact Lens Fitter · #20 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011, 08:36 PM

As far as I have heard, so far, there has not been a single case of a pt. reaction to silicone hydro-gel.( this is not the same as what's used in breast implants etc) The issues have always been with fitting or chemicals/solutions.

giodoc · #21 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011, 03:01 AM

@madeinshades: Hi, Yeah I'm still wearing my safe B&Ls.. I think it took my eyes almost a month to recover from that fiasco.. Finally the dryness has gone down.. Wouldn't want to put myself through that again.

@Contact lens Fitter: Whatever the reason, whether its fitting or solutions.. My recommendation to ppl trying out lenses is.. If it doesn't feel "right", ditch it. Its like shoes, get a pair that feels comfortable as soon as you wear em and doesn't give you blisters.. If they do.. either you break your feet or you break the shoes.. More likely your feet..

Earthshock · #22 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomTom

I find the Air Optix extremely comfortable. It did take about 2 weeks for my eyes to adjust to them completely. It helps if you use Rewetting drops and I didn't notice my eyes being a little dry until I took them out, but didn't experience anything similiar to what you are describing. I would like to know what your doctor had to say after he or she got them out.

While you were adjusting to your Air Optix contact lenses, did you experience the same symptoms as those described by giodoc? That is, the contacts stuck to your eyes at the end of the day?

ashweb · #23 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 10:36 AM

Hi, everyone. Just wanted to chime in with my experience. Last year I thought I was allergic to SiH lenses, too...and I'm only 5 days in with Biofinity Toric, but so far so good.

A year ago I saw the ads for Air Optix and asked my OD if I could try that and Acuvue Oasys. I tried Oasys first. The lenses were really gelatinous and sticky, and I had difficulty getting them out at night, terrible redness the following mornings, goopy eyes, sore eyes, etc. My OD insisted that I was reacting to my contact solution or might have had a contaminated bottle or case. I didn't care what the reason. My symptoms were so bad that I went back to Vertex Toric, asking myself why I tried to fix something that wasn't broken! My symptoms cleared immediately when I went back to Vertex - using same solution, same case as with oasys.

Then this year at my checkup, my OD told me about Biofinity. Ever the sucker for a new gimmick, I was game to try SiH again, and I still remember my experience last year, but I thought, "What the heck?"

The first morning after, I had some redness in my left eye. I went hunting advice on here and started taking more care in removing them, adding a drop of rewetting solution before removal, etc.

I still struggle with getting impatient when removing them (they are SO much harder to remove than my Vertex!), but when I take my time, there's no redness, no goop, no soreness. Last night it only took me two tries each eye.

The Biofinity texture is completely different -- hardly sticky at all, and they spring back into shape very fast. They stay put on my eyes throughout the day, and they don't even slide much at all if I lie down.

So I guess what I'm saying is don't give up! Not all SiH lenses are created alike.
Ashley

herbking · #24 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Hi, everyone. Just wanted to chime in with my experience. Last year I thought I was allergic to SiH lenses, too...and I'm only 5 days in with Biofinity Toric, but so far so good.

A year ago I saw the ads for Air Optix and asked my OD if I could try that and Acuvue Oasys. I tried Oasys first. The lenses were really gelatinous and sticky, and I had difficulty getting them out at night, terrible redness the following mornings, goopy eyes, sore eyes, etc. My OD insisted that I was reacting to my contact solution or might have had a contaminated bottle or case. I didn't care what the reason. My symptoms were so bad that I went back to Vertex Toric, asking myself why I tried to fix something that wasn't broken! My symptoms cleared immediately when I went back to Vertex - using same solution, same case as with oasys.

Then this year at my checkup, my OD told me about Biofinity. Ever the sucker for a new gimmick, I was game to try SiH again, and I still remember my experience last year, but I thought, "What the heck?"

The first morning after, I had some redness in my left eye. I went hunting advice on here and started taking more care in removing them, adding a drop of rewetting solution before removal, etc.

I still struggle with getting impatient when removing them (they are SO much harder to remove than my Vertex!), but when I take my time, there's no redness, no goop, no soreness. Last night it only took me two tries each eye.

The Biofinity texture is completely different -- hardly sticky at all, and they spring back into shape very fast. They stay put on my eyes throughout the day, and they don't even slide much at all if I lie down.

So I guess what I'm saying is don't give up! Not all SiH lenses are created alike.
Ashley

Thank you for sharing your story, Ashley. I think you may have helped some of our members with that posting. Hopefully we'll hear from some of them.

shaunatron · #25 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 12:54 PM

I find that they are difficult to remove, sometimes even painful because I end up pinching my eye trying to get ahold of the lens. My colorblends contacts are very easy to take out, but they are noticeable thicker as well. So, I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.

ftngirsh · #26 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaunatron

I find that they are difficult to remove, sometimes even painful because I end up pinching my eye trying to get ahold of the lens. My colorblends contacts are very easy to take out, but they are noticeable thicker as well. So, I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.

Which ones are difficult to remove? Air Optix Aqua?

shaunatron · #27 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftngirsh

Which ones are difficult to remove? Air Optix Aqua?

yes, those are the ones I've had the most trouble with.

ftngirsh · #28 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaunatron

yes, those are the ones I've had the most trouble with.

Okay. I follow you now. I can be a bit slow sometimes.

djezewski · #29 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaunatron

I find that they are difficult to remove, sometimes even painful because I end up pinching my eye trying to get ahold of the lens. My colorblends contacts are very easy to take out, but they are noticeable thicker as well. So, I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.

I was watching a few Utube videos. The one I found most useful is that when you remove you lens look upward and pinch while looking up. I do agree these can be a little difficult to remove. I use the wetting drops a couple minutes before removal as recommended by the other poster

RacerX · #30 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djezewski

I was watching a few Utube videos. The one I found most useful is that when you remove you lens look upward and pinch while looking up. I do agree these can be a little difficult to remove. I use the wetting drops a couple minutes before removal as recommended by the other poster

Has anyone else found anything helpful on YouTube?

By the way. There is a website called "Utube" that you should probably stay away from. WebofTrust gives it red marks for Trustworthiness, Vendor Reliability, Privacy and Child Safety.

thecure · #31 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

@madeinshades: Hi, Yeah I'm still wearing my safe B&Ls.. I think it took my eyes almost a month to recover from that fiasco.. Finally the dryness has gone down.. Wouldn't want to put myself through that again.

@Contact lens Fitter: Whatever the reason, whether its fitting or solutions.. My recommendation to ppl trying out lenses is.. If it doesn't feel "right", ditch it. Its like shoes, get a pair that feels comfortable as soon as you wear em and doesn't give you blisters.. If they do.. either you break your feet or you break the shoes.. More likely your feet..

I'm glad you found something you like. I hope you're still wearing those Purevision lenses comfortably.

giodoc · #32 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011, 10:46 AM

Hi, I've gone back to my trusty optima 38SP's, very comfortable have been wearing them for yonks.. They work for me.. So I'm going to stay clear from silicon hydrogels..

AmigaBonita · #33 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

Hi, I've gone back to my trusty optima 38SP's, very comfortable have been wearing them for yonks.. They work for me.. So I'm going to stay clear from silicon hydrogels..

Back to the trusty Optima 38/ SP. That's good. How long is a "yonk"?

giodoc · #34 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmigaBonita

Back to the trusty Optima 38/ SP. That's good. How long is a "yonk"?

15yrs+.. They work for me.. Why fix it, if it aint broken...

ThaMaster · #35 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Contact Lens Fitter

As far as I have heard, so far, there has not been a single case of a pt. reaction to silicone hydro-gel.( this is not the same as what's used in breast implants etc)

I was hoping to find a picture of some joker with breast implants over their eyes, but can you believe I couldn't find one?
I did find this though . . .

RacerX · #36 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaMaster

I was hoping to find a picture of some joker with breast implants over their eyes, but can you believe I couldn't find one?
I did find this though . . .

Maybe it's best that your original idea didn't work out . . .

Mondas2 · #37 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

They work for me.. Why fix it, if it ain't broken...

You know, I've come across that sentiment more than once on Lens 101.

nickelpeed · #38 (**permalink**) 08-17-2011, 11:54 PM

I'm new at wearing Multifocals. My doctor fit me to Air Optix Aqua Multifocal. They were sooooo comfortable, but I couldn't see distance. He then changed my left contact to the regular Air Optix Aqua. I could see so much better. Then I saw the price. o_O

I asked him to let me try something less expensive. He tried me in PureVision multifocals. My left eye had no problem, but my right eye rejected them. I tried and tried to wear them, even got a box. I just could not wear it in my right eye. It actually caused my eye area to swell. I decided to go back to Air Optix.

I think what worked for me was the fact that they are thin. I can't wear the multifocal in both eyes, but it seems to work really well when I wear the multifocal in my right and a regular lens in the left. I also have to soak my lenses in a preservative free solution after cleaning. Then I keep my rewetting solution cool. It feels great on the eyes.

Also, to take them out, I pull the lower part of the eye down with my right had and take them out with the left. It's easier than to try to take them out with just my right hand.

Lucyfur · #39 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickelpeed

I'm new at wearing Multifocals. My doctor fit me to Air Optix Aqua Multifocal. They were sooooo comfortable, but I couldn't see distance. He then changed my left contact to the regular Air Optix Aqua. I could see so much better. Then I saw the price. o_O

I asked him to let me try something less expensive. He tried me in PureVision multifocals. My left eye had no problem, but my right eye rejected them. I tried and tried to wear them, even got a box. I just could not wear it in my right eye. It actually caused my eye area to swell. I decided to go back to Air Optix.

I think what worked for me was the fact that they are thin. I can't wear the multifocal in both eyes, but it seems to work really well when I wear the multifocal in my right and a regular lens in the left. I also have to soak my lenses in a preservative free solution after cleaning. Then I keep my rewetting solution cool. It feels great on the eyes.

Also, to take them out, I pull the lower part of the eye down with my right had and take them out with the left. It's easier than to try to take them out with just my right hand.

Are you left-handed, nickelpeed? I think it's a lot easier to take your contact lens out with your dominant hand.

nickelpeed · #40 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucyfur

Are you left-handed, nickelpeed? I think it's a lot easier to take your contact lens out with your dominant hand.

I am right handed, but whenever I tried to take them out with my right hand, I couldn't grab them good. I tried it with my left hand and it worked. I think it does because I grab them at an angle. Straight on, my fingernails poke me in the eye. Now, with thicker lenses, I can get them with just my right hand, it's just that Air Optix is so thin, for some reason it's hard to grab them.

bettydaviseyes · #41 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickelpeed

I'm new at wearing Multifocals. My doctor fit me to Air Optix Aqua Multifocal. They were sooooo comfortable, but I couldn't see distance. He then changed my left contact to the regular Air Optix Aqua. I could see so much better. Then I saw the price. o_O

I asked him to let me try something less expensive. He tried me in PureVision multifocals. My left eye had no problem, but my right eye rejected them. I tried and tried to wear them, even got a box. I just could not wear it in my right eye. It actually caused my eye area to swell. I decided to go back to Air Optix.

I think what worked for me was the fact that they are thin. I can't wear the multifocal in both eyes, but it seems to work really well when I wear the multifocal in my right and a regular lens in the left. I also have to soak my lenses in a preservative free solution after cleaning. Then I keep my rewetting solution cool. It feels great on the eyes.

Also, to take them out, I pull the lower part of the eye down with my right had and take them out with the left. It's easier than to try to take them out with just my right hand.

So I guess they're worth the price you paid for them.

nickelpeed · #42 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bettydaviseyes

So I guess they're worth the price you paid for them.

They really were. I could have kicked myself in the butt for spending money on the other boxes, only to find out my right eye just would not let me wear it. Now I have 2 boxes of Purvision Multifocals I really can't wear. I ended up spending the money on the Air Optix anyway. I'm so thankful my husband has patience with me.

Penny

BettyBoop · #43 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickelpeed

They really were. I could have kicked myself in the butt for spending money on the other boxes, only to find out my right eye just would not let me wear it. Now I have 2 boxes of Purvision Multifocals I really can't wear. I ended up spending the money on the Air Optix anyway. I'm so thankful my husband has patience with me.

Penny

Your husband is a good man, but you probably knew that already.

As far as spending money on contacts that didn't work out, how could you have known? If you kept on buying them even after you knew you couldn't wear them in your right eye, then you could have kicked yourself. For now, chalk it up to a lesson learned.

Don't be like this guy:

nickelpeed · #44 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BettyBoop

Your husband is a good man, but you probably knew that already.

As far as spending money on contacts that didn't work out, how could you have known? If you kept on buying them even after you knew you couldn't wear them in your right eye, then you could have kicked yourself. For now, chalk it up to a lesson learned.

Don't be like this guy:

That's a funny picture.

I tried and tried wearing PureVision. I stayed in them for almost a month. That's why I bought the boxes. I can wear them in my left eye, so what I might do is put Air Optix in my right and the Purevision in my left, that way, I'll get use out of them. LOL

Lucyfur · #45 (**permalink**) 08-30-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickelpeed

That's a funny picture.

I tried and tried wearing PureVision. I stayed in them for almost a month. That's why I bought the boxes. I can wear them in my left eye, so what I might do is put Air Optix in my right and the Purevision in my left, that way, I'll get use out of them. LOL

Is your eye doctor okay with your plan?

AmigaBonita · #46 (**permalink**) 08-31-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BettyBoop

Your husband is a good man, but you probably knew that already.

As far as spending money on contacts that didn't work out, how could you have known? If you kept on buying them even after you knew you couldn't wear them in your right eye, then you could have kicked yourself. For now, chalk it up to a lesson learned.

Don't be like this guy:

Right. Never buy anything with a "spring loaded kick delivery apparatus."

Mondas2 · #47 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickelpeed

That's a funny picture.

I tried and tried wearing PureVision. I stayed in them for almost a month. That's why I bought the boxes. I can wear them in my left eye, so what I might do is put Air Optix in my right and the Purevision in my left, that way, I'll get use out of them. LOL

So have you been wearing the PureVision lenses in your left eye an Air Optix in your right, like you said here?

thecure · #48 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickelpeed

I can wear them in my left eye, so what I might do is put Air Optix in my right and the Purevision in my left, that way, I'll get use out of them. LOL

I hope that works for you.

ThaMaster · #49 (**permalink**) 10-26-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickelpeed

I tried and tried wearing PureVision. I stayed in them for almost a month. That's why I bought the boxes. I can wear them in my left eye, so what I might do is put Air Optix in my right and the Purevision in my left, that way, I'll get use out of them. LOL

How is that plan working out for you, nickel?

herbking · #50 (**permalink**) 10-27-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mondas2

You know, I've come across that sentiment more than once on Lens 101.

Let me add an "amen" to the statement that maybe it's best that the original idea didn't work out.

CLSC · #51 (**permalink**) 10-27-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

Thx for replying Tom-tom.. My optometrist said I should try the after the soreness in my eyes went down.. Sore because I'd been trying to take them out and they wouldn't budge.. My decision was to leave them well alone and just stick with my B&L lenses.. To scared to put them in again.. having said that they are very comfy.

Have the exact same problem, though not with the Air Optix Aqua. Comfortable to wear, but extremely difficult to get out without hurting my eye. Used different drops, reduced wearing time, etc. but can't get the lens out of right eye. Now it is happening with the PV lenses. Originally I thought it was the Biofinity lens, but now I guess the problem is my technique, or my right eye.

I'll be following this thread to see any new suggestions.

CLSC · #52 (**permalink**) 10-27-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucyfur

Are you left-handed, nickelpeed? I think it's a lot easier to take your contact lens out with your dominant hand.

Did not see this before, but have been thinking it over, whether or not to attempt to take the lens out of my right eye with my left (non dominant) hand. Not desperate enough to try, but will post back if I do so with any success.

Joeyrosschandler · #53 (**permalink**) 10-28-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLSC

Have the exact same problem, though not with the Air Optix Aqua. Comfortable to wear, but extremely difficult to get out without hurting my eye.

I guess when you put them in they really settle in.

Contact Lens Fitter · #54 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 11:36 AM

The lens Base curve may be too tight ( one size does not fit all ), or the lens material may be to blame. Each silicone gel lens is different.

HVAC · #55 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giodoc

Hi, I've gone back to my trusty optima 38SP's, very comfortable have been wearing them for yonks.. They work for me.. So I'm going to stay clear from silicon hydrogels..

We haven't heard from you for a few months, gidoc. I'm hoping that all is gong well for you and that you're wearing your Optima 38 SP contacts comfortably.

BettyBoop · #56 (**permalink**) 11-08-2011, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HVAC

We haven't heard from you for a few months, gidoc. I'm hoping that all is gong well for you and that you're wearing your Optima 38 SP contacts comfortably.

Yes, I'd say that we all have nothing but good wishes for gidoc.

Mondas2 · #57 (**permalink**) 12-06-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Contact Lens Fitter

The lens Base curve may be too tight ( one size does not fit all ), or the lens material may be to blame. Each silicone gel lens is different.

Would that explain why any contact lens might be difficult to remove?

thecure · #58 (**permalink**) 12-14-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLSC

Did not see this before, but have been thinking it over, whether or not to attempt to take the lens out of my right eye with my left (non dominant) hand. Not desperate enough to try, but will post back if I do so with any success.

What's going on CLSC? Have you resorted to left-handed contact lens handling?