Problems with Airoptix Aqua

Arionr · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 12:38 AM

Hello everyone,

I am a contact lenses user for about two years since now.

But i have found a problem with Air Optix Aqua and i'm very suprirsed !

I have been using Focus Monthly Visitint with powers -1.50 Right and -1.25 LEFT and actually these are my powers determined by 2 or 3 doctors.
Now i have bought Air Optix Aqua with those powers and i'm having problems with vision because it's kind of mispowers you know like blurry vision because of powers. I cannot use them, cuz they give me headache at the end of the day.

Can someone tell me what the problems.

Thank you very much !

Knotlob · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

Hello everyone,

I am a contact lenses user for about two years since now.

But i have found a problem with AIR OPTIX AQUA and i'm very suprirsed !

I have been using FOCUS MONTHLY VISITINT with powers -1.50 Right and -1.25 LEFT and actually these are my powers determined by 2 or 3 doctors.
Now i have bought Air Optix Aqua with those powers and i'm having problems with vision because it's kind of mispowers you know like blurry vision because of powers. I cannot use them, cuz they give me headache at the end of the day.

Can someone tell me what the problems.

Thank you very much !

Hello Arionr, Welcome to the forum.

Your Air Optix represent a change from a standard hydrogel lens material to a silicone hydrogel lens material. Normally silicone hydrogel should be more oxygen permeable and better for your eyes, but some people have problems with silicone hydrogel, though this doesn't sound like an allergy, etc.

I switched to a Coopervision Biofinity lens, which is also a silicone hydrogel material and although I had worn contact lenses for about 35 years it surprisingly took some time (maybe a month) to fully get used to them (though there was a slight error with the power of the lenses I was prescribed).

It may just be a case of getting used to the lens, but if you are getting headaches, that might also indicate the lenses are too powerful for your eyes.

Did you get the Air Optix Aqua from your optician or have you managed to buy these on line without a prescription? If you are changing lenses, you need to have the optician check that the lenses move correctly on your eye (i.e. correct base curve) and also that the power of the lenses is correct for your eyes.

I suggest that if the problem hasn't improved after a few more days, you have your optician check the fit of the lenses on your eyes and certainly see your optician if you have not already seen him/her with your new lenses.

(My eyes are both the same strength spherical correction, although I have minor astigmatism in each eye, which is not quite the same. So if the optician prescribes different powers for each of my eyes (say 0.25D difference) then I would be questioning that, as I find it gives me an imbalance reading with reading spectacles and the contact lenses).

knotlob

Arionr · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 10:13 AM

The Air Optix Aqua lenses are extremely comfortable in my eye. When i lastly was to the optician 4 months ago, i was given these powers for eye.

Actually i got the contact lenses without prescription. I have just realized that my old contact lenses "Visitin Monthly" have a diameter of 14 and those Air Optix have 14.2. I was just wondering may this be the reason of blurry vision and headache (due to not being able to focus very well) ?
Does diameter play an important role ?!

Btw, tomorrow i'm going to my optician with my new lenses. Should have done this before i have bought them. My fault after all

...

thank you for your time and reply

ReTina · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

The Air Optix Aqua lenses are extremely comfortable in my eye. When i lastly was to the optician 4 months ago, i was given these powers for eye.

Actually i got the contact lenses without prescription. I have just realized that my old contact lenses "Visitin Monthly" have a diameter of 14 and those Air Optix have 14.2. I was just wondering may this be the reason of blurry vision and headache (due to not being able to focus very well) ?
Does diameter play an important role ?!

Btw, tomorrow i'm going to my optician with my new lenses. Should have done this before i have bought them. My fault after all

...

thank you for your time and reply

Hi Arionr, and welcome to Lens 101.

Sorry to hear about your problems with Air Optix Aqua. These are normally good lenses that people are very happy with. How did you get them without a prescription? Last I heard, that was illegal.

Let us know how it goes at the optician's office. I hope you take the opportunity to get a prescription and I wish you well.

Knotlob · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

The Air Optix Aqua lenses are extremely comfortable in my eye. When i lastly was to the optician 4 months ago, i was given these powers for eye.

Actually i got the contact lenses without prescription. I have just realized that my old contact lenses "Visitin Monthly" have a diameter of 14 and those Air Optix have 14.2. I was just wondering may this be the reason of blurry vision and headache (due to not being able to focus very well) ?
Does diameter play an important role ?!

Btw, tomorrow i'm going to my optician with my new lenses. Should have done this before i have bought them. My fault after all

...

thank you for your time and reply

Hello Arionr

Thanks for the feedback.

The diameter does make a small difference in the 'effective' base curve, so perhaps the base curve is not quite right. However, that is easy for your optician to check. A larger diameter lens with the same nominal base curve results in a smaller effective base curve - i.e. a tighter/steeper base curve, which may give you some problems.

See this Lens Tutorial link here for more information if required (The Diameter/Base Curve Relationship):

http://www.eyetec.net/group7/M32S1.htm

knotlob

Droopy · #6 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 01:12 PM

Pardon me for interrupting, but I went to that tutorial that Knotlob gave a link to and it's really interesting. I learned a lot just glancing over the site a little bit. I think I'm going to bookmark it. Thanks.

Knotlob · #7 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droopy

Pardon me for interrupting, but I went to that tutorial that Knotlob gave a link to and it's really interesting. I learned a lot just glancing over the site a little bit. I think I'm going to bookmark it. Thanks.

Yes, there is a lot of good hard information in there if you have the time to go through the tutorials.

knotlob

Arionr · #8 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 02:15 PM

Hello everyone,

I have just been to my optician (who is claimed to be one of the best around here)...anyway my BC is 8.6 (and so it is in the contacts of Air Optix) and the Diameter of my Eye is 14.0 (and my contacts are 14.2) but he said that the diameter should not be a problem. Anyway my eye powers have remained the same (same as my contacts).

He said that there should be a problem with the contacts because with the same powers of Monthly Visitint my vision is just fine and good, but with those of Air Optix Aqua i'm having problems with both eyes.

About the fact that they are made of silicone, he said that if it was not compatible with your eye, your eye would turn red after a while so that should not be a reason...after all you should have clear vision at least for a while...this is what he said.

I don't know, this is just all confusing for me. Do you think that there might be problems with lenses. I have checked the due date, and it's just fine (2014/09).

Hoping for an answer cuz i'm really disappointed (don't know with that anymore

).

Thank you everyone for your answers

...

321contacts · #9 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

Hello everyone,

I have just been to my optician (who is claimed to be one of the best around here)...anyway my BC is 8.6 (and so it is in the contacts of Air Optix) and the Diameter of my Eye is 14.0 (and my contacts are 14.2) but he said that the diameter should not be a problem. Anyway my eye powers have remained the same (same as my contacts).

He said that there should be a problem with the contacts because with the same powers of Monthly Visitint my vision is just fine and good, but with those of Air Optix Aqua i'm having problems with both eyes.

About the fact that they are made of silicone, he said that if it was not compatible with your eye, your eye would turn red after a while so that should not be a reason...after all you should have clear vision at least for a while...this is what he said.

I don't know, this is just all confusing for me. Do you think that there might be problems with lenses. I have checked the due date, and it's just fine (2014/09).

Hoping for an answer cuz i'm really disappointed (don't know with that anymore

).

Thank you everyone for your answers

...

I'm sorry that you're still having problems, Arionr. It must be very frustrating to talk to a professional and still not feel any better.

I'm not an eye doctor, but I find it hard to believe that just because your eyes aren't red there's no problem with the silicone. Perhaps Knotlob or someone else can shed some light on why silicone may not be the best material for you.

Hang in there. I believe there's an answer for you.

Knotlob · #10 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

Hello everyone,

I have just been to my optician (who is claimed to be one of the best around here)...anyway my BC is 8.6 (and so it is in the contacts of Air Optix) and the Diameter of my Eye is 14.0 (and my contacts are 14.2) but he said that the diameter should not be a problem. Anyway my eye powers have remained the same (same as my contacts).

He said that there should be a problem with the contacts because with the same powers of Monthly Visitint my vision is just fine and good, but with those of Air Optix Aqua i'm having problems with both eyes.

About the fact that they are made of silicone, he said that if it was not compatible with your eye, your eye would turn red after a while so that should not be a reason...after all you should have clear vision at least for a while...this is what he said.

I don't know, this is just all confusing for me. Do you think that there might be problems with lenses. I have checked the due date, and it's just fine (2014/09).

Hoping for an answer cuz i'm really disappointed (don't know with that anymore

).

Thank you everyone for your answers

...

Hi Arionr

Yes, your optician is correct in that if there was an allergy, or otherwise adverse reaction to the silicone hydrogel lens, you would likely get red eyes. But as I said previously, that doesn't seem to be a problem.

While it is possible to get a duff lens (manufacturing fault) I think it would be unlikely/unlucky to have two bad lenses. You say that both eyes are giving problems. Otherwise if only one eye was problematic, I would have suggested swapping lenses to the alternate eye temporarily to see if there was a problem associated with a particular lens.

I think your optician has exhausted most of the possibilities and it may just be a case of giving the lenses a couple more weeks to settle down and your eyes to get used to them. Otherwise, you may need to consider another brand of silicone hydrogel lenses (even though the ones you have are well reputed).

knotlob

Arionr · #11 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 02:59 PM

@Knotlob,

Actually me left eye with the power -1.25 is not that bad, i kind of have clear vision with that one. Just gave it a try and it's nice with this one. Hmmm but the other one 1.50 seems to be the problem. I guess i must go to the place where i bought them and see what they say. And this time i'll go with my prescription.

But i'm worried about something. Is it possible that due to this contact lens (right one with -1.50) a contact lens with "maybe a problem", i could have gotten this headache. Uhh it was really annoying last night when i went to sleep. It was kind of pain behind the eye. I still got a liiiiiiiiiiiiight headache sometimes during the day for a minute, but i can see that today that i have used my old lenses, this headache and "eye pain" has started to disappear.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me and helping me out of this situation

. Sorry if i have caused any trouble!

Thanks again !

BettyBoop · #12 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

While it is possible to get a duff lens (manufacturing fault) I think it would be unlikely/unlucky to have two bad lenses.
knotlob

Duff Man objects to your use of the word "duff" to mean "defective."

Oh yeah!

Knotlob · #13 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BettyBoop

Duff Man objects to your use of the word "duff" to mean "defective."

Oh yeah!

Ah, another cultural difference. Is Duff a US beer?

We don't seem to have Duff beer or other products directly named 'Duff' (for obvious reasons!)

knotlob

Knotlob · #14 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

@Knotlob,

Actually me left eye with the power -1.25 is not that bad, i kind of have clear vision with that one. Just gave it a try and it's nice with this one. Hmmm but the other one 1.50 seems to be the problem. I guess i must go to the place where i bought them and see what they say. And this time i'll go with my prescription.

But i'm worried about something. Is it possible that due to this contact lens (right one with -1.50) a contact lens with "maybe a problem", i could have gotten this headache. Uhh it was really annoying last night when i went to sleep. It was kind of pain behind the eye. I still got a liiiiiiiiiiiiight headache sometimes during the day for a minute, but i can see that today that i have used my old lenses, this headache and "eye pain" has started to disappear.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me and helping me out of this situation

. Sorry if i have caused any trouble!

Thanks again !

Hello Arionr

OK, so you problem is only really with your right eye and both lenses are comfortable and you don't have any problems with red eyes.

It sounds like you may have a problem with the strength of the lens in your right eye if you are getting headaches. However, you said you were at your optician yesterday/day before. Normally the optician would check that your lenses are the correct strength by trying different glass lenses over your eyes (over refraction) while you read the eye chart with your contact lenses in. This would show if the lens was the correct power or not. I would not have thought that a -0.25D difference in lens power would lead to headaches, but of course everybody is different in sensitivity to these things.

Are you sure you haven't mixed up the lenses - left for right, etc?

knotlob

Arionr · #15 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 07:29 AM

Dear Knotlob,

Today after 3 hours from now

i'm going to my optician again with my lenses (air optix). He will do the thing that you already said ! Hmmm no i haven't mixed up the lenses because i'm really careful with that !

Hmm first thing when i come back, i'll write what he said and let u know. I hope there is the problem !

Btw i do agree with you that -0.25 shouldn't give the headache (due to the fact that once i have used -1.25 on my both eyes in lack of contact lenses for 3 days and no headache did appear)...

Hottchick · #16 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Ah, another cultural difference. Is Duff a US beer?

We don't seem to have Duff beer or other products directly named 'Duff' (for obvious reasons!)

knotlob

Allow me.

"Duff" is a fictional brand of beer enjoyed by Homer Simpson. "Duffman" is their equally fictional spokesman who talks about himself in the third person.

I don't know how it is in Germany, but here in the US, "duff" is also an anatomical reference, as in "get off your duff and get to work."

Knotlob · #17 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hottchick

Allow me.

"Duff" is a fictional brand of beer enjoyed by Homer Simpson. "Duffman" is their equally fictional spokesman who talks about himself in the third person.

I don't know how it is in Germany, but here in the US, "duff" is also an anatomical reference, as in "get off your duff and get to work."

Thanks. Funny, I kind of associated that beer with Homer Simpson, even though I have watched very little of the Simpsons.

That particular anatomical reference I haven't heard over on this side of the pond

. More like 'get your aris in gear'.

knotlob

Knotlob · #18 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

Dear Knotlob,

Today after 3 hours from now

i'm going to my optician again with my lenses (air optix). He will do the thing that you already said ! Hmmm no i haven't mixed up the lenses because i'm really careful with that !

Hmm first thing when i come back, i'll write what he said and let u know. I hope there is the problem !

Btw i do agree with you that -0.25 shouldn't give the headache (due to the fact that once i have used -1.25 on my both eyes in lack of contact lenses for 3 days and no headache did appear)...

Sounds good Arionr.

knotlob

Arionr · #19 (**permalink**) 04-02-2010, 11:57 AM

I'm very sorry for not writing earlier but i had some problems with internet and i couldn't get access.

Anyway,

as i told you, i have been to the optician and we came to the conclusion that the Lens -1.50 is actually -1.00 even though it is written as -1.50. I called the optic (the place where i bought them) and told them what the problem was and they said that you can bring them back and we'll give you another pair.

So i will go soon there and change them

...

I hope when i get the new pair they will work out

I'll let you know.

P.S. I will be one week unavailable because i'm leaving for Rome (an excursion) so as soon as i come back at my place i'll change them.

All the best,
Arion

packerbacker · #20 (**permalink**) 04-02-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

I'm very sorry for not writing earlier but i had some problems with internet and i couldn't get access.

Anyway,

as i told you, i have been to the optician and we came to the conclusion that the Lens -1.50 is actually -1.00 even though it is written as -1.50. I called the optic (the place where i bought them) and told them what the problem was and they said that you can bring them back and we'll give you another pair.

So i will go soon there and change them

...

I hope when i get the new pair they will work out

I'll let you know.

P.S. I will be one week unavailable because i'm leaving for Rome (an excursion) so as soon as i come back at my place i'll change them.

All the best,
Arion

I'm glad you found out some answers Arionr. Enjoy your time in Rome and we'll continue this when you get back.

Unless they have the Internet in Rome, too. Maybe you can look into that.

Knotlob · #21 (**permalink**) 04-03-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

I'm very sorry for not writing earlier but i had some problems with internet and i couldn't get access.

Anyway,

as i told you, i have been to the optician and we came to the conclusion that the Lens -1.50 is actually -1.00 even though it is written as -1.50. I called the optic (the place where i bought them) and told them what the problem was and they said that you can bring them back and we'll give you another pair.

So i will go soon there and change them

...

I hope when i get the new pair they will work out

I'll let you know.

P.S. I will be one week unavailable because i'm leaving for Rome (an excursion) so as soon as i come back at my place i'll change them.

All the best,
Arion

I hope it works out OK.

Bye the way, Rome is a very nice city to visit for a few days. Enjoy.

knotlob

Droopy · #22 (**permalink**) 04-23-2010, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

I'm very sorry for not writing earlier but i had some problems with internet and i couldn't get access.

Anyway,

as i told you, i have been to the optician and we came to the conclusion that the Lens -1.50 is actually -1.00 even though it is written as -1.50. I called the optic (the place where i bought them) and told them what the problem was and they said that you can bring them back and we'll give you another pair.

So i will go soon there and change them

...

I hope when i get the new pair they will work out

I'll let you know.

P.S. I will be one week unavailable because i'm leaving for Rome (an excursion) so as soon as i come back at my place i'll change them.

All the best,
Arion

So, how was your excursion to Rome, Arion? Did you see anyone wearing Air Optix Aqua while you were there?

More importantly, did you get your own contact lens issues cleared up?

321contacts · #23 (**permalink**) 05-25-2010, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

I'm very sorry for not writing earlier but i had some problems with internet and i couldn't get access.

Anyway,

as i told you, i have been to the optician and we came to the conclusion that the Lens -1.50 is actually -1.00 even though it is written as -1.50. I called the optic (the place where i bought them) and told them what the problem was and they said that you can bring them back and we'll give you another pair.

So i will go soon there and change them

...

I hope when i get the new pair they will work out

I'll let you know.

P.S. I will be one week unavailable because i'm leaving for Rome (an excursion) so as soon as i come back at my place i'll change them.

All the best,
Arion

Hi Arion,

This is kind of a long thread, so forgive me if you've already answered this question. Have you checked the sponsor of this site, Lens.com for your contacts? I understand they do a pretty good job of giving you the right contact lenses according to your prescription. Just click on the red banner below.

harliman · #24 (**permalink**) 06-13-2010, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

Hello everyone,

I am a contact lenses user for about two years since now.

But i have found a problem with AIR OPTIX AQUA and i'm very suprirsed !

I have been using FOCUS MONTHLY VISITINT with powers -1.50 Right and -1.25 LEFT and actually these are my powers determined by 2 or 3 doctors.
Now i have bought Air Optix Aqua with those powers and i'm having problems with vision because it's kind of mispowers you know like blurry vision because of powers. I cannot use them, cuz they give me headache at the end of the day.

Can someone tell me what the problems.

Thank you very much !

Hi there..

just trying to get an understanding here.. as far as i know, there is no relationship between the material of Silicone Hydrogel to the discomforts of using it.

The function of Silicone is to transfer more oxygen to your eyes. That's why, the water content of Air Optix Aqua (33%) is lower than Focus Monthly (55%), because the function of Oxygen transfer, has been substituted by Silicone. Meanwhile, Oxygen transferred by Air Optix Aqua (Dk/t: 138) 5 times higher than Focus mONthly (dk/t: 20)

Why discomfort and blurry vision ? That's because the design of the lens, BIASPHERIC (correct me if i'm wrong). That's why when using Air Optix Aqua, u have to use the power that you are using in Rx Spectacles. You can not use the same power as your Focus Monthly because it's different by lens design.

That's from me..

Delta88 · #25 (**permalink**) 06-14-2010, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harliman

Hi there..

just trying to get an understanding here.. as far as i know, there is no relationship between the material of Silicone Hydrogel to the discomforts of using it.

The function of Silicone is to transfer more oxygen to your eyes. That's why, the water content of Air Optix Aqua (33%) is lower than Focus Monthly (55%), because the function of Oxygen transfer, has been substituted by Silicone. Meanwhile, Oxygen transferred by Air Optix Aqua (Dk/t: 138) 5 times higher than Focus mONthly (dk/t: 20)

Why discomfort and blurry vision ? That's because the design of the lens, BIASPHERIC (correct me if i'm wrong). That's why when using Air Optix Aqua, u have to use the power that you are using in Rx Spectacles. You can not use the same power as your Focus Monthly because it's different by lens design.

That's from me..

Thanks for the technical answer, harliman. I don't know enough about transfer of oxygen and biasphereic design to correct you, so I'll just nod my head like a bobble head doll and move on.

mgash · #26 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

Hello everyone,

I have just been to my optician (who is claimed to be one of the best around here)...anyway my BC is 8.6 (and so it is in the contacts of Air Optix) and the Diameter of my Eye is 14.0 (and my contacts are 14.2) but he said that the diameter should not be a problem. Anyway my eye powers have remained the same (same as my contacts).

He said that there should be a problem with the contacts because with the same powers of Monthly Visitint my vision is just fine and good, but with those of Air Optix Aqua i'm having problems with both eyes.

About the fact that they are made of silicone, he said that if it was not compatible with your eye, your eye would turn red after a while so that should not be a reason...after all you should have clear vision at least for a while...this is what he said.

I don't know, this is just all confusing for me. Do you think that there might be problems with lenses. I have checked the due date, and it's just fine (2014/09).

Hoping for an answer cuz i'm really disappointed (don't know with that anymore

).

Thank you everyone for your answers

...

You said optician, do you mean optometrist? If your rx is ok for one lens and not another, then the power has to be adjusted on the newer lens. This is why contacts should be fitted by an ecp. If your doc gave you samples of Air Optics, he could adjust the power, and when the right one was identified, you would be given a script that is right for you. It's like buying shoes. You wouldn't assume every shoe of the same size is going to fit well.

Rosetyler · #27 (**permalink**) 07-08-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

You said optician, do you mean optometrist?

They call this website "Lens 101" and so I'd like to just take a moment for some basic, 101 definitions. (From lasersurgeryforeyes.com.)

Optician vs. Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist

A patient that requires contact lenses or glasses will seek the help of an optician. An optician fills lens prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses, written by the optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Opticians are not responsible, nor trained, for eye examinations or treatment solutions for eye disorders. They help you pick our your frames and adjust them to fit comfortably.

Optometrists are doctors who perform annual examinations to treat any vision problems and detect signs of disease and abnormal conditions. Examinations may also include testing for glaucoma, color perception, depth, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists must be licensed, have a Doctor of Optometry degree, and pass a state board examination.

Ophthalmologists must acquire a Doctor of Medicine degree, a broad knowledge of general medicine, and clinical training. If a person requires medical or surgical care for an eye disease or an eye injury, he or she will seek the assistance of an ophthalmologist. Your refractive laser surgeon MUST be an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists must acquire a Doctor of Medicine degree, a broad knowledge of general medicine, and clinical training. This provides them with enough experience to diagnose and treat all types of eye disorders.

Ophthalmologists are the only Eye Care Professionals certified to perform surgery on the eye. A subspecialist has undergone additional years of medical training exclusively in their chosen area of expertise, for example, retinal diseases, glaucoma, cornea or pediatrics.

Jawa · #28 (**permalink**) 07-12-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harliman

Why discomfort and blurry vision ? That's because the design of the lens, BIASPHERIC (correct me if i'm wrong). That's why when using Air Optix Aqua, u have to use the power that you are using in Rx Spectacles.

Really? I was always told that your eyeglasses prescription is going to be different from your contact lens prescription because a contact lens sits right on your eye, not a an inch or two in front of your eyes as in glasses. Is that somewhat correct, at least?

Jawa · #29 (**permalink**) 07-12-2010, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosetyler

They call this website "Lens 101" and so I'd like to just take a moment for some basic, 101 definitions. (From lasersurgeryforeyes.com.)

Optician vs. Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist

A patient that requires contact lenses or glasses will seek the help of an optician. An optician fills lens prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses, written by the optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Opticians are not responsible, nor trained, for eye examinations or treatment solutions for eye disorders. They help you pick our your frames and adjust them to fit comfortably.

Optometrists are doctors who perform annual examinations to treat any vision problems and detect signs of disease and abnormal conditions. Examinations may also include testing for glaucoma, color perception, depth, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists must be licensed, have a Doctor of Optometry degree, and pass a state board examination.

Ophthalmologists must acquire a Doctor of Medicine degree, a broad knowledge of general medicine, and clinical training. If a person requires medical or surgical care for an eye disease or an eye injury, he or she will seek the assistance of an ophthalmologist. Your refractive laser surgeon MUST be an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists must acquire a Doctor of Medicine degree, a broad knowledge of general medicine, and clinical training. This provides them with enough experience to diagnose and treat all types of eye disorders.

Ophthalmologists are the only eye care professionals certified to perform surgery on the eye. A subspecialist has undergone additional years of medical training exclusively in their chosen area of expertise, for example, retinal diseases, glaucoma, cornea or pediatrics.

Thanks for clearing things up, Rosetyler.

Knotlob · #30 (**permalink**) 07-12-2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jawa

Thanks for clearing things up, Rosetyler.

Just to clarify that I think this is the situation in N America.

If you go to an optician in the UK or Ireland, they will often be trained to fit contact lenses, etc. but they don't usually have a special title. They can do glaucoma tests, etc.

An eye doctor would be someone special who you would go to for serious, non-routine problems.

Germany seems to be somewhere between the UK and N America practice.

knotlob

StairMaster71 · #31 (**permalink**) 07-12-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosetyler

They call this website "Lens 101" and so I'd like to just take a moment for some basic, 101 definitions. (From lasersurgeryforeyes.com.)

Optician vs. Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist

A patient that requires contact lenses or glasses will seek the help of an optician. An optician fills lens prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses, written by the optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Opticians are not responsible, nor trained, for eye examinations or treatment solutions for eye disorders. They help you pick our your frames and adjust them to fit comfortably.

Optometrists are doctors who perform annual examinations to treat any vision problems and detect signs of disease and abnormal conditions. Examinations may also include testing for glaucoma, color perception, depth, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists must be licensed, have a Doctor of Optometry degree, and pass a state board examination.

Ophthalmologists must acquire a Doctor of Medicine degree, a broad knowledge of general medicine, and clinical training. If a person requires medical or surgical care for an eye disease or an eye injury, he or she will seek the assistance of an ophthalmologist. Your refractive laser surgeon MUST be an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists must acquire a Doctor of Medicine degree, a broad knowledge of general medicine, and clinical training. This provides them with enough experience to diagnose and treat all types of eye disorders.

Ophthalmologists are the only eye care professionals certified to perform surgery on the eye. A subspecialist has undergone additional years of medical training exclusively in their chosen area of expertise, for example, retinal diseases, glaucoma, cornea or pediatrics.

Thanks, Rose. I thing that this posting is going to help a lot of people. Me, I just remember that "ophthalmologist" is such a big long word that it must be used to describe someone with the highest skill and ability to perform something as challenging as surgery. Does that help anyone else here?

mgash · #32 (**permalink**) 07-13-2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StairMaster71

Thanks, Rose. I thing that this posting is going to help a lot of people. Me, I just remember that "ophthalmologist" is such a big long word that it must be used to describe someone with the highest skill and ability to perform something as challenging as surgery. Does that help anyone else here?

Any ECP regardless of which "O" word is their title should do an eye exam with the recomended lenses in place. Jumping between brands, and assuming the prior Rx is ok is a risky shortcut. My Doc gave me samples that ranged between a BC of 8.4 and 8.7, and diameters of 13.8 to 14.2mm. When I asked what wee MY measurements, she replied "That depends on the lens." Each fits differently, which is why I don't buy shoes by mail even thought I know my shoe size. I try a shoe on at JC Penny, I like it, and it fits well, I can always reorder the same SKU on line.

Sk8erBoi · #33 (**permalink**) 07-13-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

Any ECP regardless of which "O" word is their title should do an eye exam with the recomended lenses in place. Jumping between brands, and assuming the prior Rx is ok is a risky shortcut. My Doc gave me samples that ranged between a BC of 8.4 and 8.7, and diameters of 13.8 to 14.2mm. When I asked what wee MY measurements, she replied "That depends on the lens." Each fits differently, which is why I don't buy shoes by mail even thought I know my shoe size. I try a shoe on at JC Penny, I like it, and it fits well, I can always reorder the same SKU on line.

Okay, you lost me. Who said anything about "jumping between brands"? I don't see anything like that in the post that you quoted. It must have been from something that was said further back.
I agree that just because you're a 14.2 diameter and an 8.6 base curve for Air Optix Aqua does not mean that those measurements will apply for any and all brands of contact lenses you may want to try. I like your "shoes by mail" analogy.

mgash · #34 (**permalink**) 07-13-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sk8erBoi

Okay, you lost me. Who said anything about "jumping between brands"? I don't see anything like that in the post that you quoted. It must have been from something that was said further back.
I agree that just because you're a 14.2 diameter and an 8.6 base curve for Air Optix Aqua does not mean that those measurements will apply for any and all brands of contact lenses you may want to try. I like your "shoes by mail" analogy.

I am refering to JAWA's explanation that Air Optix use spectical measurements vs usual contact measerments. This is not relevant if the ECP properly fits the contact. Obviously, in this example, someone was given an Rx for Air Optix with an existing measurement from a prior Rx. This is brand jumping not contact fitting.

RedeyeJedi · #35 (**permalink**) 07-13-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

I am refering to JAWA's explanation that Air Optix use spectical measurements vs usual contact measerments. This is not relevant if the ECP properly fits the contact. Obviously, in this example, someone was given an Rx for Air Optix with an existing measurement from a prior Rx. This is brand jumping not contact fitting.

You mean this posting?

"Really? I was always told that your eyeglasses prescription is going to be different from your contact lens prescription because a contact lens sits right on your eye, not a an inch or two in front of your eyes as in glasses. Is that somewhat correct, at least?"

mgash · #36 (**permalink**) 07-13-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedeyeJedi

You mean this posting?

"Really? I was always told that your eyeglasses prescription is going to be different from your contact lens prescription because a contact lens sits right on your eye, not a an inch or two in front of your eyes as in glasses. Is that somewhat correct, at least?"

Usually. JAWA stated that this is different with Airoptix becasue of design called biaspheric. I have no idea what that means, but if an ECP fits contacts correctly the numbers really don't matter.

captainneo · #37 (**permalink**) 07-13-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

Usually. JAWA stated that this is different with Airoptix becasue of design called biaspheric. I have no idea what that means, but if an ECP fits contacts correctly the numbers really don't matter.

Let's see if we can "clear this up." I found the following definition for "aspheric":
"varying slightly from a perfectly spherical shape." So I'm guessing, because I couldn't find anything useful on line, that something that is "aspheric" is flattened on one side a bit, where a lens that is bi-aspheric is flattened on two sides . . . I think.

A little help here?

321contacts · #38 (**permalink**) 07-13-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainneo

Let's see if we can "clear this up." I found the following definition for "aspheric":
"varying slightly from a perfectly spherical shape." So I'm guessing, because I couldn't find anything useful on line, that something that is "aspheric" is flattened on one side a bit, where a lens that is bi-aspheric is flattened on two sides . . . I think.

A little help here?

Sorry, Captain. I tried looking up this definition and I couldn't find anything that simply said "'bi-aspheric' means______" Dictionary.com just looked at me funny and asked "do you mean 'biospheric'?"

Jawa · #39 (**permalink**) 07-27-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 321contacts

Sorry, Captain. I tried looking up this definition and I couldn't find anything that simply said "'bi-aspheric' means______" Dictionary.com just looked at me funny and asked "do you mean 'biospheric'?"

Yeah, dictionary.com does that once in a while. I think Captanneo's "varying slightly from a perfectly spherical shape" works for me.

Delta88 · #40 (**permalink**) 08-05-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jawa

Yeah, dictionary.com does that once in a while. I think Captanneo's "varying slightly from a perfectly spherical shape" works for me.

I haven't read any objections yet.

Jawa · #41 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta88

Thanks for the technical answer, harliman. I don't know enough about transfer of oxygen and biasphereic design to correct you, so I'll just nod my head like a bobble head doll and move on.

Weird bobbleheads.

"Make sure you get the matching Kirk and Spock bobble heads, and make sure they light up!

comicbookguy · #42 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainneo

Let's see if we can "clear this up." I found the following definition for "aspheric":
"varying slightly from a perfectly spherical shape." So I'm guessing, because I couldn't find anything useful on line, that something that is "aspheric" is flattened on one side a bit, where a lens that is bi-aspheric is flattened on two sides . . . I think.

A little help here?

That sounds pretty good to me. If "asymmetrical" means "not symmetrical" than "aspheric" probably means "not spheric . . . al."

Knotlob · #43 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comicbookguy

That sounds pretty good to me. If "asymmetrical" means "not symmetrical" than "aspheric" probably means "not spheric . . . al."

As my optician explained it to me, the eye ball is not perfectly spherical. In practice the cornea has a smaller radius than the rest of the eye ball so it looks like a rounded bump stuck on the front of the eye ball.

knotlob

RedeyeJedi · #44 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

The Air Optix Aqua lenses are extremely comfortable in my eye. When i lastly was to the optician 4 months ago, i was given these powers for eye.

Actually i got the contact lenses without prescription. I have just realized that my old contact lenses "Visitin Monthly" have a diameter of 14 and those Air Optix have 14.2. I was just wondering may this be the reason of blurry vision and headache (due to not being able to focus very well) ?
Does diameter play an important role ?!

Btw, tomorrow i'm going to my optician with my new lenses. Should have done this before i have bought them. My fault after all

...

thank you for your time and reply

So . . . wait a minute. You went to your optician and he or she did not give you a prescription? So then you bought yourself a pair of contact lenses without one? How did you manage that?

captainneo · #45 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

As my optician explained it to me, the eye ball is not perfectly spherical. In practice the cornea has a smaller radius than the rest of the eye ball so it looks like a rounded bump stuck on the front of the eye ball.

knotlob

Yup. Bump on a ball.

Rosetyler · #46 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010, 05:34 PM

Ever notice how as these threads get longer, the stranger the juxtaposition of pictures becomes? In this thread I was scrolling down and saw Duff Man, Mister Spock and the Vatican.

comicbookguy · #47 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

As my optician explained it to me, the eye ball is not perfectly spherical. In practice the cornea has a smaller radius than the rest of the eye ball so it looks like a rounded bump stuck on the front of the eye ball.

knotlob

You're right, and the picture up there illustrates it perfectly.

mgash · #48 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arionr

Hello everyone,

I am a contact lenses user for about two years since now.

But i have found a problem with AIR OPTIX AQUA and i'm very suprirsed !

I have been using FOCUS MONTHLY VISITINT with powers -1.50 Right and -1.25 LEFT and actually these are my powers determined by 2 or 3 doctors.
Now i have bought Air Optix Aqua with those powers and i'm having problems with vision because it's kind of mispowers you know like blurry vision because of powers. I cannot use them, cuz they give me headache at the end of the day.

Can someone tell me what the problems.

Thank you very much !

Did your Dr. give you an Rx based on the numbers you told him, or did he actually measure eyes with them in. This is called a professional fitting.

Bessie · #49 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

Did your Dr. give you an Rx based on the numbers you told him, or did he actually measure eyes with them in. This is called a professional fitting.

Arionr said "Now i have bought Air Optix Aqua with those powers . . . "
It sounds like he or she just copied the prescription from one brand to order another, and then seller of the contact lenses did not confirm the prescription.

Remember kids, make sure you have a valid prescription for your contact lenses when you order. If the people you're ordering from don't care about getting a current prescription, buy your contact lenses someplace else.

mgash · #50 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bessie

Arionr said "Now i have bought Air Optix Aqua with those powers . . . "
It sounds like he or she just copied the prescription from one brand to order another, and then seller of the contact lenses did not confirm the prescription.

Remember kids, make sure you have a valid prescription for your contact lenses when you order. If the people you're ordering from don't care about getting a current prescription, buy your contact lenses someplace else.

The seller is required to verify the prescription, but if the Dr. does not reply within 8 business hours, it is legal to ship. Did they ship you the lenses that were the same as you ordered? Update your prescription, and contact the seller. They usually will exchange unopened boxes if your prescription changes. If there is an error on the order, they should make it good.

Although prescriptions aren't always portable from one brand to another, usually the lens power is the same.

Eldradmustlive · #51 (**permalink**) 12-29-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

The seller is required to verify the prescription, but if the Dr. does not reply within 8 business hours, it is legal to ship. Did they ship you the lenses that were the same as you ordered? Update your prescription, and contact the seller. They usually will exchange unopened boxes if your prescription changes. If there is an error on the order, they should make it good.

It's good to know that you can exchange unopened boxes. Thanks mgash.

mgash · #52 (**permalink**) 02-08-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedeyeJedi

So . . . wait a minute. You went to your optician and he or she did not give you a prescription? So then you bought yourself a pair of contact lenses without one? How did you manage that?

I've done that too. There are two ways, one is to by from oversea. This is not a good idea since you don't know what you are putting in your eye. The other is to go to a seller that will accept only a fax number for your doctor. I sent them my fax number, and of course I didn't confirm. By law if the seller does not get a reply in eight business hours, this is called passive approval, and the seller is free to ship the order.

Curlupndye · #53 (**permalink**) 02-09-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgash

I've done that too. There are two ways, one is to by from oversea. This is not a good idea since you don't know what you are putting in your eye. The other is to go to a seller that will accept only a fax number for your doctor. I sent them my fax number, and of course I didn't confirm. By law if the seller does not get a reply in eight business hours, this is called passive approval, and the seller is free to ship the order.

Yeah, I've read about that "passive approval" thing on this forum. Someone said something about it being like your Mom saying "I didn't say you could do that!" and you reply with "Well, you didn't say I couldn't. I asked and you didn't answer, so I took that as a yes."

That seems kind of lame to me.

JTKirk · #54 (**permalink**) 09-30-2011, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta88

Thanks for the technical answer, harliman. I don't know enough about transfer of oxygen and biasphereic design to correct you, so I'll just nod my head like a bobble head doll and move on.

Wow, from The Simpsons to Star Trek. This thread covers all the bases.

captainneo · #55 (**permalink**) 10-20-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTKirk

Wow, from The Simpsons to Star Trek. This thread covers all the bases.

And you just added a sports metaphor. This thread has almost everything. All we need is a picture of a beautiful girl. Who wants to post a picture of themselves with their Air Optix Aqua? We probably won't be able to see your contacts, but maybe you'll feel generous and give us a picture in glasses as well. What do you say? Will you do it?

Delta88 · #56 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainneo

And you just added a sports metaphor. This thread has almost everything. All we need is a picture of a beautiful girl. Who wants to post a picture of themselves with their Air Optix Aqua? We probably won't be able to see your contacts, but maybe you'll feel generous and give us a picture in glasses as well. What do you say? Will you do it?

This isn't exactly what you asked for, but it is interesting . . .