New Contact Wearer - Alternative Monovision trial

oldage · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 04:49 PM

Hey folks -

I am new to contact lenses and have zero history. I am near the end of week one of a trial for an alternative monovision correction -- using a multifocal in my non dominant eye for mid and near correction and a single vision in my dominant eye for distance.

I went in for my first retest/consult after wearing these for about a week and I explained a bit of my findings to my Dr. and she told me that she never heard of my issue.

As many have experienced, this is not a panacea of perfection but I am aiming for the best as possible. Being an IT professional, I work in front of computers often -- and with multiple or substantial screens.

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.

It is sort of like looking through my progressive lenses where you need to find that sweet spot. The distance doesn't change, my eye is remaining in the same plane... it's just that much better with my head turned slightly.

Ideas? Feedback?

AGE

Knotlob · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldage

Hey folks -

I am new to contact lenses and have zero history. I am near the end of week one of a trial for an alternative monovision correction -- using a multifocal in my non dominant eye for mid and near correction and a single vision in my dominant eye for distance.

I went in for my first retest/consult after wearing these for about a week and I explained a bit of my findings to my Dr. and she told me that she never heard of my issue.

As many have experienced, this is not a panacea of perfection but I am aiming for the best as possible. Being an IT professional, I work in front of computers often -- and with multiple or substantial screens.

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.

It is sort of like looking through my progressive lenses where you need to find that sweet spot. The distance doesn't change, my eye is remaining in the same plane... it's just that much better with my head turned slightly.

Ideas? Feedback?

AGE

Hello oldage and welcome to Lens101

I prefer to have my eyes corrected for distance and use reading glasses for close up work, PC, etc. So I have no experience with multi-focal lenses.

What you describe sounds a bit like you are looking through a different part of your contact lens and this is a different power, so giving sharper vision, but your lenses should stay centred on the cornea, making this less likely.

Perhaps some others with experience of these multi-focal lenses can add their experiences to your post?

knotlob

oldage · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 10:53 AM

Knotlob -

Thanks for the reply...

That's what I first thought but my Dr. reports that it's an aspheric lens, that the eye remains focused on the spot and as one turns their head, the eye doesn't move nor does the lens "float across the eye." She checked that when I blink the lens behaves as it should and it did... full eye roll/up down, etc....

The simple fact that I can repeat this time and time again accurately -- very slow, very fast, day, night, etc. is interesting. I asked her if my head is turning, does the optic nerve change/retina change? Her answer was no...

Do we have access to any sponsor reps? For what it's worth, it is an Air Optix Multifocal.

AGE

Juicer · #4 (**permalink**) 08-23-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldage

Knotlob -

Thanks for the reply...

That's what I first thought but my Dr. reports that it's an aspheric lens, that the eye remains focused on the spot and as one turns their head, the eye doesn't move nor does the lens "float across the eye." She checked that when I blink the lens behaves as it should and it did... full eye roll/up down, etc....

The simple fact that I can repeat this time and time again accurately -- very slow, very fast, day, night, etc. is interesting. I asked her if my head is turning, does the optic nerve change/retina change? Her answer was no...

Do we have access to any sponsor reps? For what it's worth, it is an Air Optix Multifocal.

AGE

I'm surprised than no "sponsor reps" jumped on this thread in the six months it's been up here so far. How are you doing, oldage? Is your relationship with your bifocal contacts improving?

Bpiper · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldage

Hey folks -

I am new to contact lenses and have zero history. I am near the end of week one of a trial for an alternative monovision correction -- using a multifocal in my non dominant eye for mid and near correction and a single vision in my dominant eye for distance.

I went in for my first retest/consult after wearing these for about a week and I explained a bit of my findings to my Dr. and she told me that she never heard of my issue.

As many have experienced, this is not a panacea of perfection but I am aiming for the best as possible. Being an IT professional, I work in front of computers often -- and with multiple or substantial screens.

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.

It is sort of like looking through my progressive lenses where you need to find that sweet spot. The distance doesn't change, my eye is remaining in the same plane... it's just that much better with my head turned slightly.

Ideas? Feedback?

AGE

How's it going, Oldage? It's been a while since we've heard from you and you've already got some replies. Did they help you at all?

Reading your post, it seems as though your vision becomes "razor sharp" when you turn your head about 30 degrees. Does it work that way in either direction? If not, then maybe you should take note of which side you're looking out of when things look clear and get two lenses that match that prescription. In other words, if you see better out of your right eye, then whatever lens you have in that eye might be what you need in both eyes. Does that make sense?

varuscelli · #6 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldage

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.

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've been searching all over the place the last few days to find any similar experience referenced with no luck (but for this thread).

Al

CousinMuscles · #7 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 09:27 AM

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've been searching all over the place the last few days to find any similar experience referenced with no luck (but for this thread).

Al

I was just reading this thread and thinking how odd oldage's experience was, then you come along and report the same thing? I wonder how many others there are out there?
What happens when you keep both eyes open and turn your head?

varuscelli · #8 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CousinMuscles

I was just reading this thread and thinking how odd oldage's experience was, then you come along and report the same thing? I wonder how many others there are out there?
What happens when you keep both eyes open and turn your head?

Because I'm so right-eye dominant with the lazy eye/amblyopia in my left eye, my results might not be the same as someone with similar vision in both eyes.

But, given that, if I have both eyes open and turn my head to the left, text (for instance, text on the computer screen) snaps in to sharper focus. But, because I'm so right-eye dominant, it's just that my right eye is seeing the image going into focus and my left eye essentially does not see it. Edit: To test my left eye, I MUST close my right eye. But, if I test each eye separately by closing the other eye, I get similar results to what I have described (each eye requires a slight head turn in the opposite direction to achieve sharp focus).

I'm actually trying two set of trial lenses. My doctor gave me a set of Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals to see if I get the same effect as I get with the Air Optix Multifocals, and I get the same thing with both sets of lenses, although the effect seems more pronounced with the Air Optix.

I starting to suspect it's something about my eyes specifically. Maybe there's something about the "form" of my eye (or something like that) that's causing the lenses to sit differently on my eye or to have the focus point slightly off center. I just don't know enough about lens technology to have a clue, but I do know that it also puzzled my eye doctor when I told him about it.

The thing is, when I look straight on at text I need to ready (book or PC screen), it's clear enough to read -- but not as clear as when I close one eye and rotate my head slightly in the direction of the closed eye.

As I mentioned before, I did a fairly significant amount of searching and couldn't find other references to the same occurrence described by others, so it's all very puzzling to me.

Eyebrowze · #9 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Because I'm so right-eye dominant with the lazy eye/amblyopia in my left eye, my results might not be the same as someone with similar vision in both eyes.

But, given that, if I have both eyes open and turn my head to the left, text (for instance, text on the computer screen) snaps in to sharper focus.

I'm actually trying two set of trial lenses. My doctor gave me a set of Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals to see if I get the same effect as I get with the Air Optix Multifocals, and I get the same thing with both sets of lenses, although the effect seems more pronounced with the Air Optix.

I starting to suspect it's something about my eyes specifically. Maybe there's something about the "form" of my eye (or something like that) that's causing the lenses to sit differently on my eye or to have the focus point slightly off center. I just don't know enough about lens technology to have a clue, but I do know that it also puzzled my eye doctor when I told him about it.

The thing is, when I look straight on at text I need to ready (book or PC screen), it's clear enough to read -- but not as clear as when I close one eye and rotate my head slightly in the direction of the closed eye.

As I mentioned before, I did a fairly significant amount of searching and couldn't find other references to the same occurrence described by others, so it's all very puzzling to me.

Hi varuscelli, maybe you can send a private message to "oldage," since you're having similar issues. Then maybe once you've established a connection, you can continue your correspondence as private messages, or else begin exchanging ideas publicly on the forum.

varuscelli · #10 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyebrowze

Hi varuscelli, maybe you can send a private message to "oldage," since you're having similar issues. Then maybe once you've established a connection, you can continue your correspondence as private messages, or else begin exchanging ideas publicly on the forum.

Yes, good idea about PM'ing member oldage. I'll do that and see if I can get a response that can be continued here. I think the puzzling nature of the thing we both seem to have experienced should be out in the open for public discussion, just in case any others have had the same thing happen -- or in case someone might actually have any idea as to what the explanation might be.

Teddikitty · #11 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

I think the puzzling nature of the thing we both seem to have experienced should be out in the open for public discussion, just in case any others have had the same thing happen -- or in case someone might actually have any idea as to what the explanation might be.

I think the fact that two people reported similar issues within about six months of each other indicated that this is not a rare phenomenon. I'm going to watch this thread to see how things turn out.

oldage · #12 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 11:56 AM

So...

Al did ask me to update this thread and I shall do.

yes, I have stuck with my AirOptix and continue to use them in a Modified Monovision solution -- dominant eye is corrected with a single vision contact an non-dominant is corrected with multi-focal.

Yes, I still have the same issue and it requires me to turn my head to get into focus for nearly every distance of viewing within the short to medium distance range.

Yes, it is annoying. I have adapted but still don't like the idea and to date, no one, including my Dr. has been able to explain the rationale. I am glad that I am not alone because that puts me in the same camp as other people who may be "nuts."

So, what next? I had hoped to go back to my Op in 2011 for my recheck and continue the discussion. Let's get some input here.

For the record, I did contact Ciba and received zero responses after three attempts. Three strikes and you are out in my book. Still like the feel of their product though. So, maybe next year, I can try one or two other brands to see if they perform similarly.

AGE

oldage · #13 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bpiper

How's it going, Oldage? It's been a while since we've heard from you and you've already got some replies. Did they help you at all?

Reading your post, it seems as though your vision becomes "razor sharp" when you turn your head about 30 degrees. Does it work that way in either direction? If not, then maybe you should take note of which side you're looking out of when things look clear and get two lenses that match that prescription. In other words, if you see better out of your right eye, then whatever lens you have in that eye might be what you need in both eyes. Does that make sense?

No, it does not work the same way turning the other way. The mono vision methodology does not allow your solution to work. One eye is a single vision lens correcting distance only. Near and mid-range vision is blurry. It supposed to work that the brain uses the correct lens (eye) for the need.

So, driving, I would read signs and the corrected (right single vision) eye would take care of that while when I look down at my dash, the (left multi focal eye) would care for that view.
AGE

Teddikitty · #14 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldage

So...

For the record, I did contact Ciba and received zero responses after three attempts. Three strikes and you are out in my book. Still like the feel of their product though. So, maybe next year, I can try one or two other brands to see if they perform similarly.

AGE

That's a shame. You contact the company with an opportunity for them to win your loyalty and maybe even all your friends if you spread the word, but they choose to ignore you.
Did you use the contact form at http://www.cibavision.com/contact-us.shtml?

How about by telephone? 1-800-875-3001
If you tell them about your difficulty in getting a response to your inquiries, they may give you a free box or something.

Knotlob · #15 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddikitty

That's a shame. You contact the company with an opportunity for them to win your loyalty and maybe even all your friends if you spread the word, but they choose to ignore you.
Did you use the contact form at http://www.cibavision.com/contact-us.shtml?

How about by telephone? 1-800-875-3001
If you tell them about your difficulty in getting a response to your inquiries, they may give you a free box or something.

Sounds like they have put the question to the bottom of the too difficult to answer question pile

Perhaps they just need more time to research an answer.

knotlob

varuscelli · #16 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldage

So...

Al did ask me to update this thread and I shall do.

yes, I have stuck with my AirOptix and continue to use them in a Modified Monovision solution -- dominant eye is corrected with a single vision contact an non-dominant is corrected with multi-focal.

Yes, I still have the same issue and it requires me to turn my head to get into focus for nearly every distance of viewing within the short to medium distance range.

Yes, it is annoying. I have adapted but still don't like the idea and to date, no one, including my Dr. has been able to explain the rationale. I am glad that I am not alone because that puts me in the same camp as other people who may be "nuts."

So, what next? I had hoped to go back to my Op in 2011 for my recheck and continue the discussion. Let's get some input here.

For the record, I did contact Ciba and received zero responses after three attempts. Three strikes and you are out in my book. Still like the feel of their product though. So, maybe next year, I can try one or two other brands to see if they perform similarly.

AGE

Thanks a bunch for updating your posting, AGE.

It was actually with quite a sense of relief that I found someone else who was expressing the same difficulty as I have been experiencing the last few days.

I'm just going back to contacts after several years of wearing glasses. I wore only one contact (left eye) for a number of years and never multifocals.

This test with Air Optix is my first prolonged experiment with multifocals, so when the "head turn" thing became apparent to me, I was a bit distraught...especially when my eye doctor didn't seem too sure what to make of my feedback to him on my follow-up visit. I was halfway convinced he didn't believe me, and he certainly didn't do any testing of the phenomena as I was describing it to him. He did check the fit and said that the contacts were sitting correctly in my eye. He also said he had been prescribing the Air Optix for some time now and had never received similar feedback from another patient. He suggested the the effect I was seeing might be due to looking too far to one side and perhaps looking "through" the squint of my upper and lower eyelids, but after my own further testing I know that's not the case (I'm not looking THAT far to either side).

My eye doctor also said (last week) that he would contact the manufacturer and see if they had record of anyone else had reporting the same thing.

I hope he'll really do this, and I'm going to check back with him in the next day or so to see if he has followed up.

Thus far, your story (Age) and mine are the only two I've found reflecting this "head turn" to achieve sharp focus. But, I've already mentioned that I'm getting the same effect, slightly less pronounced, with Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals. That might seem to indicate some kind of other abnormalty with my own eye structure (or something along those lines).

varuscelli · #17 (**permalink**) 09-13-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Sounds like they have put the question to the bottom of the too difficult to answer question pile

Perhaps they just need more time to research an answer.

knotlob

I wonder if it's possible that AGE and I might share something in common like a slightly irregular eye surface shape that might make the contacts not conform properly to our specific eyes?

It seems obvious that NOT a lot of people are bringing up similar complaints or we would likely more easily find reference to those complaints. Yet, AGE and I do seem to share the same problem. Thus, some percentage of other users must be experiencing the same problem. I mean, what is the likelihood that AGE and I are the ONLY users to be seeing this same thing and that we just happened to post on the same forum about it? Not very likely. Yet, at the same time, I think the occurrence has to be relatively rare or we would be hearing/reading more about it. Sound reasonable?

It's also quite possible that others have complained about this to the manufacturers, but that it's a low enough percentage that the manufacturers don't talk about it for fear of generating bad publicity based on rare occurrence. That is, ignore those with the problem (keep it quiet) for the long-term good of sales of their product. And maybe those with problems have those problems as a result of their own eye structure and NOT a result of the lenses themselves. If the Air Optix Multifocals work for most people, but not all, then the minority for whom they don't work perhaps just fall into some kind of "ignore these results" statistical zone (as far as the manufacturers are concerned).

Just throwing that stuff out for consideration...and fishing for ideas (in my own mind and in the minds of others who might comment on my thoughts).

Remember, too, that I'm seeing the same thing with the Bausch & Lomb multifocal lenses, although seemingly to me not to as noticeable a degree as with the Air Optix...and I do find the Air Optix more comfortable, so in tradeoff, I'd choose the Air Optix.

Knotlob · #18 (**permalink**) 09-14-2010, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

I wonder if it's possible that AGE and I might share something in common like a slightly irregular eye surface shape that might make the contacts not conform properly to our specific eyes?

It seems obvious that NOT a lot of people are bringing up similar complaints or we would likely more easily find reference to those complaints. Yet, AGE and I do seem to share the same problem. Thus, some percentage of other users must be experiencing the same problem. I mean, what is the likelihood that AGE and I are the ONLY users to be seeing this same thing and that we just happened to post on the same forum about it? Not very likely. Yet, at the same time, I think the occurrence has to be relatively rare or we would be hearing/reading more about it. Sound reasonable?

It's also quite possible that others have complained about this to the manufacturers, but that it's a low enough percentage that the manufacturers don't talk about it for fear of generating bad publicity based on rare occurrence. That is, ignore those with the problem (keep it quiet) for the long-term good of sales of their product. And maybe those with problems have those problems as a result of their own eye structure and NOT a result of the lenses themselves. If the Air Optix Multifocals work for most people, but not all, then the minority for whom they don't work perhaps just fall into some kind of "ignore these results" statistical zone (as far as the manufacturers are concerned).

Just throwing that stuff out for consideration...and fishing for ideas (in my own mind and in the minds of others who might comment on my thoughts).

Remember, too, that I'm seeing the same thing with the Bausch & Lomb multifocal lenses, although seemingly to me not to as noticeable a degree as with the Air Optix...and I do find the Air Optix more comfortable, so in tradeoff, I'd choose the Air Optix.

Some interesting thoughts there.

It is possible that since contact lenses are more or less mass produced, the manufacturers will not be prepared to spend time and effort developing a solution for that small minority or it's users. Nonetheless, I would have hoped that some of their technical experts would at least have been aware of your type of problem and could have made some constructive suggestions. Perhaps Customer Service don't have direct links to their technical experts.

So if you two do have some sort of irregularity on your eye surface, which is causing a problem, it could be examined using a Pentacam.

http://www.flapandzap.com/pentacam_page_1.htm

http://www.willvision.com/pentacam-orbscan.htm

It measures the corneal surface detail in 3D and I had it done about 8 months ago, because my new eye doctor was concerned about the fact I had worn lenses for 35 years and wanted to check the corneal thickness and also grey star/cataract development. I am not sure how much this costs, but it would be more for academic research or for your peace of mind.

In practical terms then, if some lenses are better (or not as bad) than others because they drape over the lens better, perhaps the very low modulus (very flexible) lenses would perform better. I suspect Biofinity is rather low modulus as it is a bit like a daily disposable lens in it's handling - tends to fold in on itself when adding drops to it on your finger, prior to putting the lens into the eye. Perhaps the most flexible and thinnest lens you could find would work best.

Just some musings!

knotlob

oldage · #19 (**permalink**) 09-14-2010, 07:56 AM

Thanks for all the feedback folks. I am not a person who takes these thinks likely and I was also surprised that my very experienced Opt never heard of this issue before. I even had three different Air Optix lenses and I am on my second box (so that is five presumable different manufacturing runs).

I will take the advice posted and actually make a call to the 800# posted and return my results. I love talking with customer service folks.

AGE

varuscelli · #20 (**permalink**) 09-14-2010, 08:55 AM

Knotlob, thank you for that good feedback. I was curious as to whether some other type of eye test might reveal something worth knowing. I know of another eye doctor in my area who might be more familiar with various techniques of in-depth eye testing beyond what my regular doctor uses, and I think I'll contact his office and at least see about scheduling a consultation.

As you suggest, it might also be worth trying another lens or two to see if a better fit can be found. Thanks for the suggestions.

AGE, let us know what you find out. I'll do the same if I find out anything worth passing along on this issue. I'm sorry you're having the same difficulty as I am, but it's actually good to know that we share a common problem with multifocal lenses (and that ours don't represent single, unrepeated concerns). If I find a better lens option, I'll post here. Likewise, if I find any answers as to "why" this difficulty is occurring, I'll also post as an update.

Al

varuscelli · #21 (**permalink**) 09-14-2010, 09:32 AM

PS,

I recall reading a forum post here in a thread related to multifocal Sports Contact Lenses something about a kind of lens that could be custom fit from person to person. It sounded interesting and the fitting process sounded different than with most contact lenses, but when I did a search on in outside the forum, I didn't find much.

I'm looking for that thread now as a reference point (I'm not able to recall the brand of lens at the moment).

I'm wondering if some option for custom fitting multifocal contact lenses (something that goes beyond the standard fitting/prescription procedure) might be worth considering?

Any thoughts on custom fit multifocal lenses and the associated exam/fitting process or types of lenses that might be options?

Edit: The custom fit lenses I read about were SoClear lenses, but as discussed on this forum they don't seem to be multifocal as I first thought (but they are apparently very much custom fit person to person).

SoClear Sports Lens
http://www.lens101.com/sports-contact-lenses/4129-soclear-sports-lens.html

When looking up SoClear contact lenses (Google search, etc.), I did find reference to the Dakota Sciences site, and these contacts do seem to be available as multifocals. See second link as most detailed.

http://www.soclearlens.com/

http://www.no7contactlenses.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160&I temid=223

One more link on SoClear (Contact Lens Monthly)
http://www.nfburnetthodd.com/socleararticle.pdf

Tonythetiger · #22 (**permalink**) 09-14-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Knotlob, thank you for that good feedback. I was curious as to whether some other type of eye test might reveal something worth knowing. I know of another eye doctor in my area who might be more familiar with various techniques of in-depth eye testing beyond what my regular doctor uses, and I think I'll contact his office and at least see about scheduling a consultation.

As you suggest, it might also be worth trying another lens or two to see if a better fit can be found. Thanks for the suggestions.

AGE, let us know what you find out. I'll do the same if I find out anything worth passing along on this issue. I'm sorry you're having the same difficulty as I am, but it's actually good to know that we share a common problem with multifocal lenses (and that ours don't represent single, unrepeated concerns). If I find a better lens option, I'll post here. Likewise, if I find any answers as to "why" this difficulty is occurring, I'll also post as an update.

Al

It looks like we have a conversation going with three people, and then others (like me) pop in once in a while with comments. This is a very cool forum.

corniche · #23 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 02:15 PM

I just discovered this thread and thought I should chime in. I have two trial pairs of Air Optix multifocals and I experience sharper vision in both eyes when I turn my head about 30 degrees to the outside. It's a very noticable difference and I'm going to mention it to my ophthalmologist when I go for my follow up. I just started wearing multifocals about three weeks ago after not wearing contacts for 25 years. I do notice, however, that my vision with both eyes open is less effected when I turn my head. I've read that the only way to evaluate these lenses is to do it with both eyes open. I just wonder if this is some intended characteristic of the design that, perhaps, improves peripheral vision--just a thought. I still haven't settled on either of my trial pairs as one set favors close vision and the other far. I tried one lens from each set for two days. I was able to see all distances fairly well except the mid distance range (computer screen distance) and that resulted in a pulling sensation in my eyes and headaches.

varuscelli · #24 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corniche

I just discovered this thread and thought I should chime in. I have two trial pairs of Air Optix multifocals and I experience sharper vision in both eyes when I turn my head about 30 degrees to the outside. It's a very noticable difference and I'm going to mention it to my ophthalmologist when I go for my follow up. I just started wearing multifocals about three weeks ago after not wearing contacts for 25 years. I do notice, however, that my vision with both eyes open is less effected when I turn my head. I've read that the only way to evaluate these lenses is to do it with both eyes open. I just wonder if this is some intended characteristic of the design that, perhaps, improves peripheral vision--just a thought. I still haven't settled on either of my trial pairs as one set favors close vision and the other far. I tried one lens from each set for two days. I was able to see all distances fairly well except the mid distance range (computer screen distance) and that resulted in a pulling sensation in my eyes and headaches.

Glad you decided to chime in. That make three of us experiencing the same thing. Please do let us know if your ophthalmologist has any insight into this.

Interesting point about this perhaps being some purposeful design characteristic, perhaps as a compromise of some sort that helps overall vision but detracts from performance in certain areas.

As a side note, I've also begun to notice that the longer in the day that I wear these, my vision eventually becomes slightly blurred. If I wear them all day, and need to read late into the evening, my vision is not as good as it was earlier in the day (and it's more difficult to read standard text) -- maybe the result of some sort of eye fatigue I'm experiencing related to day-long contact wear.

corniche · #25 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 02:50 PM

Thanks for the quick response, varuscelli. I do find these Air Optix Aquas to be very comfortable, though. I'm amazed at how white my eyes are even after 12 hours of wear. When I take them out my eyes don't necessarily feel any better because they didn't feel bad in the first place! I have noticed that when I open my eyes especially wide that my focus improves, especially for distance. There are just so many variables involved--including pupil dilation/contraction that affect vision with these lenses. I just hope I can get a prescription that works for me....

varuscelli · #26 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corniche

Thanks for the quick response, varuscelli. I do find these Air Optix Aquas to be very comfortable, though. I'm amazed at how white my eyes are even after 12 hours of wear. When I take them out my eyes don't necessarily feel any better because they didn't feel bad in the first place! I have noticed that when I open my eyes especially wide that my focus improves, especially for distance. There are just so many variables involved--including pupil dilation/contraction that affect vision with these lenses. I just hope I can get a prescription that works for me....

You're welcome -- and thank you, too.

I don't know if you've read this part yet, but I had asked my doctor for another brand to check them out and he gave me a set of Bausch and Lomb SoftLens multifocals. I got the same effect from them (the "turn the head" thing to get sharpest focus), but not as pronounced as I seemed to get from the Air Optix. However, the Bausch and Lombs were less comfortable to me and seemed to dry my eyes out more. My doctor said the Bausch and Lombs were older technology (something to that effect) and didn't "breath" as well as the newer Air Optix.

I, too, wish I could find something that didn't have this strange focus discrepancy -- but I've gone ahead and gotten a six-month supply of the Air Optix, needing to use something for the time being.

varuscelli · #27 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 03:09 PM

corniche,

Also see this thread for more:

Opinions on Air Optix Multifocals?

http://www.lens101.com/air-optix-aqua-multifocal/125172-opinions-air-optix-multifocals.html

Sorry, the forum doesn't seem to allow me to post links correctly, so you might need to copy and paste the above link.

corniche · #28 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 03:14 PM

Yes, based on my two visits, thus far, to my doctor, I think I'm going to have to settle for this compromise. As far as I know the Air Optix multifocals are the latest thing out there but, no doubt, they won't be for long. I'm just wondering if time will let my brain adjust and I won't notice the focusing oddity. It seems I see best when I don't think about it. I'd hoped to be able to read fine print but I can do that only in daylight. When I use the other trial pair everything's blurred beyond 15 feet or so but I have excellent, or at least very good, vision at close range. It's always something....

corniche · #29 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 03:29 PM

varuscelli--Thanks for the link. I hadn't read that thread yet. It will be interesting to see what my doc says--I go back on the 13th. I'll post again after my visit and if I notice any other anomolies. I was born in Napoli by the way (my dad worked at NATO).

varuscelli · #30 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 04:00 PM

Yes, please do follow up, especially if your doctor has anything worth adding to our discussion here. Even if he hasn't heard of this, it would be interesting to make note of that (as was my doctor's experience -- never having heard of this particular effect).

I've been wearing the Air Optix (trial lens time included) for about a month now. I can't really tell if there's any evidence of my eyes adjusting much to wearing them (seems the same now as a month ago). It doesn't seem the same to me as adjusting to glasses. But, I do seem to notice more "tiredness of vision" in my direct focus area later in the day, and even when I try to adjust the clarity by turning my head, it helps only a little (if I've been wearing them for a long period of time).

I was born in Corpus Christi, but my family is now visiting Italy (interestingly enough). They're in Sulmona, I believe, even as I write.

NYGiants · #31 (**permalink**) 10-11-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

corniche,

Also see this thread for more:

Opinions on Air Optix Multifocals?

http://www.lens101.com/air-optix-aqua-multifocal/125172-opinions-air-optix-multifocals.html

Sorry, the forum doesn't seem to allow me to post links correctly, so you might need to copy and paste the above link.

Here, let me try:

http://www.lens101.com/air-optix-aqua-multifocal/125172-opinions-air-optix-multifocals.html

Checking the "Automatically parse links in text" doesn't seem to help. I then went to the "Help" page, but it didn't help me to find out how to insert a click-able link. I guess the spammers spoiled that for the rest of us.

Seems like your only recourse is to copy and paste the URL, which isn't really such a big deal anyway.

varuscelli · #32 (**permalink**) 10-11-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYGiants

Here, let me try:

http://www.lens101.com/air-optix-aqua-multifocal/125172-opinions-air-optix-multifocals.html

Checking the "Automatically parse links in text" doesn't seem to help. I then went to the "Help" page, but it didn't help me to find out how to insert a click-able link. I guess the spammers spoiled that for the rest of us.

Seems like your only recourse is to copy and paste the URL, which isn't really such a big deal anyway.

I'm pretty sure it's because the forum owners just don't have the hyperlink function enabled. On a reply (or new message) on a vBulletin forum, in addition to the "insert image" button there should also be a button to "insert hyperlink." With the general safeguards (having to register, etc.), spammers shouldn't be a problem. I participate in quite a number of vBulletin forums, and most all of them have the "insert hyperlink" enabled. It's really a very useful tool, and keeps forum members from having to copy and paste to follow useful links.

Knotlob · #33 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

I'm pretty sure it's because the forum owners just don't have the hyperlink function enabled. On a reply (or new message) on a vBulletin forum, in addition to the "insert image" button there should also be a button to "insert hyperlink." With the general safeguards (having to register, etc.), spammers shouldn't be a problem. I participate in quite a number of vBulletin forums, and most all of them have the "insert hyperlink" enabled. It's really a very useful tool, and keeps forum members from having to copy and paste to follow useful links.

Yes I agree that the hyperlink tool is very useful, but at the end of the day, it's not a big deal to copy & paste the link into your browser and view the site. Spammers have been a real problem on this site and can easily kill the site. Nobody wants to come on a forum and plough through reams of mindless drivel to find a post they are interested in.

There are a couple of posters on the site who are obviously spammers in waiting. They post meaningless rubbish just to get their post count up. It should be obvious who they are (not on this thread so far, by the way).

knotlob

Tradecade · #34 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

corniche,

Also see this thread for more:

Opinions on Air Optix Multifocals?

http://www.lens101.com/air-optix-aqua-multifocal/125172-opinions-air-optix-multifocals.html

Sorry, the forum doesn't seem to allow me to post links correctly, so you might need to copy and paste the above link.

Thanks for the link. It took about three seconds for me to copy and paste it. There's a lot of good stuff there.

corniche · #35 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 02:21 PM

In response to varuscelli--I saw my ophthalmologist today and told him I was able to look indirectly, by moving my head to the side, and see more clearly than by looking directly at objects, especially at close range. He didn't seem at all surprised by this. He said it's because that motion is just enough to shift the pupil and/or the lens slightly to cause one to look through a different focal point of the lens. I then told him that frequently if I'm looking into the distance and lower my head slightly the image sharpens. He said this is the same effect. He acted as though he'd heard this many times before. He always says this type of lens is a compromise and not everyone adjusts to them. I suppose I'm adjusting to them as it seems that I'm seeing better now than I was initially, especially at close range. I ordered my first two boxes today too.

RedeyeJedi · #36 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corniche

I just discovered this thread and thought I should chime in. I have two trial pairs of Air Optix multifocals and I experience sharper vision in both eyes when I turn my head about 30 degrees to the outside. It's a very noticable difference and I'm going to mention it to my ophthalmologist when I go for my follow up. I just started wearing multifocals about three weeks ago after not wearing contacts for 25 years. I do notice, however, that my vision with both eyes open is less effected when I turn my head. I've read that the only way to evaluate these lenses is to do it with both eyes open. I just wonder if this is some intended characteristic of the design that, perhaps, improves peripheral vision--just a thought. I still haven't settled on either of my trial pairs as one set favors close vision and the other far. I tried one lens from each set for two days. I was able to see all distances fairly well except the mid distance range (computer screen distance) and that resulted in a pulling sensation in my eyes and headaches.

You may just be noticing a quirk of human anatomy that lots of people have. I'm an amateur astronomer and this reminds me of a phenomenon called "averted vision." I don't know if this is true for everyone, but for some people at least, the most sensitive cells in your retina are not directly in the center. Sometimes to see faint detail, it helps to look away slightly. I've never had the patience to see if it really works for me, but I'm told that it will help you see fine details on the face of Mars, for example.

corniche · #37 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 03:07 PM

Interesting thought, RedeyeJedi. That may be what we're experiencing as well as, or instead of, the focal point change I mentioned. I'm going to see if I notice this with the contacts out as well. Thanks for your post. I hadn't heard of this before.

babyblues · #38 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corniche

Interesting thought, RedeyeJedi. That may be what we're experiencing as well as, or instead of, the focal point change I mentioned. I'm going to see if I notice this with the contacts out as well. Thanks for your post. I hadn't heard of this before.

Let us know if RedeyeJedi's theory holds any water. It makes sense to me. If it does work, do you think you might buy a telescope and see Mars for yourself?

When I've seen Mars it looks more like this:

corniche · #39 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyblues

Let us know if RedeyeJedi's theory holds any water. It makes sense to me. If it does work, do you think you might buy a telescope and see Mars for yourself?

When I've seen Mars it looks more like this:

I'll do that and report back. Yes, that's how Mars looks to me, too. Most evenings I look for it as I'm closing my driveway gates. I had two astronomy classes in college and I've looked at the sky ever since.

varuscelli · #40 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corniche

In response to varuscelli--I saw my ophthalmologist today and told him I was able to look indirectly, by moving my head to the side, and see more clearly than by looking directly at objects, especially at close range. He didn't seem at all surprised by this. He said it's because that motion is just enough to shift the pupil and/or the lens slightly to cause one to look through a different focal point of the lens. I then told him that frequently if I'm looking into the distance and lower my head slightly the image sharpens. He said this is the same effect. He acted as though he'd heard this many times before. He always says this type of lens is a compromise and not everyone adjusts to them. I suppose I'm adjusting to them as it seems that I'm seeing better now than I was initially, especially at close range. I ordered my first two boxes today too.

Thanks for the update! Strange, my doctor had never heard of this or of anyone describing a similar effect. But I'm glad your doctor had a frame of reference for it. And it sure seems that if three of us in this thread have it happening, others must surely be experiencing the same thing. Your doctor's description of what could be happening makes sense -- at least more so than a "no explanation" like my doctor had.

varuscelli · #41 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedeyeJedi

You may just be noticing a quirk of human anatomy that lots of people have. I'm an amateur astronomer and this reminds me of a phenomenon called "averted vision." I don't know if this is true for everyone, but for some people at least, the most sensitive cells in your retina are not directly in the center. Sometimes to see faint detail, it helps to look away slightly. I've never had the patience to see if it really works for me, but I'm told that it will help you see fine details on the face of Mars, for example.

Interesting phenomenon, and I bet it applies to at least a certain number of people. In my particular case, I don't think I'm experiencing that, only because I seem to be getting the effect with only the multifocal contact lenses (not with the naked eye or non-multifocal contacts with glasses -- although I realize that progressive lens glasses are zoned in such a way that that's more or less how they work...that is by getting near, far, or intermediate focus based on where you look through the lens).

Once I started using the multifocal lenses, I notice the effect within the first couple of days of wearing them, I think because the effect was so noticeable and pronounced. I could certainly be wrong about this, and maybe what you're describing could actually be the cause (and it's a good theory, in any case)...but because of the very noticeable and vivid change in focus related specifically to the contact use, I think it has to do with the contacts or the contacts as they fit my own eye.

But, as corniche's doctor said, it could be a fairly common phenomenon...although I still think it a bit strange that finding other references to this problem (outside this thread) has been so difficult.

Kyleden · #42 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedeyeJedi

You may just be noticing a quirk of human anatomy that lots of people have. I'm an amateur astronomer and this reminds me of a phenomenon called "averted vision." I don't know if this is true for everyone, but for some people at least, the most sensitive cells in your retina are not directly in the center. Sometimes to see faint detail, it helps to look away slightly. I've never had the patience to see if it really works for me, but I'm told that it will help you see fine details on the face of Mars, for example.

I've heard of that "averted vision" thing, too, but I'm not sure how well it wrks when you're not peering through the eyepiece of a telescope. I hope you find peace with your contact lenses, varuscelli.

varuscelli · #43 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 04:24 PM

Note to corniche and others: I mentioned this before, but I do seem to be experiencing more eye fatigue than normal when using these multifocal contact lenses. I can't say why I'm experiencing it (and don't want to put this on the Air Optix alone), but if I had to guess, it would be that perhaps since I'm not getting sharp focus up close, and I have to do some much PC-related work, the contacts might be causing the eye fatigue. I find myself currently trying to wear the contacts for about half my waking day and glasses the other half the day. With the contacts alone, I get to the point where it's hard to focus on anything I have to read late in the day or into the evening (anything of normal text size like a newspaper or text on screen). corniche, you might watch for this yourself and see if you're getting greater-than-normal eye fatigue, too (just putting that out there).

varuscelli · #44 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyleden

I hope you find peace with your contact lenses, varuscelli.

Ha, thanks Kyleden...

Well, these multifocal contacts produced with the more modern technology are a lot better than when I tried multifocals about 6 years ago (those didn't work with my eyes very well at all), so the progress seems to be catching up with the needs of my particular eyes. It doesn't seem to provide as full an answer to my vision problems as I'd like, but combined with glasses I'm finding it workable. I'd love to be able to wear contacts all day with a bit sharper vision than I'm getting, but the current compromise is workable for the time being...and much better than wearing glasses all day.

Kyleden · #45 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Ha, thanks Kyleden...

Well, these multifocal contacts produced with the more modern technology are a lot better than when I tried multifocals about 6 years ago (those didn't work with my eyes very well at all), so the progress seems to be catching up with the needs of my particular eyes. It doesn't seem to provide as full an answer to my vision problems as I'd like, but combined with glasses I'm finding it workable. I'd love to be able to wear contacts all day with a bit sharper vision than I'm getting, but the current compromise is workable for the time being...and much better than wearing glasses all day.

Well, as much as I would like you to have found a solution, I suppose a compromise is a step in the right direction until technology progresses some more.

corniche · #46 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Note to corniche and others: I mentioned this before, but I do seem to be experiencing more eye fatigue than normal when using these multifocal contact lenses. I can't say why I'm experiencing it (and don't want to put this on the Air Optix alone), but if I had to guess, it would be that perhaps since I'm not getting sharp focus up close, and I have to do some much PC-related work, the contacts might be causing the eye fatigue. I find myself currently trying to wear the contacts for about half my waking day and glasses the other half the day. With the contacts alone, I get to the point where it's hard to focus on anything I have to read late in the day or into the evening (anything of normal text size like a newspaper or text on screen). corniche, you might watch for this yourself and see if you're getting greater-than-normal eye fatigue, too (just putting that out there).

I haven't noticed eye fatigue with my current pair (which are the the first trial pair I was given). The second trial pair produced some fatigue and I think it was because I was nearly constantly trying to find a way to sharpen my distance vision by focusing, or attempting to focus, on various objects. I also tried one lens from each to see if I could have the best of both worlds but that caused eyestrain with a pulling sensation across the bridge of my nose after an hour or so at the computer. I found instant relief when I switched back to my first pair and these are the ones I have now ordered. I wonder if your prescription is causing your difficulty focusing on your computer screen? It seems that mid range is my best and most natural vision now.

varuscelli · #47 (**permalink**) 10-14-2010, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corniche

I haven't noticed eye fatigue with my current pair (which are the the first trial pair I was given). The second trial pair produced some fatigue and I think it was because I was nearly constantly trying to find a way to sharpen my distance vision by focusing, or attempting to focus, on various objects. I also tried one lens from each to see if I could have the best of both worlds but that caused eyestrain with a pulling sensation across the bridge of my nose after an hour or so at the computer. I found instant relief when I switched back to my first pair and these are the ones I have now ordered. I wonder if your prescription is causing your difficulty focusing on your computer screen? It seems that mid range is my best and most natural vision now.

Although I think "eye fatigue" can be a bit different for each person, I'll be a bit more specific about what I'm experiencing. I'm not getting an pain or headache or anything, but I am getting a gradually more blurred vision. I start off pretty well early in the day. I can read text just fine on screen or newspaper text, etc. (although *slightly* blurred unless I do the head turn thing we've been discussing).

As the day progresses, or after I've been wearing the contacts for 8-plus hours or so, my vision slowly gets more blurred -- to the point that I often must switch to glasses to be able to read average-sized text clearly again. I notice this mostly when I've been wearing the contacts most of the day and into evening. I'm describing that gradual blurring of my vision as eye fatigue, for lack of a better term for it. (Even the "head turn" doesn't help once I've reached this point.) My guess is that my eyes might be having to work a little too hard with the contacts over the course of the day, for lack of my ability to come up with a better explanation.

Looks like I'm going to have to check back with my eye doctor again and see what he thinks about the gradually more blurred vision I'm getting. I'm betting he'll say it's just something I'll have to get used to -- or go back to wearing glasses only.

Of course, I could always try another doctor. I hate to give up on contacts and just go back to glasses only. I can live with the compromise of part-time contacts, part-time glasses (as long as this gradual blurring symptom doesn't get worse), but sure wish I could do the contacts all day.

corniche · #48 (**permalink**) 10-14-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Although I think "eye fatigue" can be a bit different for each person, I'll be a bit more specific about what I'm experiencing. I'm not getting an pain or headache or anything, but I am getting a gradually more blurred vision. I start off pretty well early in the day. I can read text just fine on screen or newspaper text, etc. (although *slightly* blurred unless I do the head turn thing we've been discussing).

As the day progresses, or after I've been wearing the contacts for 8-plus hours or so, my vision slowly gets more blurred -- to the point that I often must switch to glasses to be able to read average-sized text clearly again. I notice this mostly when I've been wearing the contacts most of the day and into evening. I'm describing that gradual blurring of my vision as eye fatigue, for lack of a better term for it. (Even the "head turn" doesn't help once I've reached this point.) My guess is that my eyes might be having to work a little too hard with the contacts over the course of the day, for lack of my ability to come up with a better explanation.

Looks like I'm going to have to check back with my eye doctor again and see what he thinks about the gradually more blurred vision I'm getting. I'm betting he'll say it's just something I'll have to get used to -- or go back to wearing glasses only.

Of course, I could always try another doctor. I hate to give up on contacts and just go back to glasses only. I can live with the compromise of part-time contacts, part-time glasses (as long as this gradual blurring symptom doesn't get worse), but sure wish I could do the contacts all day.

I can't say that I'm experiencing any blurring later in the day or after wearing them for any length of time. I'm just barely nearsighted--my contact prescription is -0.25, high add for both eyes and, if memory serves, I think you need more correction than me so, who knows, it may be like comparing apples to oranges. My doctor, who specializes in contacts in a large university ophthalmology department, says with the multifocals it's just trial and error. He said his most successful patients are the ones who have the most patience and are willing to keep trying different lenses.

varuscelli · #49 (**permalink**) 10-14-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corniche

My doctor, who specializes in contacts in a large university ophthalmology department, says with the multifocals it's just trial and error. He said his most successful patients are the ones who have the most patience and are willing to keep trying different lenses.

Yeah...I think that probably means I should get a second opinion on my eyes. My doctor seems to be placing emphasis on the Air Optix, and as a secondary solution gave me a trial set of Bausch and Lomb SoftLens multifocals, but I'm not sure he had any others he wanted to recommend for me. As I had said earlier in the thread, the Bausch and Lombs also required me to turn my head to get sharper focus, but they weren't as comfortable as the Air Optix. Perhaps I need to consult more of a contact lens specialist and see where that leads me.

Thanks again for passing along the feedback from your doctor -- that's helpful info to know.

R2D2 · #50 (**permalink**) 10-14-2010, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corniche

My doctor, who specializes in contacts in a large university ophthalmology department, says with the multifocals it's just trial and error. He said his most successful patients are the ones who have the most patience and are willing to keep trying different lenses.

That's a very interesting statement. I think that's good for people to know that sometimes when getting fitted for contact lenses you have to be patient. It's would be good to know that going in.

JustAGirl · #51 (**permalink**) 12-06-2010, 11:25 PM

Oh my gosh!! I had that whole head turning thing too!!

My eye doc gave me two different pairs of contacts to try (and at the time, he called them #1 & #2 and didn't tell me what they were, so as to not influence my opinon)...

Option #1 was: the left (my non DOM eye) a regular single vision contact for distance, and the right (my DOM) a regular single vision contact for close up. That didn't work at all. (I normally only wear contacts occasionally - weekends, and not every weekend at that). I just couldn't get use to that #1 combination only wearing a day or two at a time.

Option #2 (which ended up being Air Optix Aqua Multifocal): were a great improvement over the distance/near combo. But I noticed that the right eye was off. And that if I focused on something and turned my head while keeping my focus, that things snapped into clear focus. So, when I went back in, I told them option #2 was better, but the right eye was still off. They didn't really make any comment on the turning my head thing when I mentioned it. They ordered in a different strength on that lens, and I gave it another shot. I only wore them once so far, but just changing what ever they did, was an improvement, and I never tried the turning my head thing. I'll have to try it again next time I wear them. I just figured that I was looking into a different focal range, and that the center was either too strong, or not strong enough, and I never really gave it much thought after getting the 'upgraded' new lens. I'll have to give it a try next time I have them in.

I did notice that by the end of a LONG day, I still can't wait to get them out. My main gripe about contacts is that they seem to get dry by the end of the day. But this is only the 3rd brand I have ever had, and they all seem about the same at the end of the day.

varuscelli · #52 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustAGirl

Oh my gosh!! I had that whole head turning thing too!!

Hey, thanks for chiming in, JustAGirl. Although I'm NOT glad you're having the same issue, I AM glad to see that those of us sharing this same odd experience are not alone.

When I told my eye doctor about it, I felt like I might as well have told him a UFO had just flown out of my eyeball for all the reaction of belief I got out of him.

At least hearing about this same thing from others helps us to know it's a real phenomenon and not something merely imagined by the wearer.

Jubert · #53 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Hey, thanks for chiming in, JustAGirl. Although I'm NOT glad you're having the same issue, I AM glad to see that those of us sharing this same odd experience are not alone.

When I told my eye doctor about it, I felt like I might as well have told him a UFO had just flown out of my eyeball for all the reaction of belief I got out of him.

At least hearing about this same thing from others helps us to know it's a real phenomenon and not something merely imagined by the wearer.

Lens 101 is good for that. We're here to be a community for you. If you look around, I think you may find some others on this site who are dealing with the same issues as you are.

R2D2 · #54 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Hey, thanks for chiming in, JustAGirl. Although I'm NOT glad you're having the same issue, I AM glad to see that those of us sharing this same odd experience are not alone.

When I told my eye doctor about it, I felt like I might as well have told him a UFO had just flown out of my eyeball for all the reaction of belief I got out of him.

At least hearing about this same thing from others helps us to know it's a real phenomenon and not something merely imagined by the wearer.

Here at Lens 101, we're ready to believe you . . .

varuscelli · #55 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2

Here at Lens 101, we're ready to believe you . . .

Just to clarify, I don't mean to say that my eye doctor outright didn't believe me. But, for a short time he did give me one of those blank stares that could easily be interpreted as anything from disbelief to "I don't really want to be hearing this."

To his credit, he did allow me another brand of trial lenses, but that was the extent of his effort to look for answers to the problem (thus, my research here and other places).

SteveKemp · #56 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Just to clarify, I don't mean to say that my eye doctor outright didn't believe me. But, for a short time he did give me one of those blank stares that could easily be interpreted as anything from disbelief to "I don't really want to be hearing this."

To his credit, he did allow me another brand of trial lenses, but that was the extent of his effort to look for answers to the problem (thus, my research here and other places).

Thanks for the clarification, varuscelli. Keep us posted on your progress and let us know if you discover anything new.

sfl109415 · #57 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 01:30 PM

I am wearing a different lens, the Proclear Multifocal Toric. But I have noticed the same thing about having to turn my head 30 degrees left to get the most near vision out of my dominant distant lens and 30 degrees right to get the most distance vision out of my non dominant near lens. I've pretty much adjusted to it now.

BoSoxFan · #58 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfl109415

I am wearing a different lens, the Proclear Multifocal Toric. But I have noticed the same thing about having to turn my head 30 degrees left to get the most near vision out of my dominant distant lens and 30 degrees right to get the most distance vision out of my non dominant near lens. I've pretty much adjusted to it now.

It's amazing what you can get used to, isn't it?

varuscelli · #59 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfl109415

I am wearing a different lens, the Proclear Multifocal Toric. But I have noticed the same thing about having to turn my head 30 degrees left to get the most near vision out of my dominant distant lens and 30 degrees right to get the most distance vision out of my non dominant near lens. I've pretty much adjusted to it now.

Yet another person describing the same thing. Thanks for your input to the thread. I've sort of lost count (between this thread and another), but this seems to make at least four of us describing the same problem.

I get the same effect with the Air Optix Multifocals and Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals (sorry for repeating this so many times within this thread, but since you mentioned the Proclear Multifocal Toric lenses, I thought I'd mention the ones I've tried again.)

Bessie · #60 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Yet another person describing the same thing. Thanks for your input to the thread. I've sort of lost count (between this thread and another), but this seems to make at least four of us describing the same problem.

I get the same effect with the Air Optix Multifocals and Bausch & Lomb SoftLens Multifocals (sorry for repeating this so many times within this thread, but since you mentioned the Proclear Multifocal Toric lenses, I thought I'd mention the ones I've tried again.)

Isn't that weird that so many different brands of multifocal lenses have the same issues?

sfl109415 · #61 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 03:57 PM

Yeah it is pretty strange.

I had worn progressive glasses for the last 10 years and was used to looking up and down thru my lenses to get the right focus.

I have now just become accustomed to looking left or right to get the total focus I need for whatever distance I am looking.

varuscelli · #62 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bessie

Isn't that weird that so many different brands of multifocal lenses have the same issues?

Yes...but I think the one of the issues is that these different lenses work fine for some wearers, but a small minority of us have this shared problem. For those of us who experience the described difficulty, perhaps there is something different about our eyes that causes it.

Or perhaps everyone has the same problem with these lenses but only a few of us have actually noticed it...

Zana · #63 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Yes...but I think the one of the issues is that these different lenses work fine for somewearers, but a small minority of us have this shared problem. For those of us who experience the described difficulty, perhaps there is something different about our eyes that causes it.

Or perhaps everyone has the same problem with these lenses but only a few of us have actually noticed it...

I'm thinking it has something to do with the fact that all the lenses have to be looked through at an angle for the clearest focus. Perhaps it's fundamental flaw in the lens design. I wonder if all or most people do the same thing to get a clear view, like look up and to the right, for example. What do you think? We've already established a commonality for multifocal contacts, now how about the way you look through them? Which way do you look to see clearly?

varuscelli · #64 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zana

I'm thinking it has something to do with the fact that all the lenses have to be looked through at an angle for the clearest focus. Perhaps it's fundamental flaw in the lens design. I wonder if all or most people do the same thing to get a clear view, like look up and to the right, for example. What do you think? We've already established a commonality for multifocal contacts, now how about the way you look through them? Which way do you look to see clearly?

Yeah, maybe most everyone has to compensate in some manner and they just don't think about it much (or comment on it). Just like zones in progressive lenses for glasses....I know with my glasses and computer work, I have to tilt my head back to use the correct zone to do my reading.

With the multifocal contacts, I mostly turn my head to the left to get best focus out of the right eye (my dominant eye by a long shot). Ideally, I like to just look straight ahead with both eyes. I can read that way (looking straight ahead), but everything is just slightly blurry. For left eye clarity I have to turn my head slightly to the right, for right eye clarity, I have to turn my head slightly to the left. There is no single direction I can turn to get both eyes to come into sharp focus...I have to choose sharp vision from one eye or the other.

Spookytooth · #65 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varuscelli

Yeah, maybe most everyone has to compensate in some manner and they just don't think about it much (or comment on it). Just like zones in progressive lenses for glasses....I know with my glasses and computer work, I have to tilt my head back to use the correct zone to do my reading.

With the multifocal contacts, I mostly turn my head to the left to get best focus out of the right eye (my dominant eye by a long shot). Ideally, I like to just look straight ahead with both eyes. I can read that way (looking straight ahead), but everything is just slightly blurry. For left eye clarity I have to turn my head slightly to the right, for right eye clarity, I have to turn my head slightly to the left. There is no single direction I can turn to get both eyes to come into sharp focus...I have to choose sharp vision from one eye or the other.

When you turn your head to look at the "sweet spot," I hope it doesn't make you look like this: