Switching to Biofinity from Air Optix Night and Day

Zenec · #1 (**permalink**) 11-12-2010, 03:42 PM

Hi

I've been wearing contacts for years with no problems and I had been using Air Optix Night and Day for six months (30 days extended wear) before I decided to try out Biofinity. Air Optix were good, with only minor annoyances appearing just before I decided to switch. At the end, I got occasional dryness and on few occasions it felt as if the lens was going to fall out. Also, it seemed that my right eye seemed to be a bit more affected by this. Or maybe I am just imagining this.

The first pair of Biofinity I got was fine for three weeks extended wear. Then I got blurry vision and my eyelid was sometimes a bit itchy at the end of the day. I had a cold then so my optician suggested that it might be the reason and told me to give my eyes a rest - no lens for few days. What I noticed, though, is that my right eye was blurry more often than the left one. There were no problems with comfort and eye was nice and white. It just seemed that there must be a protein deposit or something that sometimes gets in the field of vision. And just recently when I looked in the mirror I could see that there was something on the lens. Few blinks and it is gone, however, the blurriness remained.

Anyway, the optician said that my eyes look fine and that she couldn't see any mucous balls or anything. She said that the right lens was not fitting well and it did seem strange after being taken out (seemed a bit like being worn inside out, even though it wasn't). She gave me new lens.

So now I am using my second pair. And I can't say that I am happy. The clarity when it is the way it is supposed to be is great. The comfort is good. But I have this feeling that my right lens is dirty. Even if I take them out at night, the vision in the right eye gets blurry within few hours after insertion. The lens feels fine, however, when I take it out, then my eye feels dry. If I put the lens back in it feels good again. And the blurriness comes and goes, every once in a while I get perfect vision with no issues.

I stopped using Renu MPS and switched to Sauflon All in one light which seemed to make it better but only for a short while.

I have an appointment with my optician soon. I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience. Why does it seem that my right eye is affected more than the left (the left seems fine most of the time)? Maybe I should try out peroxide based solutions for better cleaning?

Is it the eye or the lens? It is strange because in-between blurriness I get also good vision and excellent comfort.

Or maybe I should have given my eyes more time before using Biofinity as extended wear lens? I wore them for a week daily before keeping them in at nights.

Sorry if this post was a bit chaotic

Caligula · #2 (**permalink**) 11-12-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenec

Hi

I've been wearing contacts for years with no problems and I had been using Air Optix Night and Day for six months (30 days extended wear) before I decided to try out Biofinity. Air Optix were good, with only minor annoyances appearing just before I decided to switch. At the end, I got occasional dryness and on few occasions it felt as if the lens was going to fall out. Also, it seemed that my right eye seemed to be a bit more affected by this. Or maybe I am just imagining this.

The first pair of Biofinity I got was fine for three weeks extended wear. Then I got blurry vision and my eyelid was sometimes a bit itchy at the end of the day. I had a cold then so my optician suggested that it might be the reason and told me to give my eyes a rest - no lens for few days. What I noticed, though, is that my right eye was blurry more often than the left one. There were no problems with comfort and eye was nice and white. It just seemed that there must be a protein deposit or something that sometimes gets in the field of vision. And just recently when I looked in the mirror I could see that there was something on the lens. Few blinks and it is gone, however, the blurriness remained.

Anyway, the optician said that my eyes look fine and that she couldn't see any mucous balls or anything. She said that the right lens was not fitting well and it did seem strange after being taken out (seemed a bit like being worn inside out, even though it wasn't). She gave me new lens.

So now I am using my second pair. And I can't say that I am happy. The clarity when it is the way it is supposed to be is great. The comfort is good. But I have this feeling that my right lens is dirty. Even if I take them out at night, the vision in the right eye gets blurry within few hours after insertion. The lens feels fine, however, when I take it out, then my eye feels dry. If I put the lens back in it feels good again. And the blurriness comes and goes, every once in a while I get perfect vision with no issues.

I stopped using Renu MPS and switched to Sauflon All in one light which seemed to make it better but only for a short while.

I have an appointment with my optician soon. I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience. Why does it seem that my right eye is affected more than the left (the left seems fine most of the time)? Maybe I should try out peroxide based solutions for better cleaning?

Is it the eye or the lens? It is strange because in-between blurriness I get also good vision and excellent comfort.

Or maybe I should have given my eyes more time before using Biofinity as extended wear lens? I wore them for a week daily before keeping them in at nights.

Sorry if this post was a bit chaotic

Try Opti-Free RepleniSH or Complete solution

Zenec · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligula

Try Opti-Free RepleniSH or Complete solution

Thanks for advice! Do you have any experience with optifree and biofinity?

Caligula · #4 (**permalink**) 11-12-2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenec

Thanks for advice! Do you have any experience with optifree and biofinity?

Thats what I use...Optifree RepleniSH and Biofinity.

Hottchick · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2010, 04:11 PM

Looks like we made a connection here. I love seeing actual dialogue on this site.

Bondjamesbond · #6 (**permalink**) 11-15-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hottchick

Looks like we made a connection here. I love seeing actual dialogue on this site.

Me too Hottchick. I use to feel like I was talking to myself here, but things have really picked up here. There are actual threads of dialogue here, not just individual posts anymore.

Zenec · #7 (**permalink**) 11-15-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligula

Thats what I use...Optifree RepleniSH and Biofinity.

It actually worked.. sort of. I bought alcon optifree express and gave my lenses a really good rub and left them to soak overnight. Next day the comfort was definitely better and there was no blurriness or anything (yay!). But it doesn't end here. I took out the lenses last night, gave them a really quick rub and left them to soak overnight. And today, towards afternoon the blurriness came back!

Did I mention that it's just my right lens that does that? I keep on wondering why the right lens keeps on getting dirty or something

Could it be that only one of my eyes has a reaction to the lens? Then again, if that were the case the eye should feel irritated or something, right?

Anyway, I will try to give them a good rub tonight and see how it goes. I will order another pair and give it a try.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bondjamesbond

Me too Hottchick. I use to feel like I was talking to myself here, but things have really picked up here. There are actual threads of dialogue here, not just individual posts anymore.

Good to know that my lens issues are bringing the community together

Caligula · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2010, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenec

It actually worked.. sort of. I bought alcon optifree express and gave my lenses a really good rub and left them to soak overnight. Next day the comfort was definitely better and there was no blurriness or anything (yay!). But it doesn't end here. I took out the lenses last night, gave them a really quick rub and left them to soak overnight. And today, towards afternoon the blurriness came back!

Did I mention that it's just my right lens that does that? I keep on wondering why the right lens keeps on getting dirty or something

Could it be that only one of my eyes has a reaction to the lens? Then again, if that were the case the eye should feel irritated or something, right?

Anyway, I will try to give them a good rub tonight and see how it goes. I will order another pair and give it a try.

Good to know that my lens issues are bringing the community together

Ahh...try Opti-Free RepleniSH instead of the express. It feels like it makes my lenses smoother.

Zenec · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2010, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligula

Ahh...try Opti-Free RepleniSH instead of the express. It feels like it makes my lenses smoother.

Hmm.. I was using express before I started using air optix night and day (and before biofinity), I also tried out replenish but my eyes liked express better. Then again, maybe I should give replenish another try

Caligula · #10 (**permalink**) 11-15-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenec

Hmm.. I was using express before I started using air optix night and day (and before biofinity), I also tried out replenish but my eyes liked express better. Then again, maybe I should give replenish another try

My eyes did not like Air Optix N&D, and I had the same blurry problems and feeling like it was going to fall out. Just switching to Biofinity resolved the issue for me. I was allergic (or reactive at least) to the wetting agent in Air Optix (Aqua).

Zenec · #11 (**permalink**) 11-15-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligula

My eyes did not like Air Optix N&D, and I had the same blurry problems and feeling like it was going to fall out. Just switching to Biofinity resolved the issue for me. I was allergic (or reactive at least) to the wetting agent in Air Optix (Aqua).

For me it's the other way around.. N&D were just fine. There were some minor annoyances just before I decided to try out Biofinity. The major disadvantage of N&D was the price

But with Biofinity my right eye gets blurry all the time - just took it out gave it a rub with no improvement. I fear that my right eye might have gone fancy, because just before I switched my eye was the one feeling a bit uncomfortable with the N&D. Then again I was wearing them for 30days non stop

I've been posting quite a lot here, oh they don't let me post a link. It's a thread in Acuvue Oasys subforum with similar issue - "One eye/contact goes blurry between blinks - different brands/BC, same issue."
maybe you can check this thread out and let me know what you think? thanks!

321contacts · #12 (**permalink**) 11-15-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bondjamesbond

Me too Hottchick. I use to feel like I was talking to myself here, but things have really picked up here. There are actual threads of dialogue here, not just individual posts anymore.

I see what you mean, Bondjamesbond.

Zenec · #13 (**permalink**) 11-21-2010, 02:16 PM

I decided to sleep wearing my lens for few nights and the blurriness has disappeared. The lens is very comfortable, there's no dryness or anything. Seems like one has to be really careful in choosing contact lens solution to use with Biofinity lenses. For me using none and just sleeping leaving them in every night works the best

It's strange, though, I have never had such issues with any other lenses, I could use basically any solution and be just fine. Having said that Renu has never been really good, though.

Anyway, so far it seems like my problem has been solved. Too bad I manage to sort this out only after ordering various contact lens solutions to try out. Now I've got a bunch of contact lens solutions that I do not need. Oh well, I am perfectly happy with my lens, though

I assume that eventually I will stumble upon a situation where I have to take lens out for a night. Obviously, I won't be using Renu MPS, nor Sauflon all in one light as they seemed to be causing the blurriness. Alcon opti free express was a bit better, but not good nevertheless. I've got unopened bottles of Sauflon Synergi, and Sauflon Multi, which is a one step preservative free hydrogen peroxide solution so I will give these a try and let you know whether they seem any good.

Thanks to everyone for every single bit of advice! And big thanks to Caligula - you made me research into contact lens solutions and, thus, find a cause for my blurry lens!

PS
Maybe forum admins could add [Solved] to the thread title? Thanks!

Knotlob · #14 (**permalink**) 11-21-2010, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenec

I decided to sleep wearing my lens for few nights and the blurriness has disappeared. The lens is very comfortable, there's no dryness or anything. Seems like one has to be really careful in choosing contact lens solution to use with Biofinity lenses. For me using none and just sleeping leaving them in every night works the best

It's strange, though, I have never had such issues with any other lenses, I could use basically any solution and be just fine. Having said that Renu has never been really good, though.

Anyway, so far it seems like my problem has been solved. Too bad I manage to sort this out only after ordering various contact lens solutions to try out. Now I've got a bunch of contact lens solutions that I do not need. Oh well, I am perfectly happy with my lens, though

I assume that eventually I will stumble upon a situation where I have to take lens out for a night. Obviously, I won't be using Renu MPS, nor Sauflon all in one light as they seemed to be causing the blurriness. Alcon opti free express was a bit better, but not good nevertheless. I've got unopened bottles of Sauflon Synergi, and Sauflon Multi, which is a one step preservative free hydrogen peroxide solution so I will give these a try and let you know whether they seem any good.

Thanks to everyone for every single bit of advice! And big thanks to Caligula - you made me research into contact lens solutions and, thus, find a cause for my blurry lens!

PS
Maybe forum admins could add [Solved] to the thread title? Thanks!

Hi Zenec

I think you should find the preservative free hydrogen peroxide system works pretty well with Biofinity. If you can, I would avoid sleeping with your contacts in.

knotlob

Zenec · #15 (**permalink**) 11-21-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hi Zenec

I think you should find the preservative free hydrogen peroxide system works pretty well with Biofinity. If you can, I would avoid sleeping with your contacts in.

knotlob

Hi

Thanks for your advice. Why would you suggest not sleeping with contacts in? In Europe, Biofinity is approved for 30 day and night continuous wear. For me it seems to offer a great advantage - no handling, thus, smaller chance of infections etc. Biofinity allows high levels of oxygen to reach the eye so there should be no problems with that. The low modulus should prevent any damage done to the eye. Also, in my case, my eyes wouldn't be exposed to contact lens solutions that they do not like

What are your concerns regarding sleeping with lenses in?

Thanks!

Knotlob · #16 (**permalink**) 11-21-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenec

Hi

Thanks for your advice. Why would you suggest not sleeping with contacts in? In Europe, Biofinity is approved for 30 day and night continuous wear. For me it seems to offer a great advantage - no handling, thus, smaller chance of infections etc. Biofinity allows high levels of oxygen to reach the eye so there should be no problems with that. The low modulus should prevent any damage done to the eye. Also, in my case, my eyes wouldn't be exposed to contact lens solutions that they do not like

What are your concerns regarding sleeping with lenses in?

Thanks!

It is true that with a high Dk (high oxygen permeable) lens like Biofinity or Air Optix, etc. there is minimal risk of neovascularisation (capillaries growing into the cornea to correct an oxygen deficit caused by low permeability lenses).

However, there is a growing body of research findings that has shown that wearing contact lenses for 24/7 or even 4 weeks solid, greatly increases the risk of corneal ulcers. If you are unlucky enough to develop these on the centre of your cornea, the scarring will permanently reduce your vision acuity by perhaps 2 lines or may even cause permanent blindness. Many Eye Care Professions (particularly those who keep up to date with the latest research and contact lens developments) now refuse to prescribe 24/7 (extended wear) of contact lenses (except in very special medical circumstances).

The problem is that contact lenses can damage the epithelial layer of the cornea, particularly at night if the lenses become dehydrated and stick to the cornea. This epithelial layer damage is then a potential site for bacterial infection, etc.

See how you get on with the hydrogen peroxide, but see also my comments to your other thread on this issue.

Keep us posted on your progress.

knotlob

KSCbase · #17 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

It is true that with a high Dk (high oxygen permeable) lens like Biofinity or Air Optix, etc. there is minimal risk of neovascularisation (capillaries growing into the cornea to correct an oxygen deficit caused by low permeability lenses).

However, there is a growing body of research findings that has shown that wearing contact lenses for 24/7 or even 4 weeks solid, greatly increases the risk of corneal ulcers. If you are unlucky enough to develop these on the centre of your cornea, the scarring will permanently reduce your vision acuity by perhaps 2 lines or may even cause permanent blindness.

knotlob

So even contact lenses that are advertised as being monthly lenses should not be worn for a month? Why would they call them monthly lenses when they're not? Is it a matter of not knowing the danger of 24/7 wear at first, or just plain negligence?

Caligula · #18 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSCbase

So even contact lenses that are advertised as being monthly lenses should not be worn for a month? Why would they call them monthly lenses when they're not? Is it a matter of not knowing the danger of 24/7 wear at first, or just plain negligence?

They are able to be worn, but the risks increase.

Shade Maiden · #19 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligula

They are able to be worn, but the risks increase.

According to Knotlob, it sounds like the risk increases a lot. He even used the phrase "greatly increases the risk."

Caligula · #20 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shade Maiden

According to Knotlob, it sounds like the risk increases a lot. He even used the phrase "greatly increases the risk."

A fivefold increase would be a lot, but if chances are 0.01%, a fivefold increase is still overall unlikely, but a concern to be noted.

Zenec · #21 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligula

A fivefold increase would be a lot, but if chances are 0.01%, a fivefold increase is still overall unlikely, but a concern to be noted.

Good point.

Also, I took a quick look at the articles Knotlob posted in another thread and they, in my opinion, failed to build a strong case against extended contact lens wear (if you are interested in why I think so, just ask).

So I quickly checked scientific databases for articles regarding the subject written between 2007 and 2011 (yes, there are 2011 articles available already, the future is now!

) and it seems like there is no consensus regarding the hypothesis that new generation contact lens extended wear puts contact lens wearers under significant risk of any kind.

I guess, everyone can choose depending on how they feel about the topic. And Knotlob does a good thing asking people to think about their choices. When it comes to eyes, it really is better to be safe than sorry. If new evidence comes up, I might change my mind. I might start taking my lenses out and cleaning them once a week just in case. However, right now I feel that I do not put myself under any significant additional risk by choosing extended wear over daily wear.

I want to point out that there's even less risk not wearing contact lens at all, however, it is widely accepted that the benefits of contact lens outweigh the risks.

By the way, one thing research does suggest is that it is very important not to overwear lenses and to be strict when it comes to lens hygiene if you take out your lenses for cleaning, overnight etc.

Also, for those ones reading into the topic - remember that even only relatively old articles might be irrelevant, also, statistically significant doesn't necessarily mean that there's a significant difference in the real life.

Knotlob · #22 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSCbase

So even contact lenses that are advertised as being monthly lenses should not be worn for a month? Why would they call them monthly lenses when they're not? Is it a matter of not knowing the danger of 24/7 wear at first, or just plain negligence?

As Caligula has posted, the lens can be worn and you are not necessarily guaranteed to develop corneal ulcers. Some people develop them after 10 years. Others are unlucky and get them after a couple of weeks. There are no fixed rules - it is the human body we are dealing with after all.

But the current research is showing an increasing risk of developing corneal ulceration as more and more research is done. Remember that this Extended Wear concept is relatively new so the longer term effects are not fully understood.

People used to claim they didn't know the risks associated with cigarette smoking. Now it's pretty well understood. It's a personal choice.

The contact lens manufacturers will continue to produce and market extended wear lenses because some people want that for the convenience, though I doubt they fully appreciate the risks of that mode of contact lens wear. The lens manufacturers know there is a risk, but profits are profits after all.

The Acuvue contact lens site actually includes a warning for their customers on Extended Wear lenses. Hopefully members of this forum will be more aware of the true risks and will make their own wearing decision on an informed basis.

knotlob

Goldar · #23 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

The Acuvue contact lens site actually includes a warning for their customers on Extended Wear lenses. Hopefully members of this forum will be more aware of the true risks and will make their own wearing decision on an informed basis.

knotlob

Can you tell me where this warning is? I went to www.acuvue.com and did a search for the phrase "extended wear warning" and the only warning I saw said "WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area." It said that several times, and that was the only warning I found with that search.

Zenec · #24 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

As Caligula has posted, the lens can be worn and you are not necessarily guaranteed to develop corneal ulcers. Some people develop them after 10 years. Others are unlucky and get them after a couple of weeks. There are no fixed rules - it is the human body we are dealing with after all.

But the current research is showing an increasing risk of developing corneal ulceration as more and more research is done. Remember that this Extended Wear concept is relatively new so the longer term effects are not fully understood.

People used to claim they didn't know the risks associated with cigarette smoking. Now it's pretty well understood. It's a personal choice.

The contact lens manufacturers will continue to produce and market extended wear lenses because some people want that for the convenience, though I doubt they fully appreciate the risks of that mode of contact lens wear. The lens manufacturers know there is a risk, but profits are profits after all.

The Acuvue contact lens site actually includes a warning for their customers on Extended Wear lenses. Hopefully members of this forum will be more aware of the true risks and will make their own wearing decision on an informed basis.

knotlob

Thanks for your input. I see what you are saying. But I would like to challenge you to think a bit more about each of your statements.

Various forms of extended wear have been around for a significant amount of time, thus, I would assume that we should have a pretty good general understanding regarding the risks and benefits.

Yes, Acuvue lens leaflet states that. It is also in the Biofinity leaflet. However, if you compare acuvue with air optix night and day, pure vision and biofinity, you will see that these are four completely different lenses with different characteristics and behavior in the eye. Thus, I suspect that the statement that can be found is a generic warning just as a precaution. And the chances are, that with them (especially the newer ones - Biofinity) the risks have been significantly reduced.

I wouldn't compare extended wear with smoking. As I pointed out earlier, contact lens wear in general is associated with various risks. If you think of it, you are poking your eye with a finger and putting a foreign object in it! But millions of people do it anyway and it is generally accepted that the risks are so low that the benefits outweigh them by far. If you drive a car, there's a risk of dying in a car accident. The more you drive, the bigger the risk. Does that make you drive less?

Yes, the manufacturers do think about the profit. But lenses, as far as I know, correct me if I am wrong, are classified as medical devices, thus FDA (and EMEA in Europe, if I am not wrong) is there to ensure that only safe products reach the market and that the consumers get warned about the true risks. That's why Acuvue had that warning in their leaflet, FDA made them put it there. And perhaps that's why the statement that comes with Biofinity lenses is much less scary - just because the risk is lower or the consensus reached by opticians has changed over time.

It works both ways - If more and more research would point out the danger of extended wear, FDA would be the first one to pay attention to it and believe me, they would do something about it.

I am not saying - do what ever you want to, there are no risks! I am also not saying that extended wear does not carry a risk of complications. I just doubt the real life significance of them when compared to daily lenses.

Especially because, improper lens care is proven to increase the risk of complications and it is shown that the longer you have been wearing contacts, the more careless you become when handling, cleaning and storing them overnight. The main benefit of extended wear lenses (and single use dailies) is that risks associated with this are reduced.

So, yes, keep in mind that you put lenses on your eyes not your toe. Be careful. Follow the advice of your optician. But there's no reason for any fear. If you stick with your doctor's advice, if your lens fits and feels good, you have to be very, very, very unfortunate to develop serious complications.

Zenec · #25 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldar

Can you tell me where this warning is? I went to www.acuvue.com and did a search for the phrase "extended wear warning" and the only warning I saw said "WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area." It said that several times, and that was the only warning I found with that search.

Here you go:
http://www.acuvue.co.uk/sites/default/files/content/pdf/1424_AAH_PIG-outer-HI.pdf (read the section entitled "Warnings - what you should know about
contact lens wear"

Zenec · #26 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 04:40 PM

You can also find the statemets in other leaflets, for example, this one for biofinity lenses:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf8/P080011c.pdf

Quote:

4. WARNINGS
What You Should Know About Contact Lens Wear:
PROBLEMS WITH CONTACT LENSES AND LENS CARE PRODUCTS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY TO THE EYE. Proper use and care of contact lenses and lens care products, including lens
cases, are essential for the safe use of these products. Follow your eye care practitioner's directions and
all labeling instructions for proper use of lenses and lens care products. Fill your lens case with fresh
solution every time you store your lenses, and never re-use solution. Additionally, you should clean and
rinse your lens case between uses as recommended by your eye care practitioner. Eye problems,
including corneal ulcers, can develop rapidly and lead to loss of vision.
The results of a study 3 indicate the following:
a. The overall annual incidence of infected corneal ulcer (ulcerative keratitis) in daily wear contact
lens users is estimated to be about 4.1 per 10,000 persons and about 20.9 per 10,000 persons in
extended wear contact lens users.
b. The risk of infected corneal ulcer (ulcerative keratitis) is 4 to 5 times greater for extended wear
contact lens users than for daily wear users. When daily wear users who wear their lenses
overnight and extended wear users who wear their lenses on a daily basis are excluded from the
comparison, the risk among extended wear users are 10 to 15 times greater than among daily
wear users.
c. When daily users wear their lenses overnight (outside the approved indication), the risk of
ulcerative keratitis is 9 times greater than among those who do not wear them overnight.
d. The overall risk of infected corneal ulcer (ulcerative keratitis) may be reduced by carefully
following directions for lens care, including cleaning the lens case.
e. The risk of infected corneal ulcer (ulcerative keratitis) among contact lens users who smoke is
estimated to be 3 to 8 times greater than among non-smokers.
f. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness of the eye or other
problems, you should be instructed to immediately remove your lenses and promptly contact your
Eye Care Practitioner. It is recommended that you see your Eye Care Practitioner routinely as
directed.

Now, if you go further down the page, you will find that the study this warning is taken from was made in.... wait for it.... 1989. Most of the new generation lenses were not available then. I hope that all of us can agree, that we should base our decisions on newer research, which reflects the risks of the lenses we are wearing not the lenses that were tested in 1989, which is around the time I was born.

Knotlob · #27 (**permalink**) 11-22-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenec

Thanks for your input. I see what you are saying. But I would like to challenge you to think a bit more about each of your statements.

Various forms of extended wear have been around for a significant amount of time, thus, I would assume that we should have a pretty good general understanding regarding the risks and benefits.

Yes, Acuvue lens leaflet states that. It is also in the Biofinity leaflet. However, if you compare acuvue with air optix night and day, pure vision and biofinity, you will see that these are four completely different lenses with different characteristics and behavior in the eye. Thus, I suspect that the statement that can be found is a generic warning just as a precaution. And the chances are, that with them (especially the newer ones - Biofinity) the risks have been significantly reduced.

I wouldn't compare extended wear with smoking. As I pointed out earlier, contact lens wear in general is associated with various risks. If you think of it, you are poking your eye with a finger and putting a foreign object in it! But millions of people do it anyway and it is generally accepted that the risks are so low that the benefits outweigh them by far. If you drive a car, there's a risk of dying in a car accident. The more you drive, the bigger the risk. Does that make you drive less?

Yes, the manufacturers do think about the profit. But lenses, as far as I know, correct me if I am wrong, are classified as medical devices, thus FDA (and EMEA in Europe, if I am not wrong) is there to ensure that only safe products reach the market and that the consumers get warned about the true risks. That's why Acuvue had that warning in their leaflet, FDA made them put it there. And perhaps that's why the statement that comes with Biofinity lenses is much less scary - just because the risk is lower or the consensus reached by opticians has changed over time.

It works both ways - If more and more research would point out the danger of extended wear, FDA would be the first one to pay attention to it and believe me, they would do something about it.

I am not saying - do what ever you want to, there are no risks! I am also not saying that extended wear does not carry a risk of complications. I just doubt the real life significance of them when compared to daily lenses.

Especially because, improper lens care is proven to increase the risk of complications and it is shown that the longer you have been wearing contacts, the more careless you become when handling, cleaning and storing them overnight. The main benefit of extended wear lenses (and single use dailies) is that risks associated with this are reduced.

So, yes, keep in mind that you put lenses on your eyes not your toe. Be careful. Follow the advice of your optician. But there's no reason for any fear. If you stick with your doctor's advice, if your lens fits and feels good, you have to be very, very, very unfortunate to develop serious complications.

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear. The danger of Corneal Ulceration applies to ANY contact lens you wear, NOT just hydrogel or silicone hydrogel lenses. It is caused by damage to the epithelial layer leading to bacterial infections. The longer you wear the lens continuously, the higher the risk of developing corneal ulceration. This is NOT the same as (EDIT) Neovascularisation (EDIT), where capillaries grow into the corneal due to a lack of oxygen through over wear of unsuitable lenses.

Why do you think Acuvue put such a warning on their website? This is more likely to dissuade people from wearing lenses, not adding more to their market.

As I said previously, many Eye Care Professionals who take the trouble to keep abreast of the latest research are now very reluctant to prescribe extended wear lenses - just for the wearer's convenience, but there may be good medical reasons where they are appropriate.

Extended wear lenses are NOT illegal. It's your choice whether you wear them or not. It doesn't affect anyone else, except perhaps through higher insurance premiums. As I understand it, the US FDA previously did previously approve at least one lens for 4 weekly extended wear, but I think now they only approve new lenses for 7 day extended wear. Maybe that will change or more prominent warnings will be made compulsory.

There are some risks with contact lenses, mainly associated with overwear/abuse or lack of basic contact lens hygiene. These can all be managed through education. Extended wear lenses (using silicone hydrogel) are relatively new. There is some very bad information on some of the American Contact Lens websites, which suggests that even low Dk lenses (circa 20) can be worn as Extended Wear. This would be completely unacceptable to my European Eye Care Specialist and I certainly would not believe the rubbish that they have written in this regard. I tried to contact them but they stonewalled.

As I said, it's a wearer's choice - go ahead and wear them if you think convenience out weighs the risk - but please do so from an informed position.

knotlob

AceofShades · #28 (**permalink**) 11-23-2010, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear. The danger of Corneal Ulceration applies to ANY contact lens you wear, NOT just hydrogel or silicone hydrogel lenses. It is caused by damage to the epithelial layer leading to bacterial infections. The longer you wear the lens continuously, the higher the risk of developing corneal ulceration. This is NOT the same as Cardiovascularisation, where capillaries grow into the corneal due to a lack of oxygen through over wear of unsuitable lenses.

knotlob

Er, sorry to interrupt, but don't you mean "neovascularization"? Cardiovascularization is a good thing, isn't it?

Knotlob · #29 (**permalink**) 11-23-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AceofShades

Er, sorry to interrupt, but don't you mean "neovascularization"? Cardiovascularization is a good thing, isn't it?

Well spotted AceofShades. I will correct that - must have that on my mind!

knotlob

Eyerobot · #30 (**permalink**) 11-23-2010, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Well spotted AceofShades. I will correct that - must have that on my mind!

knotlob

One mistake in over 2,000 posts. I think we ought to celebrate.

I'll use any excuse to party with my Lens 101 friends.

Goldar · #31 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyerobot

One mistake in over 2,000 posts. I think we ought to celebrate.

I'll use any excuse to party with my Lens 101 friends.

All right! Confetti and everything!

AceofShades · #32 (**permalink**) 01-07-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Well spotted AceofShades. I will correct that - must have that on my mind!

knotlob

So you've got cardiovascular issues on your mind. Might it have to do with some New Year's resolutions?

Eyerobot · #33 (**permalink**) 01-07-2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shade Maiden

According to Knotlob, it sounds like the risk increases a lot. He even used the phrase "greatly increases the risk."

Why do I get the impression that that guy dressed in white standing on a tilted vehicle is part of a music video?

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