Could I be allergic to silicone hydrogel?

ashweb · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2011, 10:08 AM

Have always worn Vertex Toric by Coopervision with no problem. Read about silicone hydrogel lenses a year ago and wanted them for the increased oxygen they tout. Tried oaysis and they made my eyes bloodshot and a little sore, goopy as though infected. Went back to Vertex. A year goes by, I went for my annual exam, doc tells me about Biofinity and recommends them b/c of their hydrophilic properties. I wore them yesterday, and I had trouble getting them out last night. I've read the tip about wetting solution, so I can try that, but this morning I woke up with redness in the whites of one eye, which is how the oaysis problems started......am feeling leery of silicone hydrogel. OD tried to tell me last year that I was sensitive to my cleaner. This year I'm using the peroxide based cleaning system, so no preservatives....I wonder if the difficulty removing silicone hydrogels means that people injure their eyes or infect them while working to remove the lenses.

anyone experience the same redness, soreness, goop with silicone hydrogels?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom!

Ashley

Metsman · #2 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Have always worn Vertex Toric by Coopervision with no problem. Read about silicone hydrogel lenses a year ago and wanted them for the increased oxygen they tout. Tried oaysis and they made my eyes bloodshot and a little sore, goopy as though infected. Went back to Vertex. A year goes by, I went for my annual exam, doc tells me about Biofinity and recommends them b/c of their hydrophilic properties. I wore them yesterday, and I had trouble getting them out last night. I've read the tip about wetting solution, so I can try that, but this morning I woke up with redness in the whites of one eye, which is how the oaysis problems started......am feeling leery of silicone hydrogel. OD tried to tell me last year that I was sensitive to my cleaner. This year I'm using the peroxide based cleaning system, so no preservatives....I wonder if the difficulty removing silicone hydrogels means that people injure their eyes or infect them while working to remove the lenses.

anyone experience the same redness, soreness, goop with silicone hydrogels?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom!

Ashley

Hi Ashley. Welcome to Lens 101.

I can't say I've experienced the same symptoms myself, but I've read about them here. Silicone hydrogels are very comfortable for many people, but they may take a little getting used to. It is possible that you are irritating your eyes when yo try to remove your contact lenses, but that's difficult for me to say without actually seeing your eyes. Just make sure your hands are clean when you insert and remove your contacts. Keep us posts and let us know how you feel in a few days and hopefully we can help you feel better.

ashweb · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 10:27 AM

Thanks so much, Metsman! I had better results this morning after wearing them for only 5 hours yesterday. I used saline to re-wet the lenses just before I removed them, and I was careful and methodical about my technique instead of getting frustrated and using a harsher and harsher "pinch" to get them out. They were still pretty difficult to remove compared to my old Vertex non-silicone-hydrogel lenses, but I had more success last night than the night before.

This morning, no extra redness or goop upon waking, and putting them in was easy as usual. I do use clear care for at least a year now. Last time I tried SiH lenses, I was using OptiFree.

I'll report back again!

Ashley

BigBanker1 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Thanks so much, Metsman! I had better results this morning after wearing them for only 5 hours yesterday. I used saline to re-wet the lenses just before I removed them, and I was careful and methodical about my technique instead of getting frustrated and using a harsher and harsher "pinch" to get them out. They were still pretty difficult to remove compared to my old Vertex non-silicone-hydrogel lenses, but I had more success last night than the night before.

This morning, no extra redness or goop upon waking, and putting them in was easy as usual. I do use clear care for at least a year now. Last time I tried SiH lenses, I was using OptiFree.

I'll report back again!

Ashley

I'm glad that Metsmen was encouraging to you and I'm glad things are working better for you. I think you found out an important principle: patience. Take your time handling your lenses and soon they'll get easier to handle.

Looking forward to your next report.

ashweb · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 07:45 AM

Yesterday was Day 5 with Biofinity Toric, and my eyes are not irritated. Maybe it's the Clear Care, maybe it's the contact itself. I do notice that they feel more substantial, "boingy" and less sticky than the oasys. Got both contacts out last night with only two tries for each eye.

Noticed in my weights class at the gym that they stay in place better on my eyes than my old Vertex Torics. Vertex lenses shifted almost immediately and very easily when I lay down on my back or side.

Not sure yet, but it seems halos at night are reduced as well.

Ashley

Joeyrosschandler · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Yesterday was Day 5 with Biofinity Toric, and my eyes are not irritated. Maybe it's the Clear Care, maybe it's the contact itself. I do notice that they feel more substantial, "boingy" and less sticky than the Oasys. Got both contacts out last night with only two tries for each eye.

Noticed in my weights class at the gym that they stay in place better on my eyes than my old Vertex Torics. Vertex lenses shifted almost immediately and very easily when I lay down on my back or side.

Not sure yet, but it seems halos at night are reduced as well.

Ashley

Good Ashley. I'm glad things are going better for you. It's nice to see the response you've gotten and even better to see that it's helping you.
So, have you gone to the Oasys and Vertex Toric sections of Lens 101 to see if you can answer some of the questions there? You'll get that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others.

ashweb · #7 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeyrosschandler

Good Ashley. I'm glad things are going better for you. It's nice to see the response you've gotten and even better to see that it's helping you.
So, have you gone to the Oasys and Vertex Toric sections of Lens 101 to see if you can answer some of the questions there? You'll get that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others.

Will do, Joeyrosschandler!
Ashley

Niner · #8 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Will do, Joeyrosschandler!
Ashley

Good job, JRC. Askley, I look forward to your contributions.

Deejayt · #9 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Have always worn Vertex Toric by Coopervision with no problem. Read about silicone hydrogel lenses a year ago and wanted them for the increased oxygen they tout. Tried oaysis and they made my eyes bloodshot and a little sore, goopy as though infected. Went back to Vertex. A year goes by, I went for my annual exam, doc tells me about Biofinity and recommends them b/c of their hydrophilic properties. I wore them yesterday, and I had trouble getting them out last night. I've read the tip about wetting solution, so I can try that, but this morning I woke up with redness in the whites of one eye, which is how the oaysis problems started......am feeling leery of silicone hydrogel. OD tried to tell me last year that I was sensitive to my cleaner. This year I'm using the peroxide based cleaning system, so no preservatives....I wonder if the difficulty removing silicone hydrogels means that people injure their eyes or infect them while working to remove the lenses.

anyone experience the same redness, soreness, goop with silicone hydrogels?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom!

Ashley

Hey Ashley! That is very strange about the sore, redness and goop with Biofinity, I actaully used to wear them and just switched to TruEye. But Biofinity were the first lenses that I could actaully wear and feel comfortable in. I do remember the first few times it was hard to take them our though. I don't know why, I'm guessing it could have something to do with the material. Because they are Silicone Hydrogel. But anyway its good to hear that they are working out for you. What solution are you using now? I know that biopure works best for me, and before that I was using aquify. I tried the clear care but for some reason it made the lens feel dry and uncomfortable, so I would have to soak in aqufiy for a day after using clear care to add some moisture. Well, keep us posted! If you ever decide to go to a 1 day give TruEye a shot. Just got my trial today and so far they are more comfortable than biofinity. And i was suprised by that.

ashweb · #10 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deejayt

Hey Ashley! That is very strange about the sore, redness and goop with Biofinity,

As it turns out, the Biofinity are great after 5 days....the first day I saw redness and worried that it would be a repeat of my experience with Oasys and Air Optix.

Thanks for the recommendation on the dailies. Wonder if they have Toric...

Ashley

Chelsee · #11 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

As it turns out, the Biofinity are great after 5 days....the first day I saw redness and worried that it would be a repeat of my experience with Oasys and Air Optix.

Thanks for the recommendation on the dailies. Wonder if they have Toric...

Ashley

Hi Ashley,

I did a search on Lens.com but did not see any Acuvue TruEye Toric lenses, but keep your eyes peeled; they may be introducing them soon.

Metsman · #12 (**permalink**) 04-29-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

As it turns out, the Biofinity are great after 5 days....the first day I saw redness and worried that it would be a repeat of my experience with Oasys and Air Optix.

Thanks for the recommendation on the dailies. Wonder if they have Toric...

Ashley

Hi Ashley

Awesome, I'm glad you found something helpful here. Who was it that recommended these daily lenses to you?

ashweb · #13 (**permalink**) 04-29-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metsman

Hi Ashley

Awesome, I'm glad you found something helpful here. Who was it that recommended these daily lenses to you?

Deejayt did...I think he (she?) recommended TrueEye dailies. Deejayt had used Biofinity and they were the first lenses he/she could wear comfortably, but now Deejayt uses dailies because he/she couldn't find an ideal storing/cleaning solution.

Zana · #14 (**permalink**) 04-29-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Deejayt did...I think he (she?) recommended TrueEye dailies. Deejayt had used Biofinity and they were the first lenses he/she could wear comfortably, but now Deejayt uses dailies because he/she couldn't find an ideal storing/cleaning solution.

Judging by the picture, Deejayt is definitely a "she."

Chelsee · #15 (**permalink**) 05-02-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Deejayt did...I think he (she?) recommended TrueEye dailies. Deejayt had used Biofinity and they were the first lenses he/she could wear comfortably, but now Deejayt uses dailies because he/she couldn't find an ideal storing/cleaning solution.

An online forum community at its best.

HydroRunner · #16 (**permalink**) 06-06-2011, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Deejayt did...I think he (she?) recommended TrueEye dailies. Deejayt had used Biofinity and they were the first lenses he/she could wear comfortably, but now Deejayt uses dailies because he/she couldn't find an ideal storing/cleaning solution.

Like DeejayT I also wasn't pleased with the storing/cleaning solution. I then combined rubbing with OptiClean and storing in one-step H2O2 (AOsept with self-neutralizing lens holder). So this still requires the use of two different fluids. But I do not have to rub them daily, just after a few days. (I do take them out every night, however!)

I does mean, of course, that the claim that the "oxygen bubbles" along with other things in AOsept would be sufficient to clean the lenses is false. Something must be building up after a few days because without rubbing they will become irritating.. (O, and mine are indeed Biofinity, incidently.)

Of course all this hassle does make the dailies attractive! I always keep some ProClear dailies at hand, especially when I'm traveling. And these TrueEye things might be even better. (But the Biofinities are least expensive and they have by far the best oygen flow.)

-- Jos

Logopolis · #17 (**permalink**) 06-06-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

Like DeejayT I also wasn't pleased with the storing/cleaning solution. I then combined rubbing with OptiClean and storing in one-step H2O2 (AOsept with self-neutralizing lens holder). So this still requires the use of two different fluids. But I do not have to rub them daily, just after a few days. (I do take them out every night, however!)

I does mean, of course, that the claim that the "oxygen bubbles" along with other things in AOsept would be sufficient to clean the lenses is false. Something must be building up after a few days because without rubbing they will become irritating.. (O, and mine are indeed Biofinity, incidently.)

Of course all this hassle does make the dailies attractive! I always keep some ProClear dailies at hand, especially when I'm traveling. And these TrueEye things might be even better. (But the Biofinities are least expensive and they have by far the best oygen flow.)

-- Jos

Thanks for filling us in on your experience, HydroRunner. That's the best thing about this forum in my opinion. Experiences from real people.

Metsman · #18 (**permalink**) 06-06-2011, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

Deejayt did...I think he (she?) recommended TrueEye dailies. Deejayt had used Biofinity and they were the first lenses he/she could wear comfortably, but now Deejayt uses dailies because he/she couldn't find an ideal storing/cleaning solution.

Cool. So someone here on Lens 101 helped you to find your contact lenses?

Niner · #19 (**permalink**) 06-22-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

Like DeejayT I also wasn't pleased with the storing/cleaning solution. I then combined rubbing with OptiClean and storing in one-step H2O2 (AOsept with self-neutralizing lens holder). So this still requires the use of two different fluids. But I do not have to rub them daily, just after a few days. (I do take them out every night, however!)

I does mean, of course, that the claim that the "oxygen bubbles" along with other things in AOsept would be sufficient to clean the lenses is false. Something must be building up after a few days because without rubbing they will become irritating.. (O, and mine are indeed Biofinity, incidently.)

Of course all this hassle does make the dailies attractive! I always keep some ProClear dailies at hand, especially when I'm traveling. And these TrueEye things might be even better. (But the Biofinities are least expensive and they have by far the best oygen flow.)

-- Jos

So you prefer the Biofinity lenses over ProClear Dailies, correct?

HydroRunner · #20 (**permalink**) 06-22-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niner

So you prefer the Biofinity lenses over ProClear Dailies, correct?

The balance:
Biofinity: Less expensive (fluids included)
Biofinity: Eyes seem to look slightly whiter (but I'm not absolutely sure..)
ProClear: Easier to use (dailies, so no fluids, no lensholder)
ProClear: Somewhat easier to shift aside (for teenage-grade nearby vision!)

So what's the bottom line? I almost exclusively wear Biofinity.

Joeyrosschandler · #21 (**permalink**) 06-22-2011, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

The balance:
Biofinity: Less expensive (fluids included)
Biofinity: Eyes seem to look slightly whiter (but I'm not absolutely sure..)
ProClear: Easier to use (dailies, so no fluids, no lensholder)
ProClear: Somewhat easier to shift aside (for teenage-grade nearby vision!)

So what's the bottom line? I almost exclusively wear Biofinity.

Okay, thanks for spelling it out for us. It looks like you prefer a less expensive brand of contact lenses over on that 's easier to use. I think maybe the Marketing Guys (and the Marketing Girl) will find that interesting.

Chelsee · #22 (**permalink**) 06-22-2011, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeyrosschandler

Okay, thanks for spelling it out for us. It looks like you prefer a less expensive brand of contact lenses over on that 's easier to use. I think maybe the Marketing Guys (and the Marketing Girl) will find that interesting.

I'm glad you didn't leave out the Marketing Girl.

Zana · #23 (**permalink**) 06-22-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

The balance:
Biofinity: Less expensive (fluids included)
Biofinity: Eyes seem to look slightly whiter (but I'm not absolutely sure..)
ProClear: Easier to use (dailies, so no fluids, no lensholder)
ProClear: Somewhat easier to shift aside (for teenage-grade nearby vision!)

So what's the bottom line? I almost exclusively wear Biofinity.

Maybe on that whiter eyes thing you can compare your eyes to a white piece of paper. If you're referring to veins, maybe you should take a picture.

Maybe if you're not as obsessive as me you can just be satisfied with being not absolutely sure.

HydroRunner · #24 (**permalink**) 06-22-2011, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zana

Maybe if you're not as obsessive as me you can just be satisfied with being not absolutely sure.

Yeah, maybe! Im not sure..

Zoey · #25 (**permalink**) 06-23-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

Yeah, maybe! Im not sure..

Q: Do you ever have trouble making up your mind?

A: Yeah, sometimes . . . usually . . . . well, not all the time . . . most of the time . . . well, at least half of the time . . .

Zana · #26 (**permalink**) 07-12-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

Yeah, maybe! Im not sure..

So you mean you're not sure that you can be satisfied with not be absolutely sure?

HydroRunner · #27 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zana

So you mean you're not sure that you can be satisfied with not be absolutely sure?

No, it was about the eyes looking whiter! (See post #20). If the lenses are clean and not too old it seems to be so, but without rub-cleaning now and then this does not last, i.e. only soaking in H2O2 every night seems to be not good enough. (It seems so, I'm not absolutely certain, mind you!)

And even with rub-cleaning every 2 or 3 days, at the end of a month I think I see and feel the improvement with a pair of new lenses. (But I'm not 100% sure, did I say that already?)

Of course I could also replace them every 3 weeks, or 2 weeks which would still be cheaper than using dailies. Perhaps I'll try that. (Just wondering.. Maybe..)

yournamehere · #28 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

No, it was about the eyes looking whiter! (See post #20). If the lenses are clean and not too old it seems to be so, but without rub-cleaning now and then this does not last, i.e. only soaking in H2O2 every night seems to be not good enough. (It seems so, I'm not absolutely certain, mind you!)

And even with rub-cleaning every 2 or 3 days, at the end of a month I think I see and feel the improvement with a pair of new lenses. (But I'm not 100% sure, did I say that already?)

Of course I could also replace them every 3 weeks, or 2 weeks which would still be cheaper than using dailies. Perhaps I'll try that. (Just wondering.. Maybe..)

Just so you know, HydroRunner. You can go ahead and say your lenses felt better with a daily cleaning even if you're not 100% sure.

Zana · #29 (**permalink**) 07-21-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

No, it was about the eyes looking whiter! (See post #20). If the lenses are clean and not too old it seems to be so, but without rub-cleaning now and then this does not last, i.e. only soaking in H2O2 every night seems to be not good enough. (It seems so, I'm not absolutely certain, mind you!)

And even with rub-cleaning every 2 or 3 days, at the end of a month I think I see and feel the improvement with a pair of new lenses. (But I'm not 100% sure, did I say that already?)

Of course I could also replace them every 3 weeks, or 2 weeks which would still be cheaper than using dailies. Perhaps I'll try that. (Just wondering.. Maybe..)

So if you're not sure if you noticed any improvement or not, why not just rub your lenses clean every, say, three days and see how you feel? Maybe you should take notes. Write down any feelings of soreness or itchiness or anything of that nature you might notice. You might want to give the pain or itch a score on a scale of 1-3 or something. Make it something simple so you can see the difference. If write down one day that your itch level is 6 and then the next day it's 8, it might not help as much as a 2 (kind of itchy) versus a 3 (really itchy). Do you think that would help?

Zoey · #30 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashweb

As it turns out, the Biofinity are great after 5 days....the first day I saw redness and worried that it would be a repeat of my experience with Oasys and Air Optix.

Thanks for the recommendation on the dailies. Wonder if they have Toric...

Ashley

Still no Acuvue TruEye Toric lenses available, as far as I can tell by Google Search.

Lensesagain · #31 (**permalink**) 02-21-2012, 02:48 AM

Just responding on the point about Silicon Hydrogel lenses as I found this interesting, having had similar experiences with many of these lenses, Acuvue included. Polymacon lenses seem a lot nicer to wear, i.e, Bausch and Lomb Soflens are one brand, there are plenty of non-Silicon Hydrogel lenses to try, please keep us posted on your situation.

http://www.straightfromthedoc.com/50226711/silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_senofilcona_acuvu e_oasysa_brand_contact_lenses_with_hydracleara_plu s_alleviate_computer_vision_syndrome.php

HydroRunner · #32 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lensesagain

Just responding on the point about Silicon Hydrogel lenses as I found this interesting, having had similar experiences with many of these lenses, Acuvue included. Polymacon lenses seem a lot nicer to wear, i.e, Bausch and Lomb Soflens are one brand, there are plenty of non-Silicon Hydrogel lenses to try, please keep us posted on your situation.

Why on earth did you end with an advertisement link for Silicon Hydrogel lenses after that remark you made?!
Anyhow, you are right that the topic is interesting! I also tried many lenses of both the conventional type and the SH type. Conclusion: If they don't fit I cannot wear them, and there are only a few brands that fit. The main reason is that manufacturers until now refuse to make their lenses with different curvatures in small steps. Steps of 0.1 would be good enough, but now you often have to choose between, for instance, BC8.4 and BC8.8 with nothing in between!

This has very little to do with the difference between conventional and SH material. In fact if lenses fit, I feel hardly any difference. I'm equally satisfied with Proclear as with Biofinity (both in curvature 8.6). To be perfectly satisfied I want BC8.7 for my left eye and BC8.6 for the right. Then I have to use Proclear daily for left (because it comes in BC8.7 and Biofinity is always 8.6) Again, this has nothing to do with the fact that one is conventional and the other is SH.

Why don't they just make all the sizes in the range with step 0.1 ???!

Lensesagain · #33 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

Why on earth did you end with an advertisement link for Silicon Hydrogel lenses after that remark you made?!
Anyhow, you are right that the topic is interesting! I also tried many lenses of both the conventional type and the SH type. Conclusion: If they don't fit I cannot wear them, and there are only a few brands that fit. The main reason is that manufacturers until now refuse to make their lenses with different curvatures in small steps. Steps of 0.1 would be good enough, but now you often have to choose between, for instance, BC8.4 and BC8.8 with nothing in between!

This has very little to do with the difference between conventional and SH material. In fact if lenses fit, I feel hardly any difference. I'm equally satisfied with Proclear as with Biofinity (both in curvature 8.6). To be perfectly satisfied I want BC8.7 for my left eye and BC8.6 for the right. Then I have to use Proclear daily for left (because it comes in BC8.7 and Biofinity is always 8.6) Again, this has nothing to do with the fact that one is conventional and the other is SH.

Why don't they just make all the sizes in the range with step 0.1 ???!

I was not aware that an advertisement appeared - I do not see an advert when I read on my phone, only articles about issues with SiHy lenses.

I would need to check the link on a PC when time permits, to understand what you say you saw - but I will certainly clarify that it was not my intention to post an advert - quite the contrary, information should have appeared, from a Doctor and his replies.

How do you find the Proclear lenses comfort wise? Why do you require different base curves for both your eyes?

HydroRunner · #34 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lensesagain

How do you find the Proclear lenses comfort wise? Why do you require different base curves for both your eyes?

Comfort wise:
1) In the old days (1970s, 1980s) I didn't wear lenses every day. They didn't always feel comfortale. Also, I would usually remove the lenses long before going to sleep and wear glasses a few hours at the end of the day.
2) In the 1990s, the very thin Acuvue I lenses gave an improvement, but still there were times when they felt a bit irritating.
3) Now, in the new century, It is no problem wearing lenses 16 hours a day on consecutive days. Proclear and Biofinity are both comfortable enough for that, Proclear has the extra comfort that it never needs additional cleaning (just peroxide storage every day is enough for the one-month lenses!) Biofinity needs rub-cleaning every few days (or else they get itchy..)

Base curves:
8.6 gives slightly better vision in my right eye, which has a slight astigmatism (about 0.5). BC8.7 moves a bit more and seems to make it worse, while the tighter fit with BC8.6 seems to correct it somewhat..
The other eye has no astigmatism at all, but it needs a stronger lens (-3.25 instead of -2.25) so the lens is a bit thicker. This may explain why the tighter fit feels less comfortable there, while in the right eye it feels fine. But it could also be the actual shape of the eye..