Wearing Biofinity lenses overnight

Bmack · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 11:38 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm super new to wearing contacts (always worn glasses) and am needing some feedback about wearing these fir extended periods, including using overnight.
I have just got back from the optometrist who insisted these need to still be removed prior to going to sleep as I can risk infections if they stay in longer than a day.....

I thought the point of extended wear contacts was exactly that.... Extended wear?
Even if I could take them out once a week/fortnight that would be ideal.

I'm seeing missed messages about what's absolutely correct here so any help would be awesome, as I'm sick of feeling trapped by my glasses!!

kaymoonwitch · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2011, 06:21 AM

First off : I am NOT a professional, I've worn lenses for 15yrs now. I have worn Biofinity for about 3 yrs.

I wouldn't recommend Biofinity to be worn more than a day at one time. There are bi-weekly or weeklies you can keep in at night as well. The point is : You'll get deposits etc, your vision will become a little blurry and if the lens isn't perfectly fitting, it may slide up/down due to movement. (And it's a horror tale, but I have had this happen once to me.) I think Air Optix Night and Day (the name is similar) might be nicer for you then.

Bmack · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2011, 06:28 AM

Hi kaymoonwitch,

Thanks for your reply.
All this contact lens stuff is confusing! So many people yelling me different things.
I have friends who wear the biofinity and wear them continuously for about 2 weeks at a time with no problems.... They say their optometrist advises that's ok.
However when I visited mine today she advised against it.
Did you have difficulty getting used to the lenses? I know you have been wearing lenses for a long time, this is about my 5time wearing them.
For moments I don't notice them, but then they can also feel scratchy and blurry. I feel like ive got dust in my eyes
I've been using eye drops recommended by the optometrist but I feel like it's not going to improve and the discomfort is going to stay regardless of what I do....

Spongebob · #4 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmack

Hi kaymoonwitch,

Thanks for your reply.
All this contact lens stuff is confusing! So many people yelling me different things.
I have friends who wear the biofinity and wear them continuously for about 2 weeks at a time with no problems.... They say their optometrist advises that's ok.
However when I visited mine today she advised against it.

Your eye doctor is probably the best source of information. She can actually see the condition of your eyes and how well the lenses are fitting. I can come on this site and tell you whatever I want. I can tell you I've done terrible things and survived, but that doesn't mean you should follow my advice, you know?
According to this website, Biofinity lenses are in the "Monthly Disposable contact lenses" category. Still, follow your doctor's advice for what's best for your eyes.

kaymoonwitch · #5 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 11:49 AM

It takes a while to get used to lenses, yes. The first time I had them put into my eyes was pure horror. It's a reflex to try and get them out :P

It should be getting better after a few days of slowly building up the wear-time. (First time I had them in for an hour, the day after 2, and so forth.)

If it doesn't improve (the discomfort), I would go back to my eyedoctor, because then the lens might not be good for your eyes.

Ragnarox · #6 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaymoonwitch

It takes a while to get used to lenses, yes. The first time I had them put into my eyes was pure horror. It's a reflex to try and get them out :P

It should be getting better after a few days of slowly building up the wear-time. (First time I had them in for an hour, the day after 2, and so forth.)

If it doesn't improve (the discomfort), I would go back to my eyedoctor, because then the lens might not be good for your eyes.

I think there are lots of people who read this thread and be relieved to know that it gets better.

HydroRunner · #7 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragnarox

I think there are lots of people who read this thread and re relieved to know that it gets better.

It sounds strange.. The first time I tried lenses I could not even feel them in my eyes. Only after several hours a mild feeling of discomfort developed. Probably the latter was due to lack of oxygen (it was 1978) so with modern lenses not even that should happen (oxygen permeability now is 10 times higher).

No, if it doesn't feel right immediately there is somthing wrong! (Talking about soft lenses, that is, for rigids it might be normal..)

Ragnarox · #8 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

It sounds strange.. The first time I tried lenses I could not even feel them in my eyes. Only after several hours a mild feeling of discomfort developed. Probably the latter was due to lack of oxygen (it was 1978) so with modern lenses not even that should happen (oxygen permeability now is 10 times higher).

No, if it doesn't feel right immediately there is something wrong! (Talking about soft lenses, that is, for rigids it might be normal..)

Your results may not be typical, HydroRunner. There's more to contact lens comfort than oxygen. Was this your experience the very first time you wore contact lenses? Did you immediately feel like there were no lenses in your eyes? If so, I think you're very fortunate.

How are you doing these days, Bmack? How do those Biofinity lenses feel now?

HydroRunner · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragnarox

Your results may not be typical, HydroRunner. There's more to contact lens comfort than oxygen. Was this your experience the very first time you wore contact lenses? Did you immediately feel like there were no lenses in your eyes? If so, I think you're very fortunate.

If I remember correctly, after 33 years, the optician first made me wear rigids for a few minutes. Then we tried U3 in one eye and U4 in the other, which I had to wear during several hours (I was sent off and had to come back to the clinic later that afternoon). During the day those lenses gave no discomfort whatsoever. But I'm not 100% sure whether I could absolutely not feel them at that time.

Later, when wearing them 12 hours a day or more, they actually did become uncomfortable at times! And in dry air they also were pretty horrible (like in subway stations). So it was not at all perfect in those days..

Ragnarox · #10 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

If I remember correctly, after 33 years, the optician first made me wear rigids for a few minutes. Then we tried U3 in one eye and U4 in the other, which I had to wear during several hours (I was sent off and had to come back to the clinic later that afternoon). During the day those lenses gave no discomfort whatsoever. But I'm not 100% sure whether I could absolutely not feel them at that time.

Later, when wearing them 12 hours a day or more, they actually did become uncomfortable at times! And in dry air they also were pretty horrible (like in subway stations). So it was not at all perfect in those days..

Thanks for answering my question so quickly. It's happening more and more often, but I'm still surprised when someone replies to my post the same day that I write it.

Spongebob · #11 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragnarox

Thanks for answering my question so quickly. It's happening more and more often, but I'm still surprised when someone replies to my post the same day that I write it.

Still no reply from Bmack, though. Maybe they just like you better, Ragnarox.

Cool name.

CLSC · #12 (**permalink**) 09-13-2011, 08:06 PM

The first day I wore the Biofinity I was in a room with 3 or 4 HUGE fans. They were blowing and felt like the wind was right in my eyes. I hoped it was not the Biofinity Lenses.

Turned out it must have been the fans, because I have to turn the fan in my house to a different angle when I'm in the room with it now. I have never had a dry or scratchy feeling from Biofinity, unless there was another irritant, such as a fan turned on high.

Used some moistening drops halfway through the day, but I have done this for years before trying Contact Lenses.

LittleElvis · #13 (**permalink**) 09-14-2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLSC

The first day I wore the Biofinity I was in a room with 3 or 4 HUGE fans. They were blowing and felt like the wind was right in my eyes. I hoped it was not the Biofinity Lenses.

Turned out it must have been the fans, because I have to turn the fan in my house to a different angle when I'm in the room with it now. I have never had a dry or scratchy feeling from Biofinity, unless there was another irritant, such as a fan turned on high.

Used some moistening drops halfway through the day, but I have done this for years before trying Contact Lenses.

I'm glad you found a way to be comfortable, CLSC. Are you planning on asking the doctor if there's anything you can do to be more comfortable in front of fans.

Not necessarily those kinds of fans, but okay.

Ragnarox · #14 (**permalink**) 09-22-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spongebob

Still no reply from Bmack, though. Maybe they just like you better, Ragnarox.

Cool name.

I'm glad you like the name. I hope Bmack likes to too.

LittleElvis · #15 (**permalink**) 09-22-2011, 11:42 AM

How did you like my "fans" pictures, everybody?

HydroRunner · #16 (**permalink**) 09-22-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleElvis

I'm glad you found a way to be comfortable, CLSC. Are you planning on asking the doctor if there's anything you can do to be more comfortable in front of fans.

Not necessarily those kinds of fans, but okay.

One might suggest Proclear lenses. They are FDA-approved for preventing dry eyes. (And they are a bit softer and thinner than Biofinities).

Zoey · #17 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

One might suggest Proclear lenses. They are FDA-approved for preventing dry eyes. (And they are a bit softer and thinner than Biofinities).

Thanks HydroRunner. With a name like that I'm guessing you know a lot about keeping things wet.

LittleElvis · #18 (**permalink**) 09-28-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

One might suggest Proclear lenses. They are FDA-approved for preventing dry eyes. (And they are a bit softer and thinner than Biofinities).

The fans will love it.

HydroRunner · #19 (**permalink**) 09-28-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleElvis

The fans will love it.

They are, however, less permeable to oxygen (the Proclear lenses, I mean, when compared to Biofinity, that is..) But as I said, a little bit softer. Not that much, but still! And a bit more slippery, too.. Some people might find that more comfortable.

To avoid confusion (or add to it?) it should mention that there are Proclear dailies and monthlies. The monthlies have the same curvature as the Biofinities (BC=8.6). The Proclear dailies have BC=8.7 so if Biofinity fits nicely then they might be too loose! (But of course the fans already know this..)

For me the best comfort is obtained with BC=8.6 in my right eye and BC=8.7 in my left, but for that I need to wear one daily and one monthly. Clumsy.. It's a pity that those lenses never come in a full range of BC values with step 0.1!

LittleElvis · #20 (**permalink**) 09-28-2011, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

They are, however, less permeable to oxygen (the Proclear lenses, I mean, when compared to Biofinity, that is..) But as I said, a little bit softer. Not that much, but still! And a bit more slippery, too.

Can you tell that they're more oxygen permeable when you wear them, or did you just compare the numbers on line or something?

HydroRunner · #21 (**permalink**) 09-28-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleElvis

Can you tell that they're more oxygen permeable when you wear them, or did you just compare the numbers on line or something?

No, Elvis, I cannot tell when I wear them! The numbers for dk/t are something like 160 for Biofinity and 30-something for Proclear. And both from the same manufacturer, so no bias to be expected. Besides, one is silicone hydrogel material and the other is not, so it's beyound question. But not noticeable while wearing them!

It might make a big difference if I would wear them overnight but I never do (Reading in bed is actually much more easy without lenses than with them, if you're my age and have strength -2.25/-3.00).

If I wear the two different types (each in one eye) for a long day and take them out before sleeping, then the next morning the eye that had the Biofinity may feel slightly cleaner. But hardly noticeable.. I might be just imagining it (and it's hard to do a double blind test on this!)

CLSC · #22 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleElvis

How did you like my "fans" pictures, everybody?

Loved your fans pics, LittleElvis. Wish I'd seen your post when you first put it up!

Maybe I ought to only stay in a room with those kinds of fans you have pictured, instead of the windy kind that I experienced.... Might be better for my eyes. Then again, some of those fans you have pictured could be pretty long-winded too!

Bootz · #23 (**permalink**) 10-03-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroRunner

No, Elvis, I cannot tell when I wear them! The numbers for dk/t are something like 160 for Biofinity and 30-something for Proclear. And both from the same manufacturer, so no bias to be expected. Besides, one is silicone hydrogel material and the other is not, so it's beyound question. But not noticeable while wearing them!

It might make a big difference if I would wear them overnight but I never do (Reading in bed is actually much more easy without lenses than with them, if you're my age and have strength -2.25/-3.00).

If I wear the two different types (each in one eye) for a long day and take them out before sleeping, then the next morning the eye that had the Biofinity may feel slightly cleaner. But hardly noticeable.. I might be just imagining it (and it's hard to do a double blind test on this!)

I wonder why some people make such a fuss about oxygen permeability if it doesn't make a big difference in how the lenses feel?

LittleElvis · #24 (**permalink**) 11-21-2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLSC

Loved your fans pics, LittleElvis. Wish I'd seen your post when you first put it up!

Maybe I ought to only stay in a room with those kinds of fans you have pictured, instead of the windy kind that I experienced.... Might be better for my eyes. Then again, some of those fans you have pictured could be pretty long-winded too!

Find yourself a fan club and check in with us a little more often. How have things been for you lately now that the weather has cooled? Does the heat from the furnace bother your eyes?

CLSC · #25 (**permalink**) 11-21-2011, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleElvis

Find yourself a fan club and check in with us a little more often. How have things been for you lately now that the weather has cooled? Does the heat from the furnace bother your eyes?

Yikes, it's 80° here so we're not yet done with the fans. ;-)

unclebuck · #26 (**permalink**) 11-21-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLSC

Yikes, it's 80° here so we're not yet done with the fans. ;-)

80 degrees? In November? Where are you? It's 45 degrees here right now.

Zoey · #27 (**permalink**) 12-13-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebuck

80 degrees? In November? Where are you? It's 45 degrees here right now.

I wonder if maybe the "SC" in "CLSC" stand for "South Carolina"?

luvbostonxo2's · #28 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmack

Hi everyone,

I'm super new to wearing contacts (always worn glasses) and am needing some feedback about wearing these fir extended periods, including using overnight.
I have just got back from the optometrist who insisted these need to still be removed prior to going to sleep as I can risk infections if they stay in longer than a day.....

I thought the point of extended wear contacts was exactly that.... Extended wear?
Even if I could take them out once a week/fortnight that would be ideal.

I'm seeing missed messages about what's absolutely correct here so any help would be awesome, as I'm sick of feeling trapped by my glasses!!

They are approved are extended wear (continous wear night and day) for up to 6 nights 7 days. Not everyone's eyes can or will adjust to having a lens on the eye for extended periods of time. If your ecp says no then its a no. There are other factors involved which may make extended wear unsuitable.

FaceofBoe · #29 (**permalink**) 01-06-2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2's

They are approved are extended wear (continous wear night and day) for up to 6 nights 7 days. Not everyone's eyes can or will adjust to having a lens on the eye for extended periods of time. If your ecp says no then its a no. There are other factors involved which may make extended wear unsuitable.

Thanks for saying that, luvbostonxo2's. It's rare, but there are times I read things here like "My girlfriend's brother wears his contacts for two months, so that's what I'm going to do." That's not a good idea, is it?

Spongebob · #30 (**permalink**) 01-06-2012, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaceofBoe

Thanks for saying that, luvbostonxo2's. It's rare, but there are times I read things here like "My girlfriend's brother wears his contacts for two months, so that's what I'm going to do." That's not a good idea, is it?

My grandmother used to say "Monkey see, monkey do."