information please

mik · #1 (**permalink**) 04-10-2010, 10:26 PM

I have worn soft lenses, with a great deal of compromise for a long time. The last pair were custom, multi-focal, etc. etc.

I decided to try gp lenses and have been getting "fitted" for three months. They are "tweaking" different things on each custom made set. This "last chance" - (their decision) set before going back to soft-- are fairly good with exceptions. They are obviously not as comfortable as soft- the vision -- most of the time is better. Reading is good but the actual "real close" is not as good. Distance is as good. Clarity may be better.

I have complained about the fact that at some distances, I need to turn my head one way or the other for real clarity.

I have had this pair for about a week.

When they feel "dry" I use Optive- then it is difficult to see for a couple of minutes. I use Boston advanced cleaner and soak.

I need to decide rather quickly.

My questions are:

will the total comfort get better after more time? (I wear these about 15-16 hours a day)

Will I adjust to the limitations of the vision after a while?

Or am I better off to go back to the soft customs.

I notice that these sit a bit high on my eye and off slightly to the outside. I am really tired of telling them that I don't think they fit right and getting what I am told "adjustments by talking to the lab". I was under the impression that these are custom made and could most likely take into consideration anything that needed to be done to make them right.

I should also mention that being outside in the wind is really tough. I have very sensitive eyes to begin with and they are now more "light sensitive".

I am just not sure what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks for the info.

Knotlob · #2 (**permalink**) 04-11-2010, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

I have worn soft lenses, with a great deal of compromise for a long time. The last pair were custom, multi-focal, etc. etc.

I decided to try gp lenses and have been getting "fitted" for three months. They are "tweaking" different things on each custom made set. This "last chance" - (their decision) set before going back to soft-- are fairly good with exceptions. They are obviously not as comfortable as soft- the vision -- most of the time is better. Reading is good but the actual "real close" is not as good. Distance is as good. Clarity may be better.

I have complained about the fact that at some distances, I need to turn my head one way or the other for real clarity.

I have had this pair for about a week.

When they feel "dry" I use Optive- then it is difficult to see for a couple of minutes. I use Boston advanced cleaner and soak.

I need to decide rather quickly.

My questions are:

will the total comfort get better after more time? (I wear these about 15-16 hours a day)

Will I adjust to the limitations of the vision after a while?

Or am I better off to go back to the soft customs.

I notice that these sit a bit high on my eye and off slightly to the outside. I am really tired of telling them that I don't think they fit right and getting what I am told "adjustments by talking to the lab". I was under the impression that these are custom made and could most likely take into consideration anything that needed to be done to make them right.

I should also mention that being outside in the wind is really tough. I have very sensitive eyes to begin with and they are now more "light sensitive".

I am just not sure what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks for the info.

Hello mik, Welcome to the forum and thanks for an interesting post.

I am also trying to get used to RGP lenses, though just standard long distance vision ones, no multifocals, etc.

In the wind, I don't have any problems and no real problems outside, though sometimes inside they can be rather uncomfortable - drier air?

I do have greater light sensitivity with RGP than soft lenses. I don't know why this is - perhaps they are just not as comfortable as soft lenses and that affects light sensitivity or perhaps because they are smaller in diameter (9.6mm) than my normal soft lenses.

My vision is superior with RGP lenses to soft lenses. Mainly because they correct some of my minor astigmatism.

I think my lenses fit OK and not off-centre.

I needed two sets of lenses before my optician was happy. Apparently it can commonly take 3 sets of RGP lenses to get the correct fit.

My left eye is reasonably OK but I have more discomfort in my right eye, which has more astigmatism and my optician tells me that eyes are rather sensitive to astigmatism (even in soft lenses) as regards comfort.

I think you would probably get used to the vision, but your lenses should not be off centre as far as I am aware. Has the optician given you an explanation as to why your lenses are off-centre?

I wear Menicon Z Alpha lenses and they are available in a large number of base curves in particular (0.05mm increments). Base curve is more critical with RGP lenses than soft lenses, but I would guess the manufacturers try to keep most in stock. Delivery seems to be pretty quick here in Germany. I am not sure they are really custom made, as the availability is based on a set range of parameters, though with such close increments in base curve that ought to be enough for most people.

It can take 6 weeks to get used to RGP lenses. The eye becomes desensitized to a certain extent so wearing them becomes easier. I have worn them for 18 hours inside but wouldn't have described than as comfortable then, though when going outside into the cold air, they were comfortable again. But my optician reckoned with a RGP lens, when your eye has had enough, it will tell you and you will have to take them out. Soft lenses may become uncomfortable but not usually to the stage that you must take them out.

It is important to do a deep clean of the lenses once/week. I notice the difference after doing this.

I think I have not found the optimum lens solution for these Menicon lenses and my eyes. I find the recommended lens care product tends to give me grit problems sometimes and I think that may be dried tear/lens solution. I am sticking with these lenses because of the superior vision.

knotlob

Purpleiris · #3 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

I needed two sets of lenses before my optician was happy. Apparently it can commonly take 3 sets of RGP lenses to get the correct fit.

knotlob

That's interesting knotlob. I wonder how many people who now wear Boston ES have tried two or more other brands first?

In any case, I'd just like to tell people visiting Lens 101 not to be discouraged if they have some trouble with their contacts right out of the gate. Sometimes it tales a bit of patience to find the right brand.

Knotlob · #4 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purpleiris

That's interesting knotlob. I wonder how many people who now wear Boston ES have tried two or more other brands first?

In any case, I'd just like to tell people visiting Lens 101 not to be discouraged if they have some trouble with their contacts right out of the gate. Sometimes it tales a bit of patience to find the right brand.

Hi Purpleiris

I think I may have mislead you there - sorry. I meant two or three different size parameters of the same lens (Base curve, etc). not different manufacturers. However, RGP lenses being what they are, I suspect there are several here on this site who have worn/trialled several different manufacturer's RGP lenses.

knotlob

Railfan · #5 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hi Purpleiris

I think I may have mislead you there - sorry. I meant two or three different size parameters of the same lens (Base curve, etc). not different manufacturers. However, RGP lenses being what they are, I suspect there are several here on this site who have worn/trialled several different manufacturer's RGP lenses.

knotlob

I thought you were talking about trying different brands of contact lenses, too. Either way, it still would be interesting to know how many people had to have several fittings before they found a lens they were happy with, and now that they've been fitted, they're very happy with the results. It wouldn't be as encouraging to new contact lens wearers to hear that some people just settle for something that's slightly less painful than the other lenses they've tried.

mik · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2010, 08:23 AM

I guess that I am not really seeing the response that I am looking for. Possibly I am not asking properly.

basically, if I am wearing my RGP lenses- and I look into the mirror- straight ahead- where should the lens be sitting on my eye? I know that they move when I blink- but where should they settle and how quickly.

Mine sit with the bottom of the lens just about touching- but barely below the pupil-- (the black part). I am guessing that the lens is supposed to center especially because they are bifocal, slightly mono, etc.

Any help is appreciated.

Tiger · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

I guess that I am not really seeing the response that I am looking for. Possibly I am not asking properly.

basically, if I am wearing my RGP lenses- and I look into the mirror- straight ahead- where should the lens be sitting on my eye? I know that they move when I blink- but where should they settle and how quickly.

Mine sit with the bottom of the lens just about touching- but barely below the pupil-- (the black part). I am guessing that the lens is supposed to center especially because they are bifocal, slightly mono, etc.

Any help is appreciated.

Hi mik. Welcome to Lens 101.

I tried to find a picture on line of a bifocal contact lens that is seated in place properly, but I couldn't.

I'm no expert, but I believe that your contact lenses should be centered over your cornea, which is the clear "bubble" in the front of your eye. You say that that bottom of the lens is just below your pupil. That sounds like they're riding too high. You may want to have the base curve checked.

I wish you well, and I hope you let us know when this is resolved for you, okay?

Railfan · #8 (**permalink**) 04-26-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

I guess that I am not really seeing the response that I am looking for. Possibly I am not asking properly.

basically, if I am wearing my RGP lenses- and I look into the mirror- straight ahead- where should the lens be sitting on my eye? I know that they move when I blink- but where should they settle and how quickly.

Mine sit with the bottom of the lens just about touching- but barely below the pupil-- (the black part). I am guessing that the lens is supposed to center especially because they are bifocal, slightly mono, etc.

Any help is appreciated.

I agree with the others. It sounds to me like these lenses are not centered properly. Hopefully by now you've got this issue sorted out and you're wearing your RGPs comfortably now.

mik · #9 (**permalink**) 07-08-2010, 01:04 PM

Well I have gotten no further. I have recd. various types of drops for allergies, etc. But I am told that this is the best fit that I am going to get. That the lenses need to be able to move when I blink.
I understand that but they could also move if they were centered.
Driving at night is terrible due to the lights being distorted and I cannot see edges well (Streets, driveways).

I am being told that this is it. I am now stuck with some 400.00 lenses that I do not believe fit well and I need to turn my head to bring things into proper focus.

I can understand the frustration of the Dr. trying to fit properly but I have also a great deal of frustration going and not being fit properly- plus I am out the money.

I may have to suffer through with these until the end of the year and then get another pair of soft lenses. They were also 400.00 and my vision during the day was close to the same but I could see really well at night.

At least they were more comfortable- when they weren't dry as crackers.

NYGiants · #10 (**permalink**) 07-08-2010, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

Well I have gotten no further. I have recd. various types of drops for allergies, etc. But I am told that this is the best fit that I am going to get. That the lenses need to be able to move when I blink.
I understand that but they could also move if they were centered.
Driving at night is terrible due to the lights being distorted and I cannot see edges well (Streets, driveways).

I am being told that this is it. I am now stuck with some 400.00 lenses that I do not believe fit well and I need to turn my head to bring things into proper focus.

I can understand the frustration of the Dr. trying to fit properly but I have also a great deal of frustration going and not being fit properly- plus I am out the money.

I may have to suffer through with these until the end of the year and then get another pair of soft lenses. They were also 400.00 and my vision during the day was close to the same but I could see really well at night.

At least they were more comfortable- when they weren't dry as crackers.

I'm sorry that this didn't work out better for you, mik. Personally, I think that you gave the RGP contacts the best chance you could of succeeding, but these lenses just aren't for everyone. The way I see it, you have two choices. You can go back to your soft lenses, but you said that they're not all that great either. You might want to try another eye doctor, and maybe he or she will be better able to fit you properly.

Actually there's a third alternative, too. Good old fashioned glasses.

Sorry, but that's they way it looks to me at this point. Keep us posted. Maybe you'll come up with something I didn't think of.

Railfan · #11 (**permalink**) 07-15-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYGiants

I'm sorry that this didn't work out better for you, mik. Personally, I think that you gave the RGP contacts the best chance you could of succeeding, but these lenses just aren't for everyone. The way I see it, you have two choices. You can go back to your soft lenses, but you said that they're not all that great either. You might want to try another eye doctor, and maybe he or she will be better able to fit you properly.

Actually there's a third alternative, too. Good old fashioned Glasses.

Sorry, but that's they way it looks to me at this point. Keep us posted. Maybe you'll come up with something I didn't think of.

So, have you settled on any of the options that NYGiants has recommended?

NYGiants · #12 (**permalink**) 11-28-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railfan

So, have you settled on any of the options that NYGiants has recommended?

I think I covered all the bases, haven't I?

Hypnoteyes · #13 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

Well I have gotten no further. I have recd. various types of drops for allergies, etc. But I am told that this is the best fit that I am going to get. That the lenses need to be able to move when I blink.
I understand that but they could also move if they were centered.
Driving at night is terrible due to the lights being distorted and I cannot see edges well (Streets, driveways).

I am being told that this is it. I am now stuck with some 400.00 lenses that I do not believe fit well and I need to turn my head to bring things into proper focus.

I can understand the frustration of the Dr. trying to fit properly but I have also a great deal of frustration going and not being fit properly- plus I am out the money.

I may have to suffer through with these until the end of the year and then get another pair of soft lenses. They were also 400.00 and my vision during the day was close to the same but I could see really well at night.

At least they were more comfortable- when they weren't dry as crackers.

Wow, that's too bad, mik. I don't know whether to tell you to try a different doctor or just cut your losses and wear glasses.

Railfan · #14 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

Well I have gotten no further. I have recd. various types of drops for allergies, etc. But I am told that this is the best fit that I am going to get. That the lenses need to be able to move when I blink.
I understand that but they could also move if they were centered.
Driving at night is terrible due to the lights being distorted and I cannot see edges well (Streets, driveways).

I am being told that this is it. I am now stuck with some 400.00 lenses that I do not believe fit well and I need to turn my head to bring things into proper focus.

I can understand the frustration of the Dr. trying to fit properly but I have also a great deal of frustration going and not being fit properly- plus I am out the money.

I may have to suffer through with these until the end of the year and then get another pair of soft lenses. They were also 400.00 and my vision during the day was close to the same but I could see really well at night.

At least they were more comfortable- when they weren't dry as crackers.

So basically, it comes down to the lenses not centering properly, lights being distorted (with a star burst pattern?), and blurred edges on objects, right? I thought that if I just simplified the whole thing it would be easier to figure out.

AllyCat · #15 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

I have worn soft lenses, with a great deal of compromise for a long time. The last pair were custom, multi-focal, etc. etc.

I decided to try gp lenses and have been getting "fitted" for three months. They are "tweaking" different things on each custom made set. This "last chance" - (their decision) set before going back to soft-- are fairly good with exceptions. They are obviously not as comfortable as soft- the vision -- most of the time is better. Reading is good but the actual "real close" is not as good. Distance is as good. Clarity may be better.

I have complained about the fact that at some distances, I need to turn my head one way or the other for real clarity.

I have had this pair for about a week.

When they feel "dry" I use Optive- then it is difficult to see for a couple of minutes. I use Boston advanced cleaner and soak.

I need to decide rather quickly.

My questions are:

will the total comfort get better after more time? (I wear these about 15-16 hours a day)

Will I adjust to the limitations of the vision after a while?

Or am I better off to go back to the soft customs.

I notice that these sit a bit high on my eye and off slightly to the outside. I am really tired of telling them that I don't think they fit right and getting what I am told "adjustments by talking to the lab". I was under the impression that these are custom made and could most likely take into consideration anything that needed to be done to make them right.

I should also mention that being outside in the wind is really tough. I have very sensitive eyes to begin with and they are now more "light sensitive".

I am just not sure what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks for the info.

If those lenses have been "tweaked" for three months and even the eye doctor is saying this is your last adjustment, then I think it might be time to go back to the soft lenses. I'd say you gave it a good shot, but it just didn't work out.
Let's see what a few others have to say.

luvbostonxo2's · #16 (**permalink**) 12-04-2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

I have worn soft lenses, with a great deal of compromise for a long time. The last pair were custom, multi-focal, etc. etc.

I decided to try gp lenses and have been getting "fitted" for three months. They are "tweaking" different things on each custom made set. This "last chance" - (their decision) set before going back to soft-- are fairly good with exceptions. They are obviously not as comfortable as soft- the vision -- most of the time is better. Reading is good but the actual "real close" is not as good. Distance is as good. Clarity may be better.

I have complained about the fact that at some distances, I need to turn my head one way or the other for real clarity.

I have had this pair for about a week.

When they feel "dry" I use Optive- then it is difficult to see for a couple of minutes. I use Boston advanced cleaner and soak.

I need to decide rather quickly.

My questions are:

will the total comfort get better after more time? (I wear these about 15-16 hours a day)

Will I adjust to the limitations of the vision after a while?

Or am I better off to go back to the soft customs.

I notice that these sit a bit high on my eye and off slightly to the outside. I am really tired of telling them that I don't think they fit right and getting what I am told "adjustments by talking to the lab". I was under the impression that these are custom made and could most likely take into consideration anything that needed to be done to make them right.

I should also mention that being outside in the wind is really tough. I have very sensitive eyes to begin with and they are now more "light sensitive".

I am just not sure what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks for the info.

Well first off you need to be patient as multifocal rgps CAN require tweaking and refitting. There is a 6 week adaptation process for the lids to adjust to a hard lens. However you should be able to see clearly at all distances. rgp multifocal requires alot of know how....your may fare better switching to an eye doc that specializes in fitting custom lenses.

Garfield21 · #17 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2's

....you may fare better switching to an eye doc that specializes in fitting custom lenses.

How would one go about finding such an eye doc? Is there a 1-800 number that they could call?

NYGiants · #18 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railfan

So, have you settled on any of the options that NYGiants has recommended?

Still no reply from mik so far. I'm not sure what to make of that.

luvbostonxo2's · #19 (**permalink**) 12-08-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllyCat

If those lenses have been "tweaked" for three months and even the eye doctor is saying this is your last adjustment, then I think it might be time to go back to the soft lenses. I'd say you gave it a good shot, but it just didn't work out.
Let's see what a few others have to say.

Yes rgp's can give u glare as its the nature of these lenses however on your windy days just make sure u have a good pair of sunglasses for those sunny and windy days.

Curlupndye · #20 (**permalink**) 12-08-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garfield21

How would one go about finding such an eye doc? Is there a 1-800 number that they could call?

That's a good question. I found a website called "thinkaboutyoureyes.com" that will direct you to a nearby eye doctor. There's also www.aao.org/find_eyemd.cfm, which is a site put up by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

AllyCat · #21 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2's

Yes rgp's can give u glare as its the nature of these lenses however on your windy days just make sure u have a good pair of sunglasses for those sunny and windy days.

Hmm . . . that might explain why I see people on the street with sunglasses on and the sun is behind the clouds. Perhaps it was too windy for them.