Air Optix Night & Day vs. old Focus Night & Day

purplelife · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 06:58 AM

Hi all,

I'm new here. Wanted to share my story to see if any others are having the same issues.

I first started wearing contacts about 7 years ago. For the first two years, I tried every brand and solution combo possible but nothing was comfortable - after 6-8 hours my eyes were done (dryness, feeling them, etc.). Finally my eye doc suggested Focus Night & Day and the difference was truly night and day! They were PERFECT and comfortable from day 1, and I've been wearing them all day every day without any problems for the past 5 years. I can't even feel them at all in eye, it's like wearing nothing and truly a miracle after all my struggles.

A few weeks ago I visited my eye doctor to get an updated prescription because I was running low on lenses, and he informs me that Focus Night & Day have been discontinued and replaced with Air Optix Night & Day. I panic, and he reassures me that they are made from the same material and I shouldn't notice any difference.

Well... to put it plainly, the Air Optix Night & Day are NOT the same as the original. My eyes are drier, and by dinnertime literally screaming at me to take the lenses out. I've now worn the Air Optix Night & Day for almost 2 weeks, and the problems have continued. On a few days I got so sick of it I switched back to the old lenses (I still have 1 pair left...) and the improvement in comfort was IMMEDIATE.

So... I'm pretty much devastated. I've got an active lifestyle and have taken for granted wearing contacts for the last 5 years. Anyone else having a similar issue? Can anyone suggest a lens that might work for me? If others are having similar problems let's start a petition to Ciba Vision to bring back the original Focus Night & Day. If a product ain't broke they shouldn't be fixing it!!!

mbscmom · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplelife

Well... to put it plainly, the Air Optix Night & Day are NOT the same as the original. My eyes are drier, and by dinnertime literally screaming at me to take the lenses out. I've now worn the Air Optix Night & Day for almost 2 weeks, and the problems have continued. On a few days I got so sick of it I switched back to the old lenses (I still have 1 pair left...) and the improvement in comfort was IMMEDIATE.

purplelife,
I could have written this post! I'm having the EXACT same issue! After the 3rd trip back to the doc he has given me another trial pair of Air Optix Night & Day in a "different shape"- (huh?), but as I type this I'm blinking rapidly trying to make the right lens behave! In between times, I've tried B&L PureVision, which was just ok - but better than the Air Optix, now that I've had 2 trial pairs. It makes me crazy to think that my days of 30 days of continuous, comfortable wear are over! Can anybody help??

purplelife · #3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 04:06 PM

Hi mbscmom,

thanks so much for your reply! I have sent one email complaint already to Ciba Vision, and today I actually called them. I spoke with a very nice woman on the phone and expressed my STRONG dissatisfaction with the new lenses. I asked if anyone else had called yet to complain, and she said she wasn't aware of any issues. However, the switch to Air Optix just happened in March (figures... if I'd gone to my eye doc a few weeks earlier I'd have been set for another couple of years at least with the old version), and so there probably hasn't been very many people using the Air Optix yet.

I'm hoping that once more people make the switch, there will be lots more complaints and they go back to the old version. However, for now I plan to return to my eye doc and start the process of trying other brands... ugh...

I knew this day would come at some point since no product is produced forever, but I'm just so disappointed. I know it seems trivial to be upset about something like contact lenses, but I just took it for granted to get up every morning and pop in my Focus Night & Day.

fastfission · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 08:12 PM

I'm so glad I came across this thread as my experience is exactly the same as described here.

Having used Focus Night and Day for many years I was informed that it was now called Air Optix Night and Day but was the same product. Last year I ordered 6 months worth and can confirm that these new lenses are garbage and not at all similar to the old Focus Night and Day. They dry my eyes within hours and cause a build up of mucous over the lens. Just horrible. I was wondering if it was me. Now I see others are having the same issues.

To confuse matters further it now appears these dubious Air Optix Night and Day lenses have been relabelled Air Optix Night and Day Aqua but again the manufacturer asserts they are the same lenses.

Two questions;

1) Has anyone contacted the manufacturer to complain?

2) Is anyone aware of an internet supplier who still has stocks of the old Focus Night and Day for sale?

Many thanks

FF
London, England

Bobby244 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 12:28 PM

I'm having the exact same experience. I was using the Focus brand for a couple years and it was like I wasn't even wearing lenses, I go to the eye doctor last week to get new lenses and am told it's no longer the Focus brand but that they're the same thing. They are not the same. These are actually the most uncomfortable lenses I've ever worn. My eyes are dry and itchy all day and I'm constantly putting in eye drops. I left them in to sleep last night (like I would do with my Focus lenses no problem) and I wake up this morning with discharge in my eye almost as if I had pink eye. I take out the contacts and my eyes were better so I don't have an eye infection, it's the contacts. And you can see they're not the same just by looking at them. The focus ones looked more clear, these ones look thicker and more blue.

If you guys find any other brands that are working for you and feel similar to the Focus brand please post it here. My eye doctor seems to really push the O2 optix brand so I might get a trial pair of those and see how they feel.

nakedeyes · #6 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastfission

I'm so glad I came across this thread as my experience is exactly the same as described here.

Having used Focus Night and Day for many years I was informed that it was now called Air Optix Night and Day but was the same product. Last year I ordered 6 months worth and can confirm that these new lenses are garbage and not at all similar to the old Focus Night and Day. They dry my eyes within hours and cause a build up of mucous over the lens. Just horrible. I was wondering if it was me. Now I see others are having the same issues.

To confuse matters further it now appears these dubious Air Optix Night and Day lenses have been relabeled Air Optix Night and Day Aqua but again the manufacturer asserts they are the same lenses.

Two questions;

1) Has anyone contacted the manufacturer to complain?

2) Is anyone aware of an internet supplier who still has stocks of the old Focus Night and Day for sale?

Many thanks

FF
London, England

Sorry about the trouble you've been having, FF. I have some good news for you though. If you click on that red rectangle that says "lens.com" at the top of the page you can order your Focus Night and Day contacts there. In fact, if you don't want to click the red button, here's the direct link:

http://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/lens150.asp

I was not able to find Air Optix Night and Day on lens.com, though, nor did I find Air Optix Night and Day Aqua. The Focus Night and Day are there. I just hope your eye doctor will give you the prescription. If he or she has told you that Focus Night and Day is no longer available, it may be tough to get a prescription. Good luck and let us know how this turns out, okay?

Aditya · #7 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 03:05 PM

Purplelife et al.,

Like someone else said, as we seem to have very similar issues with the new AirOptix N&D lenses, it might be worthwhile starting a petition to bring this to the attention of CIBAVISION. I have already contacted the company and they were very responsive - so I think a petition would be of some value.
There has however been no indication to renew the Focus N&D line - which
is the primary solution.

For those who asked about other lenses - I have since running out of my Focus N&D supply last month, also tried Coopervision's Bioinfinity lens and Bausch and Lomb's Purevision lenses ( both are Silicon Hydrogel lenses with higher 02 permeability ) BUT had issues with both.

Hoping that CIBAVISION looks into this matter soon.

Regards,
Adi

aodmisery · #8 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 05:10 PM

i registered in this forum just so i can share my story. but as with everyone else here the new night and day contacts suck bigtime i wore focus day and night for years and never had a problem but as soon as these new ones came out 5 minutes in putting them in they started hurting. i thought it was just me but now that i found out its not just me i will be complaining to ciba vision along with sending them a link to this page. luckily someone posted a link to were you can still get focus night and day. i called lens.com and they said they still carry focus night and day so im gonna be stocking up.

purplelife · #9 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 07:01 PM

Hi all,

OP here. Thanks for sharing all your stories, it makes me feel a bit better to know I'm not the only one. I wrote to CIBA vision and also talked to someone on the phone. I asked if they'd been getting a lot of complaints and she said she didn't know of any. However, the switch to Air Optix just occurred in March so most people probably still have a supply of their old Focus N & D lenses left (and it seems like someone online companies are still carrying them as well).

I thought about trying to find some of the old ones and stocking up, but I fear doing that will just delay the inevitable. To give you all some hope, I've now been wearing the Air Optix Night & Day for about a month. Slowly but surely, my eyes seem to finally be adapting. I'm now having more good days than bad, although they still aren't quite as comfortable as the original Night & Day, which I never had to "adapt" to (they were perfect from Day 1 for me, that was 5 years ago - and this was after trying numerous other brands that were uncomfortable). I'm able to wear the Air Optix for the whole day now, whereas during the first couple of weeks I barely made it to dinnertime most days. I'm hoping that eventually my eyes will adapt fully and they will not be much different from the old. Hang in there everyone, but I still fully support a petition to bring back the original Focus Night & Day!

fastfission · #10 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 10:19 PM

Good to see the comments coming in. I am clearly not alone.

I am UK based and have found a couple of UK suppliers who have the old Focus range so am ordering a couple of years worth. No messing about with prescription checking over here (an anti-competitive practise to be sure).

Does anyone have the email address to complain to CibaVision? Their public claims that the Air Optix replacements are same must be refuted. The replacement is materially worse, as can be seen from the testimonials here, and they should give consumers a choice to stick with Focus or not...

Bobby244 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 06:32 PM

What are some trustworthy sites to stock up on Focus day & night lenses? I've read some sites have terrible customer service, and I want to make sure that if I buy what I think is the old Focus lenses that they're not going to sell me the new ones. Thanks

Aditya · #12 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 07:31 PM

Bobby

I've sent in a request to lens.com for a 2 year supply of the old Focus N&D
(which they claim to have in stock ) lens.com has a 30 day return policy - so in the end it wouldnt hurt too much if they end up sending you the wrong supplies.

aodmisery · #13 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aditya

Bobby

I've sent in a request to lens.com for a 2 year supply of the old Focus N&D
(which they claim to have in stock ) lens.com has a 30 day return policy - so in the end it wouldnt hurt too much if they end up sending you the wrong supplies.

i actually called and asked them the same thing and they told me if i order focus night and day thats what i will get. so i placed an order for a years worth. this was yesterday. today i checked my order and it it said i ordered focus night and day and right next to that in parentesis it said ( air optix night and day) so i called them and they said i might get some of the new ones if they dont have enough focus in the prescription i need. so now i gotta call tomorrow and make sure i get the right ones. i called kinda late and they were closed.

Bobby244 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 10:59 PM

Thanks for the replies guys, please post back with how it turns out with lens.com. I tried purchasing one set from visiondirect.com. I read some user reviews of the website and some people posted that they tried to buy the Focus day & night from them and if they were out of stock for their prescription they would send you an email and cancel the order (not send the new day and night brand), so I will see what happens and post back.

Bobby244 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 08:44 PM

I highly highly HIGHLY recommend clearlycontacts.ca

I phoned them yesterday morning at 9am, spoke to a customer service person and was assured they had the Focus night and day in stock for my prescription (she told me they had roughly 500 boxes for each eye in stock). They have a buy now pay later plan where you only need to pay 15 days after the item is shipped, and since I was sort of weary if I'd be getting the old Focus brand I thought I'd choose this option. 5 minutes after speaking with the customer service rep I got an email sent to me confirming the order. Yesterday night I recieve an email from them with a tracking number for fedex and that the package would be delivered today. Sure enough by 5pm today my contacts were delivered and they were the correct Focus Day & Night and the right prescription. I'm blown away at their customer service and speed of delivery. I've bought alot of things online but never ever had such a smooth experience. I can't recommend this company enough. I will be calling back tomorrow to order more!

flamenco · #16 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 12:56 PM

Hello fellow contact lens wearers,
I've been wear contacts for over 30 years and have tried many brands but the ones that were the best were the old Ciba Night and Day 30 day lenses. I was upset to find out they changed them to the Air Optix and I recently went to the eye doctor for my annual check up and was told they cannot get the old lenses. Didn't they hear the old adage: "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Idiots!!
I was given a trial pair and hated them.

Don't tell me they didn't change anything! I never had a problem with dryness or comfort for the last 3 years i've worn the N&D lenses. I take them out daily and clean (I use a Peroxide cleaning regime) them but have worn them on vacations for up to 2 weeks without removal and they were great.
The new trial pair started to itch after approx 6 hours of wear and finally I had to remove them and go to back to the N&D's. I tried them again the next day and the same outcome. I went back to the eye doc and I now have a trial pair of Oasys lenses in and they seem very comfortable.
I have 2 boxes of N&D which i'm going to keep in reserve until I can find a more acceptable solution to my contact dilemma.

Stylinbabe · #17 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby244

I highly highly HIGHLY recommend clearlycontacts.ca

I phoned them yesterday morning at 9am, spoke to a customer service person and was assured they had the Focus night and day in stock for my prescription (she told me they had roughly 500 boxes for each eye in stock). They have a buy now pay later plan where you only need to pay 15 days after the item is shipped, and since I was sort of weary if I'd be getting the old Focus brand I thought I'd choose this option. 5 minutes after speaking with the customer service rep I got an email sent to me confirming the order. Yesterday night I receive an email from them with a tracking number for FedEx and that the package would be delivered today. Sure enough by 5pm today my contacts were delivered and they were the correct Focus Day & Night and the right prescription. I'm blown away at their customer service and speed of delivery. I've bought a lot of things online but never ever had such a smooth experience. I can't recommend this company enough. I will be calling back tomorrow to order more!

Hi Bobby244. I'm glad you had such a good experience. I wonder how this company compares to lens.com, the sponsor of this site here? Have you ever tried them? The experience you shared above would be tough to beat.

jhoff80 · #18 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 01:54 PM

I've never had the old Focus Night & Day version, but I just started with the Air Optix ones and it sounds like I'm having a bunch of the issues that you are all having. I wore contact for 5 or 6 years when I was younger, with the Acuvue 2. After a break from contacts (I hated the inconvenience every morning) I decided to give the Night & Day a try.

The first month, with a sample from my doctor, went pretty well for about 3 weeks. I had slightly increased itchyness / dryness, and the fourth week I started having some issues, but I'd been wearing them the whole month. The issues that I was having that last week were a buildup of the white crap in the corners of my eyes, to the point where my eyes felt sticky and hard to open in the morning. I actually didn't quite finish the month, and took them out for the last 4 days of the month, during which my eyes recovered.

Because I had 3 good weeks with them though, I decided to buy a box for each eye and give them a try with taking them out for a day and cleaning them in the middle of the month. Yesterday was the first day of the new pair, and this morning I already needed to take them out for majorly increased itchyness and dryness, and again the sort of stickyness I mentioned earlier.

It's too bad it sounds like the Focus ones were better- I really love the idea of only having to put them in once (maybe even a few times) a month, and it's so great to be able to actually see late at night lying in bed and first thing in the morning. Unfortunately I don't think that these are going to be the ones for me. I just wish I didn't have a 5 month supply left unused.

What about the Acuvue Oasys? Has anyone tried that one in comparison? I guess for overnight wear they want you to take it out every week, and replace it every two weeks, which is less convenient, but if it's wearable...

flamenco · #19 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 10:25 AM

I wanted to post an update to my problems with Focus N&D air optix. I contacted Ciba in Atlanta Ga via Email and ended up having a conference call with my Eye Doc and the Ciba Medical rep and guess what? They are planning to go back to the old N&D lenses due to customer complaints over itchiness and dryness. They told me it will take approx 3-6 months before they will have the old N&D's back out on the marketplace!! Lets keep our fingers crossed that they will follow through with these changes.

In the meantime I have ordered a 6 month supply of the Acuvue Oaysis lenses as I had a demo pair for 2 weeks and they were very comfortable. I typically take my lenses out each night, even the N&D's, but I left the Oaysis in for 2 days on a recent trip and had no problems.

I am still planning on staying with the N&D's when and if they get them fixed as they can be worn up to 30 days continuous which is a great option.

WingsLikeEagles · #20 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 05:12 PM

I too, have had these issues with Ciba Vision's new version of the contacts. They are most definately not the same and almost ruined my wedding day no less. For some reason I was smart enough to bring the last one of the old lens I had as my spare and was able to wear it to the wedding (which was out of town). I thought sure when I got back I would find another lens that worked. No dice. I tried PureVision, Oasys, Proclear Compatibles, Acuvue Advance, SoftLens 38 and Avaira. Avair was pretty good, just a bit heavy if folks need something different to try.

That being said, after I found this forum I thought to myself, lets see what companies have out there. Len.com could not guarantee they would send me the old version (it was a throw of the dice) even when I said others had had good luck with them. A place called CoastalContacts.com did, and had my lenses. So I got a 2 year supply. Which will last me a year and a half since I replace every 3 weeks. Hopefully by then, Ciba will have fixed the problem. I am now going to send them a detailed complaint.

If you need a place to try, that gives another option.

dcerjohn · #21 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 09:34 PM

I have used Focus Night and Day since they were put on the market and they have been fabulous, up until the new version "Air Optix" replaced the original version. Now, wearing Focus Night and Days has become a nightmare! The first night of wearing the Air Optix, my left eye began to produce a mucus like substance continually, but especially while I slept and continued to produce this substance until I stopped wearing them; and on top of that, my left eye developed a "callous" for lack of a better word. And, the contacts were irritating to both eyes. Finally, my right eye (not the left where the mucus was a problem) literally rejected the lens (i.e., very red, irritated) - "pink eye" like symptoms, but not. I went back to my eye doctor and she indicated that I probably was experiencing an allergy of some sort and I told her that I have never had any allergies and that my eyes were not "itchy" or dry as experienced by most individuals who have allergy symptoms. In any event, my eye doctor recommended another brand of lenses (don't recall the name, but they did not work out either). Like others who have posted, I found an old pair of the "original" Focus Night and Day lenses and put them in my eyes and all is now well (back to normal). Obviously the new "improved" version is not so improved.

anu · #22 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastfission

Good to see the comments coming in. I am clearly not alone.

I am UK based and have found a couple of UK suppliers who have the old Focus range so am ordering a couple of years worth. No messing about with prescription checking over here (an anti-competitive practise to be sure).

Does anyone have the email address to complain to CibaVision? Their public claims that the Air Optix replacements are same must be refuted. The replacement is materially worse, as can be seen from the testimonials here, and they should give consumers a choice to stick with Focus or not...

AirOptix Night and Day Aqua lenses manufactured by Ciba Vision have replaced Focus Night and Day lenses.
hi to all,
New Features:
Comfort on contact. All day, every day, even overnight.
New AQUA Moisture System for greater comfort insertion*.
Visibility tint and "OK" inversion indicator
These revolutionary lenses allow six times more oxygen to reach your eyes than ordinary contact lenses.
New Slender Packaging and Each box contains six lenses.
Night & Day prescription is valid on this new lens

Boobesh · #23 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 04:10 AM

My vote goes to Air optics day & night

fleming · #24 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplelife

Hi all,

I'm new here. Wanted to share my story to see if any others are having the same issues.

I first started wearing contacts about 7 years ago. For the first two years, I tried every brand and solution combo possible but nothing was comfortable - after 6-8 hours my eyes were done (dryness, feeling them, etc.). Finally my eye doc suggested Focus Night & Day and the difference was truly night and day! They were PERFECT and comfortable from day 1, and I've been wearing them all day every day without any problems for the past 5 years. I can't even feel them at all in eye, it's like wearing nothing and truly a miracle after all my struggles.

A few weeks ago I visited my eye doctor to get an updated prescription because I was running low on lenses, and he informs me that Focus Night & Day have been discontinued and replaced with Air Optix Night & Day. I panic, and he reassures me that they are made from the same material and I shouldn't notice any difference.

Well... to put it plainly, the Air Optix Night & Day are NOT the same as the original. My eyes are drier, and by dinnertime literally screaming at me to take the lenses out. I've now worn the Air Optix Night & Day for almost 2 weeks, and the problems have continued. On a few days I got so sick of it I switched back to the old lenses (I still have 1 pair left...) and the improvement in comfort was IMMEDIATE.

So... I'm pretty much devastated. I've got an active lifestyle and have taken for granted wearing contacts for the last 5 years. Anyone else having a similar issue? Can anyone suggest a lens that might work for me? If others are having similar problems let's start a petition to Ciba Vision to bring back the original Focus Night & Day. If a product ain't broke they shouldn't be fixing it!!!

The reason I say Danger is that Focus Night Day contact lenses feel so good that you should be carefull how long you wear them. I have kept them in for several months with taking them out maybe once a month. As you know this is highly discouraged by the eye doc. Just make sure you take them out now and then. The price here at Lens.com is pretty darn good too.

dandapg · #25 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 10:13 PM

I joined this forum just so I could post about this. I absolutely HATE the Air Optix lenses! They are NOT like the old Night & Day and I can't understand why they would have changed them. I wore Night & Day for at least 5 years and never had one single problem with them. In fact they are so comfortable I would sometimes wear them much longer than I should have. But these new Air Optix lenses are just horrible. I can feel them in my eyes almost all the time. They are hard to sleep in because when I wake up my eyes are so dry that if I blink the contacts can pop out! I've already wasted a pair because one popped out of my eye and I couldn't find it. I've also been getting more headaches lately and I have to keep eye drops with me at all times now. I never needed eye drops with the old ones because they never dried out! I just hope that what Flamenco said is true and Ciba is planning to go back to the old Night & Day. They were one of the best products I've ever used and I miss them so much!

timetraveler · #26 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplelife

Well... to put it plainly, the Air Optix Night & Day are NOT the same as the original. My eyes are drier, and by dinnertime literally screaming at me to take the lenses out.

Your eyes were literally screaming?

That must have been very disturbing for your family. What did it sound like? Did your eyes scream or speak or sing at any other time?

Bonus Oculus · #27 (**permalink**) 12-05-2009, 01:05 PM

I posted a call to action in this forum about efforts to get Focus Night & Day back on the market.

Juniorgerbil · #28 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonus Oculus

I posted a call to action in this forum about efforts to get Focus Night & Day back on the market.

Welcome Bonus Oculus. I like that name. It sounds very Latin and important.

So tell me about this "call to action." Was it in this thread? I have to admit once I saw how long it was I just skimmed it. It's not a petition is it? I've been told that on-lime petitions are useless because t there are no real, live pen-and-ink signatures on it. An electronic petition would be too easy to fake. Watch.

"The undersigned are hereby petitioning to change Thanksgiving from the fourth Thursday in November to every Thursday in November and hereby invoke the Bonus Oculus Clause of the Constitution:

John Smith
Jane Smith
Robert Smith
Sally Smith
Jane Jones
Jim Jones
Thomas Anderson
Catherine Johnson
Dwayne Johnson
Arte Johnson
Lyndon B Johnson
Daffy Duck
Bugs Bunny
Porky Pig
Pepe LePew
John Ross Ewing
Sue Ellen Ewing
Luke Duke
Beauregard Duke
Daisy Duke
Jesse Duke
Boss Hogg
Ima Hogg
Julia Roberts
Clark Kent
Bruce Wayne
John Wayne
Bradford Pitt
Angelina Jolie-Pitt
Carrie Underwood

See? Fifty "signatures" in about five minutes.

Bonus Oculus · #29 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 03:34 PM

All I'm urging is people use a little elbow grease, pick up the phone, and make your voices heard. If CIBA VISION is a smart company, and I have every reason to believe it is because I love the Focus Night & Day, it will heed the opinions of consumers, and make available a product that brings them profit.

Bonus Oculus · #30 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 03:38 PM

Here's a copy of my call to action:

I am a loyal user of Focus Night & Day. I had not paid any attention to contact lenses in the last several years because I was happy with Focus N&D.

However, recently, I went to my eye doctor, and found that CIBA VISION has discontinued Focus N&D, and instead is offering an upgrade with the new product of Air Optix Night & Day. Eagerly, I tried on this new product, thinking that it is new and improved. I didn't even bother to pack a spare or bring eye drops or anything as I was wearing the new contacts because I never needed such assistance with the old Focus Night & Day. However, after several days, I felt like there was a lint in my contacts. I could not keep my eyes open without pain. I had to ask my wife to drive.

Later, I tried washing it, etc... Nothing worked. The new contacts was like New Coke. I was very dissatisfied. I went to my eye doctor's office for a follow-up, and have since tried other contacts, but nothing felt as good as the old Focus N&D.

I called CIBA VISION up, and they said they would take my complaint down.

I bet if a lot of us called their office, like Coke, they might consider bring the old product line back, and keep us as loyal customers. I know I will NOT buy the Air Optix Night & Day. I would rather get laser surgery than wear contacts that feels like it is contacting my eyeballs.

The main number for CIBA VISION is 1-800-875-3001. That goes to the Consumer Relations office, and is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Global Headquarters office for CIBA VISION in Duluth, Georgia, USA, is at 1-678-415-3937.

I registered my complaint and put in my request to bring back the old faithful Focus Night & Day. I urge you to do the same. People in the past were able to back old Coke. We can bring back our beloved contacts now!

Bonus Oculus · #31 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 05:56 PM

Apparently, I'm getting information that the reason the new Air Optix Night & Day are less comfortable than the Focus Night & Day is because CIBA VISION placed markings on the new contacts so wearers can tell if the lens is turned inside out or right side out.

Bondjamesbond · #32 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 10:24 AM

I agree with Juniorgerbil that on-line petitions are pretty much useless. It would be much more effective to do as Bonus Oculus suggested and call the company to talk to a real live Customer Relations representative.

Simosa · #33 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastfission

Good to see the comments coming in. I am clearly not alone.

I am UK based and have found a couple of UK suppliers who have the old Focus range so am ordering a couple of years worth. No messing about with prescription checking over here (an anti-competitive practise to be sure).

Does anyone have the email address to complain to CibaVision? Their public claims that the Air Optix replacements are same must be refuted. The replacement is materially worse, as can be seen from the testimonials here, and they should give consumers a choice to stick with Focus or not...

Hey can you tell me the name of the UK supplier? Thanks a lot.

AmigaBonita · #34 (**permalink**) 12-15-2009, 11:42 AM

If you don't want to call CIBA Vision, here's the Web address that has a contact form: http://www.us.cibavision.com/contact_us.shtml

Remember. If you want your voice to be heard, don't rant and rave and swear. State your case simply and politely, and they will be much more willing to help you.

AmigaBonita · #35 (**permalink**) 12-15-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonus Oculus

Apparently, I'm getting information that the reason the new Air Optix Night & Day are less comfortable than the Focus Night & Day is because CIBA VISION placed markings on the new contacts so wearers can tell if the lens is turned inside out or right side out.

That marking you're talking about is called an "inversion mark." They're usually very tiny. Is that the reason so many people find these contacts uncomfortable?

Does anyone have a picture of an inversion mark for Focus Night and Day contacts? I can't find one on line.

coyotejones3 · #36 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 03:51 PM

I have emailed CibaVision and they are claiming no fault and no clue.
So today I replied back with the following. I don't know but I am thinking it is hopeless.
This was the original email through their customer service sight:
Please tell it is your decission to continue the old version of Focus night & Day contact lens. I am one of the many who wore them with no problems. After receiving the new replacement (Air Optix Night & Day) I have had nothing but problems. I went through 6 boxes since May 2009. That is only seven months. I had discharge, itchy and irrated eyelids. My doctor didn't know what was happening and almost did duct surgery. I ran across a forum of people with simular problems. I was able to find the old Focus D&N online. Ordered them, wore them and all problems are gone. So please continue the old version.
Also I would not mind being compensated for the six boxes that I have to endure, thinking it was a problem of mine and not one by manufacturing.

This was their reply:
Dear Ms. Jones:
Thank you for taking the time to contact CIBA Vision Corporation regarding our AirOptix® Night & Day® Aqua contact lenses.

CIBA Vision has replaced the NIGHT & DAY® lens with our new AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA lens. The lens is made of lotrafilcon A, the same unique material as the Night & Day® lens. The lens now has an “OK” inversion indicator, a light blue handling tint, and is packaged in a slender 6 lens multi-pack. In addition, the lens features our AQUA Moisture System, which includes a unique moisture agent that helps lubricate the lens for initial comfort, a patented lens material that helps maintain moisture by minimizing the rate of lens dehydration for comfort all day, and an ultra-smooth surface with superior wettability and excellent deposit resistance for comfort every day.

CIBA Vision Corporation designs contact lenses to provide for vision correction, comfort, ease of handling and proper oxygen passage to the eyes. We manufacture our contact lenses under very strict quality control standards. The lenses are inspected during various stages of manufacturing to assure that each lens meets our high quality standards. It is unfortunate that with these efforts, you still experienced difficulties. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced.

All CIBA Vision lenses are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship. Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and are only available through licensed eye care professionals and authorized distributors. For this reason, we cannot send replacement lenses directly to you; however we would be happy to discuss your concerns with your eye care provider and offer replacement lenses with the doctor’s approval. We would recommend that you not wear lenses if you are having issues and that you contact you eye care provider regarding your experience. Please have your eye care provider contact me at the telephone number listed below if assistance with replacement lenses is needed.

In addition, to complete our documentation, we would appreciate you responding with lens information including lot number, expiration date, power, diameter, and base curve of the lenses in question. We will also send a mailing label for your convenience in returning the lenses in question for evaluation. CIBA Vision uses this information as valuable input toward our effort for quality improvements in order to maintain customer satisfaction.

Thank you again for contacting CIBA Vision.

Sincerely,
Monica
CIBA Vision
Patient Relations
1-800-227-1524, ext 3095
coyotejones3@yahoo.com
12/10/2009 06:27 PM
To: tccr.atlanta@cibavision.com
cc:
Subject: us.cibavision.com contact us

This is my reply:
Obviously you have missed the whole point in this communication. The point being: PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE THE PRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL FOCUS DAY AND NIGHTS. I used the 6 boxes of lenses while having problems and thinking it was everything but the lens. I threw away the boxes as I emptied them. At the time I did not realize they were the problem. I do know they have an OK on them and they are also tinted blue. I liked these options but could not wear them. I communicated with my physician who was about to do surgery on my eye duct because he thought my eye was draining to fast to keep the contact wet was the problem. Fortunately I found an contact lens forum where people were discussing the change to the new optic air lens prior to surgery. They too were having the same symptoms as I. Many had change back to the Focus Day and Night and the symptoms ceased. I found the old focus online (which is what my physician prescribed) When received, I started to wear them and my symptoms stopped. Good thing I did not have the surgery that would not have resolved my problems. In the forum, http://www.lens101.com/focus-night-day/64173-air-optix-night-day-vs-old-focus-night-day.html one your customers stated they have had communications with you and you were considering keeping the old. My quest here is to ask you to PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE THE PRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL FOCUS DAY AND NIGHTS. I am a long time customer and hope to continue. Sincerely, Jacquie Jones

LittleElvis · #37 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coyotejones3

I have emailed CibaVision and they are claiming no fault and no clue.
So today I replied back with the following. I don't know but I am thinking it is hopeless.
This was the original email through their customer service sight:
Please tell it is your decission to continue the old version of Focus night & Day contact lens. I am one of the many who wore them with no problems. After receiving the new replacement (Air Optix Night & Day) I have had nothing but problems. I went through 6 boxes since May 2009. That is only seven months. I had discharge, itchy and irrated eyelids. My doctor didn't know what was happening and almost did duct surgery. I ran across a forum of people with simular problems. I was able to find the old Focus D&N online. Ordered them, wore them and all problems are gone. So please continue the old version.
Also I would not mind being compensated for the six boxes that I have to endure, thinking it was a problem of mine and not one by manufacturing.

This was their reply:
Dear Ms. Jones:
Thank you for taking the time to contact CIBA Vision Corporation regarding our AirOptix® Night & Day® Aqua contact lenses.

CIBA Vision has replaced the NIGHT & DAY® lens with our new AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA lens. The lens is made of lotrafilcon A, the same unique material as the Night & Day® lens. The lens now has an “OK” inversion indicator, a light blue handling tint, and is packaged in a slender 6 lens multi-pack. In addition, the lens features our AQUA Moisture System, which includes a unique moisture agent that helps lubricate the lens for initial comfort, a patented lens material that helps maintain moisture by minimizing the rate of lens dehydration for comfort all day, and an ultra-smooth surface with superior wettability and excellent deposit resistance for comfort every day.

CIBA Vision Corporation designs contact lenses to provide for vision correction, comfort, ease of handling and proper oxygen passage to the eyes. We manufacture our contact lenses under very strict quality control standards. The lenses are inspected during various stages of manufacturing to assure that each lens meets our high quality standards. It is unfortunate that with these efforts, you still experienced difficulties. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced.

All CIBA Vision lenses are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship. Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and are only available through licensed eye care professionals and authorized distributors. For this reason, we cannot send replacement lenses directly to you; however we would be happy to discuss your concerns with your eye care provider and offer replacement lenses with the doctor’s approval. We would recommend that you not wear lenses if you are having issues and that you contact you eye care provider regarding your experience. Please have your eye care provider contact me at the telephone number listed below if assistance with replacement lenses is needed.

In addition, to complete our documentation, we would appreciate you responding with lens information including lot number, expiration date, power, diameter, and base curve of the lenses in question. We will also send a mailing label for your convenience in returning the lenses in question for evaluation. CIBA Vision uses this information as valuable input toward our effort for quality improvements in order to maintain customer satisfaction.

Thank you again for contacting CIBA Vision.

Sincerely,
Monica
CIBA Vision
Patient Relations
1-800-227-1524, ext 3095
coyotejones3@yahoo.com
12/10/2009 06:27 PM
To: tccr.atlanta@cibavision.com
cc:
Subject: us.cibavision.com contact us

This is my reply:
Obviously you have missed the whole point in this communication. The point being: PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE THE PRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL FOCUS DAY AND NIGHTS. I used the 6 boxes of lenses while having problems and thinking it was everything but the lens. I threw away the boxes as I emptied them. At the time I did not realize they were the problem. I do know they have an OK on them and they are also tinted blue. I liked these options but could not wear them. I communicated with my physician who was about to do surgery on my eye duct because he thought my eye was draining to fast to keep the contact wet was the problem. Fortunately I found an contact lens forum where people were discussing the change to the new optic air lens prior to surgery. They too were having the same symptoms as I. Many had change back to the Focus Day and Night and the symptoms ceased. I found the old focus online (which is what my physician prescribed) When received, I started to wear them and my symptoms stopped. Good thing I did not have the surgery that would not have resolved my problems. In the forum, http://www.lens101.com/focus-night-day/64173-air-optix-night-day-vs-old-focus-night-day.html one your customers stated they have had communications with you and you were considering keeping the old. My quest here is to ask you to PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE THE PRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL FOCUS DAY AND NIGHTS. I am a long time customer and hope to continue. Sincerely, Jacquie Jones

Hello, coyotejones3.

I'm sorry to read about the problems you've been experiencing. It sounds to me like your approach was reasonable and rational. You did just what AmigaBonita recommended. I hope you are able to resolve this issue fairly quickly. I wonder if they will bring back the Focus Night and Day contact lenses?

dynaxfl · #38 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009, 02:03 PM

I'm so glad to find out i was not the only one has the problem with Air Optix N&D. I first got a trial pair in April and immediately I felt was not as comfortable as Focus N&D. I had to take out the lens after only a few hours. I then ordered a six month supply of Focus and now its running out. The good news is that Clearlycontact.ca still have Focus N&D in stock. I just ordered one year supply from them. If any of you are looking for the place to order Focus N&D, this might be a choice for you although I think they are more expensive than other places. Oh well, Canadians are always more expensive! Hopefully by next yr of this time, CIBA VISION will fix the problem!

LittleElvis · #39 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynaxfl

I'm so glad to find out i was not the only one has the problem with Air Optix N&D. I first got a trial pair in April and immediately I felt was not as comfortable as Focus N&D. I had to take out the lens after only a few hours. I then ordered a six month supply of Focus and now its running out. The good news is that Clearlycontact.ca still have Focus N&D in stock. I just ordered one year supply from them. If any of you are looking for the place to order Focus N&D, this might be a choice for you although I think they are more expensive than other places. Oh well, Canadians are always more expensive! Hopefully by next yr of this time, CIBA VISION will fix the problem!

I'm hoping that CIBA Vision and the other contact lens manufacturers are watching this website. I would think it would be a gold mine of market research.

sbam · #40 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 10:16 PM

I received a trial of Air Optix Day & Night from my eye doctor last week for the same reason others did: the old Focus Day & Nights were discontinued. I took them out Friday after a road trip and was perplexed this morning when I put them back in as to whether the "OK" needed to be readable from the inside or the outside. After reading through this forum, I see that some of the issues I attributed to a long drive and other factors may actually be the result of the lens.

They don't feel uncomfortable really, but I have been getting a lot of mucus in my eyes that I never had before. The lenses get fogged up from it, so I have to take them out. When I first started using Focus Day & Night a few years ago, I did have really dry eyes for the first month or so and had to use drops regularly. Once my eyes adjusted, I never had a problem. I was thinking my eyes might need to readjust to these and was going to give them some time.

They tout the "OK" inversion indicator in their basic product description, but it was beyond frustrating to figure out which way it needs to be visible. I finally found the document below that says it needs to be readable from the outside (PDF page 16):
http://procare.cibavision.com/pdf/N&D%20PFG.pdf

My doctor did ask me a question during the exam…she said that some people have had trouble since they started engraving the lens and asked if that had been an issue for me. I said no since I do recall the old lenses being engraved with CIBA, but I’m wondering if the “OK” on the new version might be more what she was talking about since it’s a lot bigger. I’m going to make sure I have them in the right way now to see if that lessens my issues.

I unfortunately have a bunch of Flex account money I have to spend by the end of the year (my employer doesn't allow it to be used into the next year like most), so I am probably going to have to order them anyway.

coyotejones3 · #41 (**permalink**) 12-29-2009, 01:01 AM

sbam, I would ordering the "old" day & night if I were you. You can still find them on the net. I found mine at coastal contacts. The optic air were "kind of" find for the first day or so with some mucus but then it increased the longer I wore them. I went through 6 boxes (3 boxes per eye) since May 2009 until Nov 2009. My eyelids became so irritated they itched uncontrollably. I didn't realize it was the contacts. I blamed the pollen, the wind, the dust tired eyes and even the cleaning solution I was using and had used for years. After receiving the new "old Day and Night" contacts I put them in and after a couple of days of my eyelids healing, I have had no problems at all with them. I am on my third week with the same lens and only take them out occasionally to clean. The reason I realized what was really happening was because I was searching online for what side the OK was suppose to be and I ran accross this forum. What an eye opener (no pun intended). I think it is the "unique moisture agent that helps lubricate the lens for intial comfort" that is causing the adverse reaction to these lens. Ciba Vision states nothing has changed but admits there is a new "unique moisture agent". Ciba Vision has invited me to send them back so that they can analysis the lens in question but tell me how many of you retain the lens and boxes when you put new ones in?

KSCbase · #42 (**permalink**) 12-29-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coyotejones3

Ciba Vision has invited me to send them back so that they can [analyze] the lens in question but tell me how many of you retain the lens and boxes when you put new ones in?

Wow. A thread that's over 40 posts long. That's something you don't see every day.

This thread brings up a helpful tip. If you have a problem with a pair of contact lenses, don't throw them away because the eye doctor or--in this case, the manufacturer--may want to analyze them.

coyotejones3 · #43 (**permalink**) 12-29-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSCbase

Wow. A thread that's over 40 posts long. That's something you don't see every day.

This thread brings up a helpful tip. If you have a problem with a pair of contact lenses, don't throw them away because the eye doctor or--in this case, the manufacturer--may want to analyze them.

That is good advice if you realize in time the cause of your problems is the contact.

timetraveler · #44 (**permalink**) 01-04-2010, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonus Oculus

I called CIBA VISION up, and they said they would take my complaint down.

I bet if a lot of us called their office, like Coke, they might consider bring the old product line back, and keep us as loyal customers. I know I will NOT buy the Air Optix Night & Day. I would rather get laser surgery than wear contacts that feels like it is contacting my eyeballs.

The main number for CIBA VISION is 1-800-875-3001. That goes to the Consumer Relations office, and is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Global Headquarters office for CIBA VISION in Duluth, Georgia, USA, is at 1-678-415-3937.

I registered my complaint and put in my request to bring back the old faithful Focus Night & Day. I urge you to do the same. People in the past were able to back old Coke. We can bring back our beloved contacts now!

Who here has called CIBA Vision about Focus Night & Day? What was the result?

Bonus Oculus · #45 (**permalink**) 01-08-2010, 10:04 AM

I'm about had it with contacts. What advices do you have for eye surgery to correct near-sightedness?

KSCbase · #46 (**permalink**) 01-19-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonus Oculus

I'm about had it with contacts. What advices do you have for eye surgery to correct near-sightedness?

There is a section here in Lens 101 for eye surgery: http://www.lens101.com/eye-surgery.html Check out that section and see what they have to offer. If your particular questions were not addressed, go ahead and post your questions there.

I can tell you this. Laser surgery is a good option if your eyes are healthy. Lots of people have gotten their vision corrected safely and effectively with this type of surgery. Check this out: "LASIK is the most recent advance in laser vision correction. LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis. Compared to the original laser PRK, the surface of the cornea remains largely intact so that LASIK patients are more comfortable and see better more quickly.

LASIK has been performed internationally for approximately 10 years. It was first performed in U.S. clinical trials in 1991. It is important to note that the major components of the procedure have a long history. Ophthalmologists have been reshaping the cornea for over 50 years, creating a protective layer of tissue for over 35 years, and using the excimer laser since the 1980s.

In 1996, the FDA acted on the data submitted and approved the laser for treatment of low myopia up to -6.00 diopters. In 1997, the FDA approved the laser for treatment of astigmatism up to -4.00 diopters." -- http://www.lasersurgeryforeyes.com/history.html

Cyan · #47 (**permalink**) 01-19-2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonus Oculus

I'm about had it with contacts. What advices do you have for eye surgery to correct near-sightedness?

I had LASIK in my left eye to correct severe astigmatism. Just to let you know, I'm back to wearing contacts in both my left and right eye. LASIK is not a cure-all all the time.

That being said, I'd like to share my Focus/Air Optix N&D story.

I started wearing N&D's in September. I wanted to love them but just couldn't. Unfortunately, they got foggy, and that is something that bothers me a great deal and is also the reason RGP's never worked for me. I also noticed N&D's felt like they had a piece of grit on them, something I never felt with other contacts, but something that seemed to diminish with N&D wear.

I told the store where I bought my lenses what was happening and they said that's been been a common complaint since the switch to Air Optix, the fogging up. They ordered me, no charge, 6 trial lenses for each eye. When they arrived I noticed the left lens was the same lot # as the ones I had problems with. I called CIBA and they offered to send another box to the store where I bought my lenses. They also sent me a postage-paid return envelope so I could return the problem lenses to them. When I finally got my lenses from CIBA the left was again the same lot # and had the same fogging-up issues. The right, although a different lot #, also fogged up.

I decided I was done with N&D's. I had another eye exam and this practitioner put me in a toric in one eye, a change from my previous prescription. I tried an Air Optix toric while at the office but it fogged up immediately. So, we tried Purevision. Guess what? No fogging up and no gritty feeling.

Needless to say, I'm no longer a CIBA customer and have switched to Purevision. Maybe some of you want to also try Purevision now that N&D is different. I also considered Oasys, but there are a number of people who are having allergic-like symptoms with those lenses (google for info). So, for me, Purevision it is!

LP39A · #48 (**permalink**) 01-19-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyan

I had LASIK in my left eye to correct severe astigmatism. Just to let you know, I'm back to wearing contacts in both my left and right eye. LASIK is not a cure-all all the time.

That being said, I'd like to share my Focus/Air Optix N&D story.

I started wearing N&D's in September. I wanted to love them but just couldn't. Unfortunately, they got foggy, and that is something that bothers me a great deal and is also the reason RGP's never worked for me. I also noticed N&D's felt like they had a piece of grit on them, something I never felt with other contacts, but something that seemed to diminish with N&D wear.

I told the store where I bought my lenses what was happening and they said that's been been a common complaint since the switch to Air Optix, the fogging up. They ordered me, no charge, 6 trial lenses for each eye. When they arrived I noticed the left lens was the same lot # as the ones I had problems with. I called CIBA and they offered to send another box to the store where I bought my lenses. They also sent me a postage-paid return envelope so I could return the problem lenses to them. When I finally got my lenses from CIBA the left was again the same lot # and had the same fogging-up issues. The right, although a different lot #, also fogged up.

I decided I was done with N&D's. I had another eye exam and this practitioner put me in a toric in one eye, a change from my previous prescription. I tried an Air Optix toric while at the office but it fogged up immediately. So, we tried Purevision. Guess what? No fogging up and no gritty feeling.

Needless to say, I'm no longer a CIBA customer and have switched to Purevision. Maybe some of you want to also try Purevision now that N&D is different. I also considered Oasys, but there are a number of people who are having allergic-like symptoms with those lenses (google for info). So, for me, Purevision it is!

Thank you for sharing your experience, Cyan. I hope you finally have found comfortable and effective vision correction with Purevision.

There's a section here in Lens 101 about PureVision contacts. Perhaps you will find it useful or even make yourself useful.

AmigaBonita · #49 (**permalink**) 01-21-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmigaBonita

That marking you're talking about is called an "inversion mark." They're usually very tiny. Is that the reason so many people find these contacts uncomfortable?

Does anyone have a picture of an inversion mark for Focus Night and Day contacts? I can't find one on line.

No inversion mark pictures yet?

josh · #50 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 11:20 AM

just went back to eye doc over discomfort from new air optics.... here is what i found out. Eye Dr said he has heard of this problem and believes it is being caused by inverted "ok" marker on contact..... gave me sample pair of Bosch & laumb 30 day continuios wear BIG DIFFERENCE. the old focus night & day did not have this marker.

Railfan · #51 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josh

just went back to eye doc over discomfort from new air optics.... here is what i found out. Eye Dr said he has heard of this problem and believes it is being caused by inverted "ok" marker on contact..... gave me sample pair of Bosch & laumb 30 day continuios wear BIG DIFFERENCE. the old focus night & day did not have this marker.

Hi Josh. Welcome to Lens 101. It's always nice to get new members. I'm glad your story has a happy ending. Who knew that such a tiny little inversion marks could cause discomfort?

reditchy · #52 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 02:59 PM

I have exactly the same problem, I can't tolerate the new Air Optix Night & Day lenses. So I found some of the old Focus Night & Day online. These are old Focus Night & Day with expiry in 2014. I tried them on and they feel very similar to the new Air Optix Night & Day. In other words, they cause my eyes to get very red and itchy. The previous Focus Night & Day contacts that I had were expiry 2012 and felt perfect. I wonder if Ciba made a change to the coating or something IN SECRET to see if anyone would notice. Then maybe later, thinking everything was fine, changed the name along with dying it blue and adding the OK mark. Obviously, what is bothering me is whatever change they made to the original Focus Night & Day right before changing the name. The horrible part about this is that I don't have any wearable contacts, I thought that getting some of the old Focus Night & Day would temporarily solve the problem, but no luck. Has anyone else had this problem? I will probably try the Purevision, based on the review here and also because my wife uses them without issue. I would really like to get the original Focus Night & Day back, and have contacted Ciba, but we'll have to see if they do the right thing.

Goliath2001 · #53 (**permalink**) 03-08-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reditchy

I have exactly the same problem, I can't tolerate the new Air Optix Night & Day lenses. So I found some of the old Focus Night & Day online. These are old Focus Night & Day with expiry in 2014. I tried them on and they feel very similar to the new Air Optix Night & Day. In other words, they cause my eyes to get very red and itchy. The previous Focus Night & Day contacts that I had were expiry 2012 and felt perfect. I wonder if Ciba made a change to the coating or something IN SECRET to see if anyone would notice. Then maybe later, thinking everything was fine, changed the name along with dying it blue and adding the OK mark. Obviously, what is bothering me is whatever change they made to the original Focus Night & Day right before changing the name. The horrible part about this is that I don't have any wearable contacts, I thought that getting some of the old Focus Night & Day would temporarily solve the problem, but no luck. Has anyone else had this problem? I will probably try the Purevision, based on the review here and also because my wife uses them without issue. I would really like to get the original Focus Night & Day back, and have contacted Ciba, but we'll have to see if they do the right thing.

Sorry to hear about your issues reditchy. I went to lens.com and looked up Focus Night & Day and here's what the site said:
"Ciba Vision has changed the brand name of Focus Night & Day to Air Optix Night & Day Aqua. During the transition period all orders will be shipped as either Focus Night & Day or Air Optix Night & Day Aqua."

It doesn't sound like the old switcheroo is fooling anybody, though.

I hope you're able to find some relief with the Purevision lenses. Let us know how it goes, okay? I wish you well.

reditchy · #54 (**permalink**) 03-23-2010, 05:07 PM

Here's an update: I tried the Purevision but found them too uncomfortable later in the day. After also trying Acuvue Oasys, Avaira, and Biofinity, I settled on the Biofinity. They are not quite as comfortable as the old Night and Day as far as dryness but I have no allergic symptoms at all which is great. They provide very sharp vision (due to asymmetric design to reduce spheric aberration) but so much that I had to reduce my power by 0.25 and even then they make me feel somewhat dizzy at times. But overall the Biofinity lenses are the best of the bunch at this point.

I've been in contact with Ciba and they take about a week to respond each time. They said they would send me a mailer so I could return the lenses that caused the problem and they would replace with some of the old good lenses if they were available (they haven't checked to see if they have some?) However, it's been a week and no mailer. I get the feeling they are just trying to do the bare minimum, and they seem to be surprised that I've been having a problem, despite the obvious complaints that people have been posting here. By comparison, I sent a question to Coopervision asking if they made a spherical version of Biofinity (to maybe help with dizziness) and they responded promptly (even though the answer was negative, at least I got a straight answer).

germanium · #55 (**permalink**) 04-06-2010, 08:12 AM

I'm a new Night & Day lense wearer. While I have no experience with the original Night & Day lenses I'm not having the issues discussed here. I talked with my OD & he said they are the same lense material but with a temporary wetting agent added fo initial comfort. This is supposed to wear off in a few hours according to him however it seems to me that the wetting agent on the corneal side of the lense would take considerably longer & as most wetting agents are some form of surfactant these may continue to irritate the eyes of people who are sensitive to the wetting agent used.

Those that are having difficulty with the new lenses may want to try multiple cleanings with a hydrogen peroxide solution & rinsing thoroghly with saline solution in between & before inserting into eye for the first time to see if that helps rid of the wetting agent as this may be the cause of your discomfort with the new lenses. If using clear care invert the lense so it is inside out for sone of the cleanings to better get the inside clear of the wetting agent.

I personally am not sensitive to the wetting agents however I do have somewhat dry eyes & have to use a rewetting drop somewhat frequently. My vision with the new lenses is much sharper than it was with Acuvu Oasis lenses & they remain so even when slightly dry & need rewetting drops. When I wake in the morning & open my eyes it only takes a few blinks to mostly clear the lense for adaquate vision & only one rewetting drop in each eye to completely clear the vision. No evidence of the milky coloring & heavy discharge that most seem to be talking of here though I only just started wearing them over night as it took me some time to get used to the thought of continuous wear. These lenses have been though a cleaning with both hydrogen peroxide & Aquify which does have a wetting agent but is likely different than the one used on the new lenses & does not seem to irritate my eyes. I'm only going on my second week with these new lenses with the first week mostly being used as daily wear & gradually moving toward continuous wear.

bettydaviseyes · #56 (**permalink**) 04-06-2010, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juniorgerbil

Welcome Bonus Oculus. I like that name. It sounds very Latin and important.

So tell me about this "call to action." Was it in this thread? I have to admit once I saw how long it was I just skimmed it. It's not a petition is it? I've been told that on-lime petitions are useless because t there are no real, live pen-and-ink signatures on it. An electronic petition would be too easy to fake. Watch.

"The undersigned are hereby petitioning to change Thanksgiving from the fourth Thursday in November to every Thursday in November and hereby invoke the Bonus Oculus Clause of the Constitution:

John Smith
Jane Smith
Robert Smith
Sally Smith
Jane Jones
Jim Jones
Thomas Anderson
Catherine Johnson
Dwayne Johnson
Arte Johnson
Lyndon B Johnson
Daffy Duck
Bugs Bunny
Porky Pig
Pepe LePew
John Ross Ewing
Sue Ellen Ewing
Luke Duke
Beauregard Duke
Daisy Duke
Jesse Duke
Boss Hogg
Ima Hogg
Julia Roberts
Clark Kent
Bruce Wayne
John Wayne
Bradford Pitt
Angelina Jolie-Pitt
Carrie Underwood

See? Fifty "signatures" in about five minutes.

That's quite a petition there, Juniorgerbil. Quite an all-star cast. How did you get Bugs Bunny to sign? Or Lyndon Johnson, for that matter?

By the way - the file name of this picture is "bugs-bunny-neener.jpg"

reditchy · #57 (**permalink**) 04-07-2010, 11:31 AM

germanium, thanks for that info. Wow, you have a lot of great information, more than I've gleaned from Ciba directly. Are you an employee?

Actually, I had tried cleaning the newer lenses with a hydrogen peroxide solution (Clearcare) overnight and rinsing with saline but there was not much improvement. I didn't try multiple cleanings but by that point it's getting ridiculous. If I'm allergic to a material then I need to stop using it.

FYI, I'm still in contact with CIBA and once a week I get an email from them and it's like we're starting all over, i.e. what seems to be the problem, can we talk to your doctor. Even after I've explained everything. Still no mailer to return the old product. Clearly this is a company with blinders on.

Juniorgerbil · #58 (**permalink**) 04-07-2010, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reditchy

I'm still in contact with CIBA and once a week I get an email from them and it's like we're starting all over, i.e. what seems to be the problem, can we talk to your doctor. Even after I've explained everything. Still no mailer to return the old product. Clearly this is a company with blinders on.

I'm sorry to read that you seem to have hit a brick wall with CIBA. Are the Biofinity lenses feeling any better? Last I heard they were making you feel dizzy sometimes.

reditchy · #59 (**permalink**) 04-07-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juniorgerbil

I'm sorry to read that you seem to have hit a brick wall with CIBA. Are the Biofinity lenses feeling any better? Last I heard they were making you feel dizzy sometimes.

Thanks for checking on me! I'm adapting to the Biofinity lenses pretty well. Just a very slight dizziness that persists (which is strangely pleasant?) They tend to get just a little dry at times, if I gently rub my eyelid it seems to resolve. FYI, the "Biofinity" contacts that I received from my order are more comfortable than the "SiH 48" trial pair I received from the doc (although supposed to be identical). So in the case of Coopervision it looks like they made some modification to the lenses that improved comfort. (Unfortunately Ciba went in the other direction with the Night & Days, at least for me.) I think I can live with the Biofinity. And there is absolutely no allergic reaction with the Biofinity, so the name holds true.

I realize that some people may not have a bad reaction to the New Night & Day contacts, in which case they would be fine lenses. I'm curious what that overall percentage is, because there do seem to be a large number of complaints on the web. But if the percentage is small that may be why Ciba is (seemingly) ignoring the issue. Maybe not cost effective but certainly not ethical.

Knotlob · #60 (**permalink**) 04-07-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reditchy

I'm adapting to the Biofinity lenses pretty well. Just a very slight dizziness that persists (which is strangely pleasant?) They tend to get just a little dry at times, if I gently rub my eyelid it seems to resolve. FYI, the "Biofinity" contacts that I received from my order are more comfortable than the "SiH 48" trial pair I received from the doc (although supposed to be identical). So in the case of Coopervision it looks like they made some modification to the lenses that improved comfort.

Hello reditchy

I was interested in that comment you made about the Biofinity Lenses being more comfortable than the SiH (which as you say are supposedly identical apart from the packaging).

I had a similar experience with another rebranded Biofinity lens called Expert Premium S. My right eye was slightly less comfortable than the left eye while wearing Expert Premium S lenses. (I have more astigmatism in my right eye and this can cause discomfort as the eyes are sensitive to that kind of thing). But when I ordered Biofinity, they were very very comfortable.

CooperVision told me both lenses were identical, although there may have been small differenced that were within their manufacturing tolerances. Perhaps they did refine their product in the latest Biofinity lenses.

knotlob

germanium · #61 (**permalink**) 04-08-2010, 12:13 AM

After 3 nights sleeping with them they seem to be getting even more comfortable & no sign of irritation at all. By now though pretty much all traces of the original wetting agent should be gone as I have washed & soaked them several times both with Clear Care & Aquify.

My vision is now as sharp as when I was a young child before they tried to correct my lasy eye. even my lasy eye that liked to wonder off to the right my vision was 20/10 back then. The glasses to correct the lasy eye was a huge mistake on the optometrists part as now without correction i'm about 20/400 in my right & 20/200 in my left as I had better than normal vision before in both eyes.

I came up with my own excersizes to correct the lasy eye & contacts really help with this as I no longer have to deal with the visual distortion when looking even slightly off center through my glasses. These distortions gave me headaches for a long time & eventually my eyes would after wearing glasses all day stop working together & would go back to monovision.

With contacts this does not happen. You are almost always looking through the center of the lense so there is less stress to the eye & brain to put the stereo image together. As a result my eye work together all day with less stress. These N&D lenses further improve on that even as the vision is so much sharper & remains consistant thoughout the day.

germanium · #62 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reditchy

Thanks for checking on me! I'm adapting to the Biofinity lenses pretty well. Just a very slight dizziness that persists (which is strangely pleasant?) They tend to get just a little dry at times, if I gently rub my eyelid it seems to resolve. FYI, the "Biofinity" contacts that I received from my order are more comfortable than the "SiH 48" trial pair I received from the doc (although supposed to be identical). So in the case of Coopervision it looks like they made some modification to the lenses that improved comfort. (Unfortunately Ciba went in the other direction with the Night & Days, at least for me.) I think I can live with the Biofinity. And there is absolutely no allergic reaction with the Biofinity, so the name holds true.

I realize that some people may not have a bad reaction to the New Night & Day contacts, in which case they would be fine lenses. I'm curious what that overall percentage is, because there do seem to be a large number of complaints on the web. But if the percentage is small that may be why Ciba is (seemingly) ignoring the issue. Maybe not cost effective but certainly not ethical.

I suspect that the issue is actually quite small but those that are having the problem are quite vocal about it. About the only solution for the company would be to bring back the originals along side of the new ones as some people I read do actually like the new ones better than the old. Hoever this is unlikely to happen if there is only a very small percentage of those with difficulty as Ciba is a mass production company & there would be little or no profit to support the duel manufacturing route if there is not sufficient clientel to support this route. I myself am finding them very comfortable even as continuous wear. Actually even more comfortable than when I was using them as daily wear.

germanium · #63 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 02:11 AM

Decided to try using them as continuous wear. I found after 2 days of continuous wear they become very comfortable frequently not needing any rewetting over the coarse of the day unless I use the computer a lot & even then maybe one or 2 drops in each eye during the time that I'm viewing the computer.

When not at the computer most the time now I don't even feel them! I now understand this to be common with these lenses as fresh ones are a little abrasive compared to slightly worn ones. Been wearing them now continuously for 7 days & night vision is still incredible with these compared to other lenses. Also it has been found that certain lipids in tears actually improves the wetting of the lense when present in small amounts on the lense. these lenes though they still attract more lipids than standard hydrogels only attract a small amount compared to other silicone hydrogels. Because of this they rarely seem to atract sufficient amounts to compromise wetting & as a result may actually enhance the wetting of the lense especially given the type of lipids they attract. It is probably this property that allows such comfortable continous wear of the Night & Day lenses.

Bondjamesbond · #64 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by germanium

Decided to try using them as continuous wear. I found after 2 days of continuous wear they become very comfortable frequently not needing any rewetting over the coarse of the day unless I use the computer a lot & even then maybe one or 2 drops in each eye during the time that I'm viewing the computer.

When not at the computer most the time now I don't even feel them! I now understand this to be common with these lenses as fresh ones are a little abrasive compared to slightly worn ones. Been wearing them now continuously for 7 days & night vision is still incredible with these compared to other lenses. Also it has been found that certain lipids in tears actually improves the wetting of the lens when present in small amounts on the lens. These lenses though they still attract more lipids than standard hydrogels only attract a small amount compared to other silicone hydrogels. Because of this they rarely seem to attract sufficient amounts to compromise wetting & as a result may actually enhance the wetting of the lens especially given the type of lipids they attract. It is probably this property that allows such comfortable continuous wear of the Night & Day lenses.

So you're talking about that are so comfortable are the new Air Optix Night & Day contact lenses? It sounds like you just needed a little "breaking in" period. I hope that the others in this thread who have been having problems have found them to be more comfortable after breaking them in like you have.

josh · #65 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 02:41 PM

if your having comfort issues with the new night & day lenses try the air optix aqua, they feel exactly like the old focus night & days (no inversion marker) and are actually a little cheaper. the only difference is they are recommended to be removed once every two weeks and not monthly, fine for me since i took the old ones out weekly.

Stairwaytoheaven · #66 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josh

if your having comfort issues with the new night & day lenses try the air optix aqua, they feel exactly like the old focus night & days (no inversion marker) and are actually a little cheaper. the only difference is they are recommended to be removed once every two weeks and not monthly, fine for me since i took the old ones out weekly.

Hi josh. Thanks for the product review.

According to Lens.com, these are monthly contact lenses. However, that is the manufacturer's recommendation. If you eye doctor tells you to change them every two weeks, then that's just what you should do. The doctor who prescribes your lenses for you knows best how often you need to change them.

germanium · #67 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bondjamesbond

So you're talking about that are so comfortable are the new Air Optix Night & Day contact lenses? It sounds like you just needed a little "breaking in" period. I hope that the others in this thread who have been having problems have found them to be more comfortable after breaking them in like you have.

Yes they are the new ones that are branded Air Opix N&D Aqua, not the older Focus N&D's. These have an expiration 09/2014. Actually though I don't know the expiration of the ones I have in due to them being the trial pair. The expiration date is for the ones I ordered & I have not used them yet

Bondjamesbond · #68 (**permalink**) 04-14-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aodmisery

i registered in this forum just so i can share my story. but as with everyone else here the new night and day contacts suck bigtime i wore focus day and night for years and never had a problem but as soon as these new ones came out 5 minutes in putting them in they started hurting. i thought it was just me but now that i found out its not just me i will be complaining to ciba vision along with sending them a link to this page. luckily someone posted a link to were you can still get focus night and day. i called lens.com and they said they still carry focus night and day so im gonna be stocking up.

Were you able to "stock up" on Focus Night & Day contact lenses from lens.com like you said?

rex · #69 (**permalink**) 04-14-2010, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplelife

Hi all,

I'm new here. Wanted to share my story to see if any others are having the same issues.

I first started wearing contacts about 7 years ago. For the first two years, I tried every brand and solution combo possible but nothing was comfortable - after 6-8 hours my eyes were done (dryness, feeling them, etc.). Finally my eye doc suggested Focus Night & Day and the difference was truly night and day! They were PERFECT and comfortable from day 1, and I've been wearing them all day every day without any problems for the past 5 years. I can't even feel them at all in eye, it's like wearing nothing and truly a miracle after all my struggles.

A few weeks ago I visited my eye doctor to get an updated prescription because I was running low on lenses, and he informs me that Focus Night & Day have been discontinued and replaced with Air Optix Night & Day. I panic, and he reassures me that they are made from the same material and I shouldn't notice any difference.

Well... to put it plainly, the Air Optix Night & Day are NOT the same as the original. My eyes are drier, and by dinnertime literally screaming at me to take the lenses out. I've now worn the Air Optix Night & Day for almost 2 weeks, and the problems have continued. On a few days I got so sick of it I switched back to the old lenses (I still have 1 pair left...) and the improvement in comfort was IMMEDIATE.

So... I'm pretty much devastated. I've got an active lifestyle and have taken for granted wearing contacts for the last 5 years. Anyone else having a similar issue? Can anyone suggest a lens that might work for me? If others are having similar problems let's start a petition to Ciba Vision to bring back the original Focus Night & Day. If a product ain't broke they shouldn't be fixing it!!!

You might want to try: Permalens by Coopervision: they are gr8 !!! rex

josh · #70 (**permalink**) 04-14-2010, 01:16 PM

you can also try air optix "aqua" they feel exactly like old night & day and approved for extended wear.

BooAirOptics · #71 (**permalink**) 04-22-2010, 03:59 PM

I called Ciba Vision today to register my complaint about their Air Optics Night and Day lenses. They said they are NOT going back to the old Foocaus N&D's.....unfortunately!!! BUT they said they have made improvements as of 12/2009, but the ones I tried 2 wqeeks ago were AWFUL!!! They were uncomfortable from the time I put them in until the 5th day when I couldn't stand it any longer and went back to my Focus N&D's. Guess I won't be thowing them away anymore just keep them and clean them good....and put the Focus N&D's back in. Really SAD CIBA Vision had such a GOOD product!!!!

SLP

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplelife

Hi all,

I'm new here. Wanted to share my story to see if any others are having the same issues.

I first started wearing contacts about 7 years ago. For the first two years, I tried every brand and solution combo possible but nothing was comfortable - after 6-8 hours my eyes were done (dryness, feeling them, etc.). Finally my eye doc suggested Focus Night & Day and the difference was truly night and day! They were PERFECT and comfortable from day 1, and I've been wearing them all day every day without any problems for the past 5 years. I can't even feel them at all in eye, it's like wearing nothing and truly a miracle after all my struggles.

A few weeks ago I visited my eye doctor to get an updated prescription because I was running low on lenses, and he informs me that Focus Night & Day have been discontinued and replaced with Air Optix Night & Day. I panic, and he reassures me that they are made from the same material and I shouldn't notice any difference.

Well... to put it plainly, the Air Optix Night & Day are NOT the same as the original. My eyes are drier, and by dinnertime literally screaming at me to take the lenses out. I've now worn the Air Optix Night & Day for almost 2 weeks, and the problems have continued. On a few days I got so sick of it I switched back to the old lenses (I still have 1 pair left...) and the improvement in comfort was IMMEDIATE.

So... I'm pretty much devastated. I've got an active lifestyle and have taken for granted wearing contacts for the last 5 years. Anyone else having a similar issue? Can anyone suggest a lens that might work for me? If others are having similar problems let's start a petition to Ciba Vision to bring back the original Focus Night & Day. If a product ain't broke they shouldn't be fixing it!!!

Orionebula · #72 (**permalink**) 04-22-2010, 04:21 PM

I checked lens.com for the status of Focus Night and Day, and here's what the notice said: "Ciba Vision has changed the brand name of Focus Night & Day to Air Optix Night & Day Aqua. During the transition period all orders will be shipped as either Focus Night & Day or Air Optix Night & Day Aqua."

It seems clear to me from the postings on this thread that Focus Night & Day and Air Optix Night & Day Aqua are not the same thing. However, I compared the two brands of lenses on Lens.com, and they have the same material (76% lotrafilcon A) Same base curves (8.4 and 8.6) same diameter (13.8) and the same powers (from -10 to +6). Perhaps there's some kind of coating or something that makes the difference. Anybody know?

germanium · #73 (**permalink**) 04-23-2010, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orionebula

I checked lens.com for the status of Focus Night and Day, and here's what the notice said: "Ciba Vision has changed the brand name of Focus Night & Day to Air Optix Night & Day Aqua. During the transition period all orders will be shipped as either Focus Night & Day or Air Optix Night & Day Aqua."

It seems clear to me from the postings on this thread that Focus Night & Day and Air Optix Night & Day Aqua are not the same thing. However, I compared the two brands of lenses on Lens.com, and they have the same material (76% lotrafilcon A) Same base curves (8.4 and 8.6) same diameter (13.8) and the same powers (from -10 to +6). Perhaps there's some kind of coating or something that makes the difference. Anybody know?

Wetting agent was added to enhance initial comfort. Some may be allergic to it where as others do just fine. I'm one that does just fine. The wetting agent wears off quickly on the outer surface but may remain on the inside surface for an extended period & cause irritation to those that are sensitive to it.

LittleElvis · #74 (**permalink**) 04-26-2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by germanium

Wetting agent was added to enhance initial comfort. Some may be allergic to it where as others do just fine. I'm one that does just fine. The wetting agent wears off quickly on the outer surface but may remain on the inside surface for an extended period & cause irritation to those that are sensitive to it.

Well, there ya go. There are people on this website who insist that Focus Night & Day and Air Optix Night & Day Aqua are the same, but they're really not, are they?

germanium · #75 (**permalink**) 04-26-2010, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleElvis

Well, there ya go. There are people on this website who insist that Focus Night & Day and Air Optix Night & Day Aqua are the same, but they're really not, are they?

Same base material as focus N&D but there is an added tint & wetting agent that is supposed to wear off quickly to improve initial comfort. However some seem sensitive to it, I'm not sensitive to it. I have never worn the originals but have read documents that suggest that my experience with the Air Optix N&D lenses are responding in my eyes just as the documentation for Focus N&D suggested that the Focus ones would respond as they are in fact the same base matierialas the focus ones.

Only differences should be the temporary wetting agent & the light blue tint. The temporary wetting agent is probably the culprit in the discomfort with the new N&D lenses.

mysticalclimber · #76 (**permalink**) 05-05-2010, 12:12 PM

I'm glad I'm not the only one experiencing problems with the new night and day. I just ordered some of the originals from lens.com (they insisted they had the originals so hopefully they send the right ones). I also called ciba and filed a complaint (nicely). They said they had no plans to bring back the originals but would send my complaint on to the development dept.

Tradecade · #77 (**permalink**) 05-05-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysticalclimber

I'm glad I'm not the only one experiencing problems with the new night and day. I just ordered some of the originals from lens.com (they insisted they had the originals so hopefully they send the right ones). I also called ciba and filed a complaint (nicely). They said they had no plans to bring back the originals but would send my complaint on to the development dept.

Hi there mysticalclimber, and welcome to Lens 101. I'm sorry you had a problem with Focus Night & Day contact lenses, but I hope your experience with Lens.com is a good one. Let me know okay. As you probably know, they sponsor this site and for that reason I hope they treat you well. This is a good website and I hope the service at Lens.com is just as good, if not even better.

aodmisery · #78 (**permalink**) 05-05-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bondjamesbond

Were you able to "stock up" on Focus Night & Day contact lenses from lens.com like you said?

i called lens.com cause my stock from last time was running out and they said they still have some of the original focus night and day in my prescription dont know about other people so im gonna buy some more.

Orionebula · #79 (**permalink**) 05-07-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by germanium

Wetting agent was added to enhance initial comfort. Some may be allergic to it where as others do just fine. I'm one that does just fine. The wetting agent wears off quickly on the outer surface but may remain on the inside surface for an extended period & cause irritation to those that are sensitive to it.

Thanks germanium. I'm glad the Focus Night I Day work for you.

Orionebula · #80 (**permalink**) 05-07-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by germanium

Wetting agent was added to enhance initial comfort. Some may be allergic to it where as others do just fine. I'm one that does just fine. The wetting agent wears off quickly on the outer surface but may remain on the inside surface for an extended period & cause irritation to those that are sensitive to it.

Thanks germanium. I'm glad the Focus Night & Day work for you.

Goliath2001 · #81 (**permalink**) 05-07-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reditchy

Here's an update: I tried the Purevision but found them too uncomfortable later in the day. After also trying Acuvue Oasys, Avaira, and Biofinity, I settled on the Biofinity. They are not quite as comfortable as the old Night and Day as far as dryness but I have no allergic symptoms at all which is great. They provide very sharp vision (due to asymmetric design to reduce spheric aberration) but so much that I had to reduce my power by 0.25 and even then they make me feel somewhat dizzy at times. But overall the Biofinity lenses are the best of the bunch at this point.

I've been in contact with Ciba and they take about a week to respond each time. They said they would send me a mailer so I could return the lenses that caused the problem and they would replace with some of the old good lenses if they were available (they haven't checked to see if they have some?) However, it's been a week and no mailer. I get the feeling they are just trying to do the bare minimum, and they seem to be surprised that I've been having a problem, despite the obvious complaints that people have been posting here. By comparison, I sent a question to Coopervision asking if they made a spherical version of Biofinity (to maybe help with dizziness) and they responded promptly (even though the answer was negative, at least I got a straight answer).

So what's new in your world, reditchy? Have you mailed back the contact lenses that were giving you trouble?

LP39A · #82 (**permalink**) 05-11-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josh

just went back to eye doc over discomfort from new air optics.... here is what i found out. Eye Dr said he has heard of this problem and believes it is being caused by inverted "ok" marker on contact..... gave me sample pair of Bosch & laumb 30 day continuios wear BIG DIFFERENCE. the old focus night & day did not have this marker.

An "inverted 'ok' marker"? Is that "ok" in tiny little letters near the edge of the lens to let you know if they're inside out or not? I don't understand how those barely visible letters can cause discomfort.

janenic · #83 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 06:07 PM

I never post to forums but since this one helped me realize I wasn't going crazy I have to!
I have been using Focus Night & Day for many years...I think since they were introduced...and just loved them. When they changed last year, I just assumed it was fine, but right away started having problems—all the things discussed here. Red, itchy eyes, gunk like I had an infection, inability to tolerate past noon most days—this from lenses that I used to sleep in for weeks (I know, I know, many disagree, but my eye specialist kept telling me my eyes were amazing and looked like I didn't wear lenses).
I thought I must have got a bad batch with a bug somehow in the solution—that's how bad it was, so tossed them, got another. Same thing.
I was to the point I believed i was just aging out of being able to tolerate lenses. THEN I found an old pair of the Focus Night & Days lurking in a toiletries bag...they were still within date. I put them in. BLISS... no trouble. No red, streaming, gunky, itchy eyes. So on this forum, I found coastalcontacts.com (or i think they were mentioned as clearlycontacts.ca on this forum, but from the US they become coastalcontacts). Today I got EIGHT precious boxes of the original Focus contacts, all dated to expire late 2014, at a good price...and a free pair of glasses thrown in. I am so so so so happy. My eye doc is a bit cross with me about it as she says they're discontinued lenses and I shouldn't be using them. Me, I feel so relieved.
I also emailed Ciba and got this reply...which doesn't really do much for me but I will get back in touch with them. In the meantime, if you're here for the same reasons I was, go to coastalcontacts.com.
Here's the Ciba reply FYI. Thanks everyone!
Thank you for taking the time to contact CIBA Vision Corporation regarding our AirOptix® Night & Day® Aqua contact lenses. Consumer satisfaction with our products is very important. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced.

In March 2009, CIBA Vision replaced the NIGHT & DAY® lens with our new AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA lens. The lens is made of lotrafilcon A, the same unique material as the Night & Day® lens. The lens now has an “OK” inversion indicator, a light blue handling tint, and is packaged in a slender 6 lens multi-pack. In addition, the lens features our AQUA Moisture System, which includes a unique moisture agent that helps lubricate the lens for initial comfort, a patented lens material that helps maintain moisture by minimizing the rate of lens dehydration for comfort all day, and an ultra-smooth surface with superior wettability and excellent deposit resistance for comfort every day.

CIBA Vision Corporation designs contact lenses to provide for vision correction, comfort, ease of handling and proper oxygen passage to the eyes. We manufacture our contact lenses under very strict quality control standards. The lenses are inspected during various stages of manufacturing to assure that each lens meets our high quality standards. It is unfortunate that with these efforts, you still experienced difficulties. Again, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced.

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and are only available through licensed eye care professionals and authorized distributors. For this reason, we cannot send replacement lenses directly to you; however we would be happy to discuss your concerns with your eye care provider and offer replacement lenses with the doctor’s approval. We would recommend that you not wear lenses if you are having issues and that you contact you eye care provider regarding your experience. Please have your eye care provider contact me at the telephone number listed below if assistance with replacement lenses is needed.

In addition, to complete our documentation, we would appreciate you responding with lens information including lot number, expiration date, power, diameter, and base curve of the lenses in question. We will also send a mailing label for your convenience in returning the lenses in question for evaluation. CIBA Vision uses this information as valuable input toward our effort for quality improvements in order to maintain customer satisfaction.

Thank you again for contacting CIBA Vision.

Sincerely,
Monica
CIBA Vision
Patient Relations
1-800-875-3001
PR33562

Knotlob · #84 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janenic

I never post to forums but since this one helped me realize I wasn't going crazy I have to!
I have been using Focus Night & Day for many years...I think since they were introduced...and just loved them. When they changed last year, I just assumed it was fine, but right away started having problems—all the things discussed here. Red, itchy eyes, gunk like I had an infection, inability to tolerate past noon most days—this from lenses that I used to sleep in for weeks (I know, I know, many disagree, but my eye specialist kept telling me my eyes were amazing and looked like I didn't wear lenses).
I thought I must have got a bad batch with a bug somehow in the solution—that's how bad it was, so tossed them, got another. Same thing.
I was to the point I believed i was just aging out of being able to tolerate lenses. THEN I found an old pair of the Focus Night & Days lurking in a toiletries bag...they were still within date. I put them in. BLISS... no trouble. No red, streaming, gunky, itchy eyes. So on this forum, I found coastalcontacts.com (or i think they were mentioned as clearlycontacts.ca on this forum, but from the US they become coastalcontacts). Today I got EIGHT precious boxes of the original Focus contacts, all dated to expire late 2014, at a good price...and a free pair of glasses thrown in. I am so so so so happy. My eye doc is a bit cross with me about it as she says they're discontinued lenses and I shouldn't be using them. Me, I feel so relieved.
I also emailed Ciba and got this reply...which doesn't really do much for me but I will get back in touch with them. In the meantime, if you're here for the same reasons I was, go to coastalcontacts.com.
Here's the Ciba reply FYI. Thanks everyone!
Thank you for taking the time to contact CIBA Vision Corporation regarding our AirOptix® Night & Day® Aqua contact lenses. Consumer satisfaction with our products is very important. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced.

In March 2009, CIBA Vision replaced the NIGHT & DAY® lens with our new AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA lens. The lens is made of lotrafilcon A, the same unique material as the Night & Day® lens. The lens now has an “OK” inversion indicator, a light blue handling tint, and is packaged in a slender 6 lens multi-pack. In addition, the lens features our AQUA Moisture System, which includes a unique moisture agent that helps lubricate the lens for initial comfort, a patented lens material that helps maintain moisture by minimizing the rate of lens dehydration for comfort all day, and an ultra-smooth surface with superior wettability and excellent deposit resistance for comfort every day.

CIBA Vision Corporation designs contact lenses to provide for vision correction, comfort, ease of handling and proper oxygen passage to the eyes. We manufacture our contact lenses under very strict quality control standards. The lenses are inspected during various stages of manufacturing to assure that each lens meets our high quality standards. It is unfortunate that with these efforts, you still experienced difficulties. Again, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced.

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and are only available through licensed eye care professionals and authorized distributors. For this reason, we cannot send replacement lenses directly to you; however we would be happy to discuss your concerns with your eye care provider and offer replacement lenses with the doctor’s approval. We would recommend that you not wear lenses if you are having issues and that you contact you eye care provider regarding your experience. Please have your eye care provider contact me at the telephone number listed below if assistance with replacement lenses is needed.

In addition, to complete our documentation, we would appreciate you responding with lens information including lot number, expiration date, power, diameter, and base curve of the lenses in question. We will also send a mailing label for your convenience in returning the lenses in question for evaluation. CIBA Vision uses this information as valuable input toward our effort for quality improvements in order to maintain customer satisfaction.

Thank you again for contacting CIBA Vision.

Sincerely,
Monica
CIBA Vision
Patient Relations
1-800-875-3001
PR33562

Hello janenic and welcome to the forum.

Well you're not alone in your problems and it does seem that the new wetting/comfort agent that CIBA VISION have added to the lens solution in the bubble packs does cause some wearers serious discomfort.

You should also look at this post:

http://www.lens101.com/o2-optix/90763-confirmed-02-optix-air-optix-aqua.html#post142076

and specifically what Doctor G has to say in post #31.

It sounds like it is possible to remove most of this new coating by rinsing with saline or a normal multi purpose cleaning/disinfectant lens solution.

It is strange that Ciba Vision don't seem to want to acknowledge that some people are having these problems.

knotlob

summerdae · #85 (**permalink**) 05-14-2010, 09:44 AM

It was so great to find this forum. I went to my eye Dr. in August b/c I only had one pair of the old Focus Night and Day left. I have been using them for a a few years. I have loved them, they make me forget I'm wearing contacts, I don't get protein deposits as quickly as I do with many other brands. When I got my trial pair from my eye dr. and ordered a couple boxes, I thought everything was okay. My eye dr didn't inform me things have changed with them. After a week or two of suffering eye irritation and headaches (which I never have!) I knew something was wrong and I figured it to be my contacts. I decided to return thinking okay well maybe my prescription was off. I had my eye dr. recheck everything for me and we talked. When I told her my problems she actually told me that the company has actually changed the branding of them and a few of her customers have come back with similar problems as mine. She also told me that she was instructed to NOT mention the change!

I was Really shocked by the fact I was not informed they changed before hand and she still prescribed them to me knowing that most of the people she prescribed them to returned with issues, I imagine some people just didn't even come back. She gave me a trial pair of accuve oasis with felt funny in my eyes. I could feel the edges of them, but they were sooo thin. I got protein deposits forming on them in less than one week. When I was gently cleaning them in the palm of my hand they tore. I knew that those will not be a good match. I returned to my eye dr and explained the issues. I was informed that since it was past a month since my last appointment I would have to schedule a paid visit to change brands. Ugh, I'm a broke college student without vision coverage. Luckily I had one last pair that I used and recently had to replace b/c they were past their month's use and formed protein deposits. So I was forced to put these terrible Air optix night and day's in. I am back to the irritation and headaches. I am constantly using eye drops with no help. When I concentrate on reading or tv or computer or anything I get these bad headaches. This is ridiculous. I will call the number on this forum for Ciba, but I'm sure I'll get the same empty apology and response as everyone else has gotten. Hopefully next week i will have the extra money to just get a pair of glasses to wear (I need to have a pair for instances like this anyways) and go back for a paid appointment for new contacts when I can afford it. Maybe I'll check around the sites listed to see if I can find the old ones. Thanks for everyone's input and info! I just am so upset that Ciba is doing nothing concrete about this, Many people are having issues with these! I am just unsure if I can even trust the company with something as precious as my sight.

Railfan · #86 (**permalink**) 05-14-2010, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summerdae

It was so great to find this forum. I went to my eye Dr. in August b/c I only had one pair of the old Focus Night and Day left. I have been using them for a a few years. I have loved them, they make me forget I'm wearing contacts, I don't get protein deposits as quickly as I do with many other brands. When I got my trial pair from my eye dr. and ordered a couple boxes, I thought everything was okay. My eye dr didn't inform me things have changed with them. After a week or two of suffering eye irritation and headaches (which I never have!) I knew something was wrong and I figured it to be my contacts. I decided to return thinking okay well maybe my prescription was off. I had my eye dr. recheck everything for me and we talked. When I told her my problems she actually told me that the company has actually changed the branding of them and a few of her customers have come back with similar problems as mine. She also told me that she was instructed to NOT mention the change!

I was Really shocked by the fact I was not informed they changed before hand and she still prescribed them to me knowing that most of the people she prescribed them to returned with issues, I imagine some people just didn't even come back. She gave me a trial pair of Acuvue Oasis which felt funny in my eyes. I could feel the edges of them, but they were sooo thin. I got protein deposits forming on them in less than one week. When I was gently cleaning them in the palm of my hand they tore. I knew that those will not be a good match. I returned to my eye dr and explained the issues. I was informed that since it was past a month since my last appointment I would have to schedule a paid visit to change brands. Ugh, I'm a broke college student without vision coverage. Luckily I had one last pair that I used and recently had to replace b/c they were past their month's use and formed protein deposits. So I was forced to put these terrible Air optix night and day's in. I am back to the irritation and headaches. I am constantly using eye drops with no help. When I concentrate on reading or tv or computer or anything I get these bad headaches. This is ridiculous. I will call the number on this forum for Ciba, but I'm sure I'll get the same empty apology and response as everyone else has gotten. Hopefully next week i will have the extra money to just get a pair of glasses to wear (I need to have a pair for instances like this anyways) and go back for a paid appointment for new contacts when I can afford it. Maybe I'll check around the sites listed to see if I can find the old ones. Thanks for everyone's input and info! I just am so upset that Ciba is doing nothing concrete about this, Many people are having issues with these! I am just unsure if I can even trust the company with something as precious as my sight.

Hi Summerdae. Welcome to Lens 101. I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you've been having with your contact lenses. Please let us know what happens when you call CIBA Vision. In the mean time, you may want to start imagining life with glasses. It's not so bad really.

See how good they look on Jenny McCarthey, Kate Beckinsale and Alyssa Milano?

summerdae · #87 (**permalink**) 05-14-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railfan

Hi Summerdae. Welcome to Lens 101. I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you've been having with your contact lenses. Please let us know what happens when you call CIBA Vision. In the mean time, you may want to start imagining life with glasses. It's not so bad really.

See how good they look on Jenny McCarthey, Kate Beckinsale and Alyssa Milano?

Thanks. Glasses really aren't that bad, except in the humid FL summers-supper foggy and sweaty nose. ick. I'm going to get a pair, but still continue my hunt for good contacts, at least one's that are okay with some rewetting drops in the evening, even if I need to take them out daily.

BoSoxFan · #88 (**permalink**) 05-14-2010, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summerdae

Thanks. Glasses really aren't that bad, except in the humid FL summers-supper foggy and sweaty nose. ick. I'm going to get a pair, but still continue my hunt for good contacts, at least one's that are okay with some rewetting drops in the evening, even if I need to take them out daily.

Hey, if glasses are good enough for Jenny McCarthy, they're good enough for me.

So you live in Florida, huh? I live in the Midwest and I think about Florida a lot in January.

I can see why you prefer contact lenses, and they are a good choice for most people, but in your case you may have to do a little searching. I hope you find what you need. Let us know if there's anything we can do here at Lens 101 to help. How did you find this website, anyway?

janenic · #89 (**permalink**) 05-14-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hello janenic and welcome to the forum.

Well you're not alone in your problems and it does seem that the new wetting/comfort agent that CIBA VISION have added to the lens solution in the bubble packs does cause some wearers serious discomfort.

You should also look at this post:

http://www.lens101.com/o2-optix/90763-confirmed-02-optix-air-optix-aqua.html#post142076

and specifically what Doctor G has to say in post #31.

It sounds like it is possible to remove most of this new coating by rinsing with saline or a normal multi purpose cleaning/disinfectant lens solution.

It is strange that Ciba Vision don't seem to want to acknowledge that some people are having these problems.

knotlob

Thanks Knotlob...the thing is, I took the Air Optix out every day and cleaned them in a variety of solutions (because for a while I suspected the solutions were the culprit), but same problem. One thing that just occurred to me today: the aquatint, which Ciba says is for handling purposes...that must surely change the formula of what goes into the lens...could that possibly be the issue. Whatever, it's clear from this forum that Focus users who had NO problems with the lenses suddenly develop all sorts of problems when using Air Optix...

Type40 · #90 (**permalink**) 05-14-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janenic

Thanks Knotlob...the thing is, I took the Air Optix out every day and cleaned them in a variety of solutions (because for a while I suspected the solutions were the culprit), but same problem. One thing that just occurred to me today: the aquatint, which Ciba says is for handling purposes...that must surely change the formula of what goes into the lens...could that possibly be the issue. Whatever, it's clear from this forum that Focus users who had NO problems with the lenses suddenly develop all sorts of problems when using Air Optix...

Would O2 Optix be a good alternative for your Air Optix contacts? Word on the street (aka Lens 101) is that these two lenses are the same. Maybe they are, and maybe they're different enough for you to get some relief but still derive the benefits. Do you think you can ask your eye doctor about O2 Optix?

Knotlob · #91 (**permalink**) 05-14-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type40

Would O2 Optix be a good alternative for your Air Optix contacts? Word on the street (aka Lens 101) is that these two lenses are the same. Maybe they are, and maybe they're different enough for you to get some relief but still derive the benefits. Do you think you can ask your eye doctor about O2 Optix?

Problem is I think the O2 Optix are being discontinued so this is not a long term solution.

knotlob

Knotlob · #92 (**permalink**) 05-14-2010, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janenic

Thanks Knotlob...the thing is, I took the Air Optix out every day and cleaned them in a variety of solutions (because for a while I suspected the solutions were the culprit), but same problem. One thing that just occurred to me today: the aquatint, which Ciba says is for handling purposes...that must surely change the formula of what goes into the lens...could that possibly be the issue. Whatever, it's clear from this forum that Focus users who had NO problems with the lenses suddenly develop all sorts of problems when using Air Optix...

Hello janenic

I don't think that the handling tint would have any impact on the comfort of the lenses. Lots of lenses have a blue handling tint and we don't hear of problems. Safer bet is the wetting agent coating, as suggested by germanium in a previous post on this thread.

knotlob

John316 · #93 (**permalink**) 05-17-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hello janenic

I don't think that the handling tint would have any impact on the comfort of the lenses. Lots of lenses have a blue handling tint and we don't hear of problems. Safer bet is the wetting agent coating, as suggested by germanium in a previous post on this thread.

knotlob

I agree with Knotlob. The handling tint is very subtle and shouldn't cause any problems--unless you're super-sensitive somehow.

daecollege · #94 (**permalink**) 05-25-2010, 09:10 AM

I want to report that after wearing Focus Day and Night contacts for 7 years without a problem switching to the Air Optix Aqua has been a living hell. Three members of my family have had significant problems with the new Air Optix vs the Focus Night and Day. For example my 18 year old son had to come home, 2 weeks ago, from his prom to take the Air Optix out because of discomfort, then at his conference tennis match he had to remove lens in the middle of a set because of blurring and dryness. I personal have had a very difficult time wearing the contacts with poor vision, blurriness, and discomfort.

This is our 2nd time trying the Air Optix. Originally, my optometrist gave us the new Air Optix last summer. A huge disaster for comfort and visual accuracy that lead to my optometrist office getting each member of my family a 6 month supply of the of old Focus Night and Day contacts. Wonderful for all of us unfortunately we have used up our supply. So this month we went back to the eye care specialist and we are told the Air Optix have been improved. Well not so- again great discomfort, visual problems, and dryness. We have now tried different len sizes with the product to see if that is the problem to no avail. I personally, called CIBA up about the new Air Optix- they claim no problem with the new Air Optix Aqua.

So now I am trying to order the old focus Day and Night from lens.com. They assure me they have the old lens. I really hope so and that they are not the really the Air Optix packaged to fool the consumer.

My concern is that in a year I still won't have a comfortable soft contact lens to wear. As anyone had good luck with another brand? We have tried Purevision and did not care for the fit.

Anyway, our family misses the old Focus Night and Day contacts and we will not be making the switch to Air Optix Aqua. I will not recommend this lens to anyone and am extremely dissatisfied with the new supposed improved replacement contact lens called Air Optix Aqua.

nakedeyes · #95 (**permalink**) 05-26-2010, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daecollege

I want to report that after wearing Focus Day and Night contacts for 7 years without a problem switching to the Air Optix Aqua has been a living hell. Three members of my family have had significant problems with the new Air Optix vs the Focus Night and Day. For example my 18 year old son had to come home from 2 weeks ago from prom to take the Air Optix out because of discomfort, then at his conference tennis match he had to remove lens in the middle of a set because of blurring and dryness. I personal have had a very difficult time wearing the contacts with poor vision, blurriness, and discomfort.

This is our 2nd time trying the Air Optix. Originally, my optometrist gave us the new Air Optix last summer. A huge disaster for comfort and visual accuracy that lead to my optometrist office getting each member of my family a 6 month supply of the of old Focus Night and Day contacts. Wonderful for all of us unfortunately we have used up our supply. So this month we went back to the eye care specialist and we are told the Air Optix have been improved. Well not so- again great discomfort, visual problems, and dryness. We have now tried different len sizes with the product to see if that is the problem to no avail. I personally, called CIBA up about the new Air Optix- they claim no problem with the new Air Optix Aqua.

So now I am trying to order the old focus Day and Night from lens.com. They assure me they have the old lens. I really hope so and that they are not the really the Air Optix packaged to fool the consumer.

My concern is that in a year I still won't have a comfortable soft contact lens to wear. As anyone had good luck with another brand? We have tried Purevision and did not care for the fit.

Anyway, are family misses the old Focus Night and Day contacts and we will not be making the switch to Air Optix Aqua. I will not recommend this lens to anyone and am extremely dissatisfied with the new supposed improved replacement contact lens called Air Optix Aqua.

Hi daecollege. Sorry to learn of your difficulties with Air Optix Aqua contact lenses. I hope you are able to come to some kind of compromise. In the meantime, I have a question about your experience. When your eye doctor gave you the "new and improved" Air Optix, were they different in any way from your first experience with them? Were they different but not better, or no different at all?

detshen · #96 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 04:57 PM

I never knew there were contact lens forums until I put "Focus Night and Day contacts ruined" into my browser. I see now that I am not alone. I went to the eye Dr. last week because I ran out of my regular beloved Night and Day's, the doc gave me a sample of the "improved" version.

What a nightmare, they are so painful, I tried for a week to get used to them, but I simply can't stand it. The doc ordered me a bunch of the new ones and I have to go tell them I want my money back, I can't wear these things. I called lens.com and they have my RX in the old version so I will buy some of those.

Has anyone tried the air optix recently and found that they have fixed the problem? It could be my sample pair was old, but I don't want to take any chances with opening the box they ordered me until I hear the problem is fixed.

Guinness · #97 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by detshen

I never knew there were contact lens forums until I put "Focus Night and Day contacts ruined" into my browser. I see now that I am not alone. I went to the eye Dr. last week because I ran out of my regular beloved Night and Day's, the doc gave me a sample of the "improved" version.

What a nightmare, they are so painful, I tried for a week to get used to them, but I simply can't stand it. The doc ordered me a bunch of the new ones and I have to go tell them I want my money back, I can't wear these things. I called lens.com and they have my RX in the old version so I will buy some of those.

Has anyone tried the air optix recently and found that they have fixed the problem? It could be my sample pair was old, but I don't want to take any chances with opening the box they ordered me until I hear the problem is fixed.

Hi detshen. Welcome aboard. This thread has almost 100 posts in it, so you're certainly not alone. I hope you can find some contact lenses that you like. Please let us know how things are going for you and if there's anything else the Lens 101 community can do for you.

daecollege · #98 (**permalink**) 06-05-2010, 09:23 PM

Detshen,

I wrote a comment about the new Air Optix in a response just above your observations, I also found the new Air Optix to be grossly uncomfortable. My son and I have both definitely tried the new Air Optix. I even verified the lot numbers with a Cibavision representative at their home office to make sure I had the new version of the Air Optix lens. There is absolutely NO improvement between the original Air Optix and the supposed "new improved version." I believe the problem lies with the stamped OK on the lens irritating the eye. This stamping was not on the Focus Night and Day lens. It's a real problem and I still cannot understand why Ciba would have reformatted the excellent eye product they had with the Focus Night and Day lens. The new Air Optix Aqua contacts just are not an adequate usable eye care replacement for original product. I have high hopes someone will come up with a contact lens that can replicate the comfort and vision of the old Focus Night and Day contacts. If someone is aware of a similar product please let me know.

germanium · #99 (**permalink**) 06-06-2010, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daecollege

Detshen,

I wrote a comment about the new Air Optix in a response just above your observations, I also found the new Air Optix to be grossly uncomfortable. My son and I have both definitely tried the new Air Optix. I even verified the lot numbers with a Cibavision representative at their home office to make sure I had the new version of the Air Optix lens. There is absolutely NO improvement between the original Air Optix and the supposed "new improved version." I believe the problem lies with the stamped OK on the lens irritating the eye. This stamping was not on the Focus Day and Night lens. It's a real problem and I still cannot understand why Ciba would have reformatted the excellent eye product they had with the Focus Day and Night lens. The new Air Optix Aqua contacts just are not an adequate usable eye care replacement for original product. I have high hopes someone will come up with a contact lens that can replicate the comfort and vision of the old Focus Day and Night contacts. If someone is aware of a similar product please let me know.

If read from the inside the OK should read backwards not forwards Reading the OK from the outside is much more difficult than reading it from inside. My first try with the Air Optix I got it backwords & yes they were very uncomfortable but when I figured out the correct way to read the OK they were very comfortable when I put them back in. These lenses are very hard to tell the correct way just by looking at the shape of the lense so that is why they need an inversion marking. When I compared them to my old Accuvu Oasis lenses the inversion mark read the same way, that is backwards when viewed from the inside. The Oasis lenses were very easy to tell the correct orientation though even without the inversion mark.

daecollege · #**100** (**permalink**) 06-06-2010, 09:29 PM

The contact lens discomfort problem for our family was not placing the Air Optix into the eye inside out. I even verified the correct placement of the contact lens via the Ciba website.

The bottom line is this "new and improved product" by Ciba vision is completely inferior to the original Focus Night and Day contacts. I have worn contacts for 30 years and this experience with the Air Optix lens has hands down been the worst experience I have encountered with an eye product. Ciba had a great product with the Focus Night and Day lens and they are driving customers and patients away with the Air Optix lens. I plan to educate my eye care specialist on my complete dissatisfaction with Air Optix brand.