RGP's and Dry Eyes

John316 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008, 04:49 PM

Do people who wear rigid gas perm contact lenses generally have dry eye more often than people who wear soft contacts?

HMBgal · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John316

Do people who wear rigid gas perm contact lenses generally have dry eye more often than people who wear soft contacts?

I was prescribed RGPs because of my dry eyes. I couldn't make them work at all, no matter what I tried (Restasis, etc.). I'm doing quite well in my Proclear soft lenses. I hardly even have to use drops.

dda1960 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 11:58 PM

that's great HMB ,,that is one of the soft lenses that does work for me ,,i just wish soft lenses would last longer u know? im on a tight budget so gas perms were a option because of their longevity if your prescription doesn't change ,,and they do still get dry at times

John316 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

ugh!!! i know what u mean John i hate it when people put that garbage on this site,,

I wear both gas perms and soft lenses ,,and the reason i switched was because the gas perms don't absorb my tears like the soft ones do ,,so hence my eyes are not as dry with them ,,but they still do sometimes ,,i do not think it matters what type of lens u wear if u have dry eyes,,granted some of the newer soft lenses that are coming out now are alot better than the ones i started out with

It makes you wonder why people bother to try and advertise with such annoying methods. Do they really think that by putting a spammy post about shoes will make me want to go to the link they put up? Fortunately, we don't see the spammy posts very often because the Administrator deletes them as fast as they can. What kind of advertisement is that? It's like writing someone a letter and they throw it away as soon as they see it.

OK enough of that. So you're saying that your eyes are actually drier and less comfortable with the soft lenses?

dda1960 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 08:37 PM

well the newer soft lenses that are out now are ALOT better than when i started wearing them in the 80's ,,my ecp gave me a sample of the air optix aqua and i do like them ,so if ever i go back to soft lenses altogether those are at least a option for me to wear

BigBanker1 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

well the newer soft lenses that are out now are ALOT better than when i started wearing them in the 80's ,,my ecp gave me a sample of the air optix aqua and i do like them ,so if ever i go back to soft lenses altogether those are at least a option for me to wear

Thank you for sharing your experience, dda1960.

dda1960 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 11:06 PM

your quite welcome bigbanker

im here to help anyone i can and learn from everybody as well i LOVE this forum

LeeRoberts · #8 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

your quite welcome bigbanker

im here to help anyone i can and learn from everybody as well i LOVE this forum

That's great to know that you love this forum so much. It's really taken off in the past few weeks. Tell your friends. We can't have too many people on this site, right?

Just one more thing. You said in an earlier post that your "ecp" gave me you sample of Air Optix Aqua contact lenses. "ECP" stands for "eye care professional" right?

I just want to make sure we don't lose anybody.

dda1960 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 10:31 PM

yes your right,,,that is what i mean ECP= Eye Care Professional

Kyleden · #10 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

yes your right,,,that is what i mean ECP= Eye Care Professional

Thank you for clearing that up. I thought you meant "eye care professional", but now I'm sure.

LeeRoberts · #11 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

that's great HMB ,,that is one of the soft lenses that does work for me ,,i just wish soft lenses would last longer u know? im on a tight budget so gas perms were a option because of their longevity if your prescription doesn't change ,,and they do still get dry at times

So can you save money in the long run by wearing gas perm contact lenses? They're a bit pricey up front, but if you only have to buy one pair a year, maybe they are the economical choice. Would you say so, dda1960?

BigBanker1 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John316

Well, that didn't help at all.

Apparently something was removed from the site and all that's left is reactions. Like debris on the street after a wreck.

John316 · #13 (**permalink**) 03-16-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeRoberts

So can you save money in the long run by wearing gas perm contact lenses? They're a bit pricey up front, but if you only have to buy one pair a year, maybe they are the economical choice. Would you say so, dda1960?

Allow me to interrupt.

Let's pick some random lenses and do the math.

The first RGP listed at lens.com is Boston 7. A year's supply (1 pair) is $29.99. Not bad at all.

Let's try a monthly brand: Optima 38
They are listed as $39.95 per box, so you've already spent more with the first box, and each box has only one pair of lenses.

1-2 week lens: SofLens 59
Price per box (6 lenses) : $10.99
Year's supply: 8 boxes for a total of $87.92 per year.

So yeah, unless my math is wrong, RGP can be cheaper in the long run.

As to how your eyes feel with rigid contacts versus soft, that's up to you.

dda1960 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 07:02 PM

yes lee roberts i agree gas perms are the economical way to go ,you just have to be patient with the comfort level, some get used to them more quickly than others ,,it took me quite awhile (over a month) to get to that point of being able to wear them all day

unclebuck · #15 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

yes lee roberts i agree gas perms are the economical way to go ,you just have to be patient with the comfort level, some get used to them more quickly than others ,,it took me quite awhile (over a month) to get to that point of being able to wear them all day

So I take it that you're happy with your RGP lenses now that you've given yourself a chance to get used to them?

dda1960 · #16 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 04:42 PM

yes unclebuck i can now,,at first i didn't think i could but as i said before you really have to be patient with gas perms there are down sides with everything ,,but overall i think they are better

Hottchick · #17 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

yes unclebuck i can now,,at first i didn't think i could but as i said before you really have to be patient with gas perms there are down sides with everything ,,but overall i think they are better

That's great dda1960. It's good to know that even if you aren't comfortable right away with RGP lenses, you will get used to them and probably like them better than soft lenses. Thanks.

BigBanker1 · #18 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

your quite welcome bigbanker

im here to help anyone i can and learn from everybody as well i LOVE this forum

Great. Tell all your friends about it. Let's sign up a whole bunch of new members!

unclebuck · #19 (**permalink**) 04-29-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

yes unclebuck i can now,,at first i didn't think i could but as i said before you really have to be patient with gas perms there are down sides with everything ,,but overall i think they are better

So you can wear these gas perm lenses comfortable now? That's great. Do you have any advice for people cruising Lens 101 looking for help with their new gas perm contacts?

Kyleden · #20 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John316

Do people who wear rigid gas perm contact lenses generally have dry eye more often than people who wear soft contacts?

Wow, twenty answers to this simple question, and judging from post #2, there were more at one time.

Who says this site is dead?

Knotlob · #21 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyleden

Wow, twenty answers to this simple question, and judging from post #2, there were more at one time.

Who says this site is dead?

The 'missing post' was probably SPAM deleted by the Admins.

knotlob

Wierdscience · #22 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

The 'missing post' was probably SPAM deleted by the Admins.

knotlob

Yes, most likely, considering John316's reaction was "Well, that didn't help at all. "

dda1960 · #23 (**permalink**) 05-16-2010, 08:32 AM

yes unclebuck i can wear my gas perms alot better now ,,the advice i have is patience and perserverance? i think that is how u spell that lol,,,patience for the comfort level,,and the other for the fitting's that we all have to go thru no matter what your eye dr says ,,i got told a few times "well they look like they are fitting right" UGH!!!! hello?? we know our own eye's doc's we know if they are not right ,,i had the problem of my left lens not being right ,,it would ride to low and off to the side a little ,,the right one would ride low BUT would center ok so the vision was good ,,so the fittings can be a hassle at times ,,do not mean to be a downer with this but it's the truth

John316 · #24 (**permalink**) 05-17-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HMBgal

I was prescribed RGPs because of my dry eyes. I couldn't make them work at all, no matter what I tried (Restasis, etc.). I'm doing quite well in my Proclear soft lenses. I hardly even have to use drops.

That's more like it. That's some information I can use. Thanks, HMBgal.

John316 · #25 (**permalink**) 05-17-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

yes unclebuck i can wear my gas perms a lot better now. The advice I have is patience and perseverance? I think that is how u spell that lol. Patience for the comfort level, and the other for the fitting's that we all have to go thru no matter what your eye Dr says. I got told a few times "well they look like they are fitting right" UGH!!!! Hello?? We know our own eyes docs, we know if they are not right. I had the problem of my left lens not being right, it would ride to low and off to the side a little the right one would ride low BUT would center ok so the vision was good. So the fittings can be a hassle at times. Do not mean to be a downer with this but it's the truth

Thanks for telling it it like it is, dda1960. Sometimes you need to have patience during the fitting process, but make sure you don't just settle for uncomfortable lenses. If you try two or three adjustments and they still don't feel right, you may have to try a different brand.

Kyleden · #26 (**permalink**) 05-20-2010, 04:21 PM

Back to the story. Who here has an issue with dry eyes when wearing RGP contact lenses? Did you find a way to feel more comfortable in them?

dda1960 · #27 (**permalink**) 05-29-2010, 09:55 AM

alot of it may depend on the material itself, when i got the boston XO my eyes got really dry and drops didn't really help so i switched to a diff. brand and it helped alot, granted it was a diff boston lens but the material was different and it seemed to help me

Calvin · #28 (**permalink**) 05-29-2010, 11:59 AM

Hi everyone.
I am really enjoying this site - mostly to hear other people's experiences. So, RGPs worked better for me - I wore hard lens (non-permeable) for 20 years, then switched to RPGs when I needed reading glasses. The RGP's (even the hard non permeable ones) did not dry out on me. When I am tired after a days worth of looking at computer screens, I may need to put a couple of drops of eye lubricant - that's not bad - and after I put in the drops, I can see the mucous clumping at the tear duct ready to be wiped away or washed down the duct. Thus I don't think the RGPs caused dry eyes.
The softies I started wearing in February gave me tremendous dry eye problems! Within a couple of hours I had to put drops in my eyes. Then very frequently (10 times or so each day) had to put in more drops. I was trialing different products made by Cooper Vision, and tried biofinity, biomedic, proclear torics, and currently wearing Frequency 55 multifocals. I forgot which one of those but one night to remove them, I had to peal the lens off my cornea because they were so dry - they were not sliding on a layer of tears at that point! The Frequency 55 cause me to need to do something about 5 times each day - sometimes just putting in drops. But many times I clean my fingers and wet them and then apply the water from the finger onto the eye, gently pulling the finger towards the nose to get any mucous out of the eye. If you remove the lens and quickly rinse in lens solution and immediately return to the eye - that seems the best for me but the least convenient! It seems that the lens get sticky on my eye and then vision fogs up or gets very blurry! This is so much worse than with RGPs.
The down side to RGPs is getting used to them - and I did get used to them and they felt great, don't notice they are on. They occassionally move off the iris portion because I may have rubbed or brushed something against my eye. The RGPs seem sharper (being hard, they hold the shape/prescription better.) I found the RGP's can last several years with care not to scratch them, and being careful to clean them with extra strength cleaner once a week.
Finally - I want my Dr to trial me on ProClear as I am hoping that they do lessen the dry eye problem. I am happy with my Frequency 55 as I have reasonably sharp distance and acceptable near vision (I hardly put my readers on anymore.)
Whew! This was along reply -sorry for being so verbose. Wish you success with your lens.

Knotlob · #29 (**permalink**) 05-29-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Hi everyone.
I am really enjoying this site - mostly to hear other people's experiences. So, RGPs worked better for me - I wore hard lens (non-permeable) for 20 years, then switched to RPGs when I needed reading glasses. The RGP's (even the hard non permeable ones) did not dry out on me. When I am tired after a days worth of looking at computer screens, I may need to put a couple of drops of eye lubricant - that's not bad - and after I put in the drops, I can see the mucous clumping at the tear duct ready to be wiped away or washed down the duct. Thus I don't think the RGPs caused dry eyes.
The softies I started wearing in February gave me tremendous dry eye problems! Within a couple of hours I had to put drops in my eyes. Then very frequently (10 times or so each day) had to put in more drops. I was trialing different products made by Cooper Vision, and tried biofinity, biomedic, proclear torics, and currently wearing Frequency 55 multifocals. I forgot which one of those but one night to remove them, I had to peal the lens off my cornea because they were so dry - they were not sliding on a layer of tears at that point! The Frequency 55 cause me to need to do something about 5 times each day - sometimes just putting in drops. But many times I clean my fingers and wet them and then apply the water from the finger onto the eye, gently pulling the finger towards the nose to get any mucous out of the eye. If you remove the lens and quickly rinse in lens solution and immediately return to the eye - that seems the best for me but the least convenient! It seems that the lens get sticky on my eye and then vision fogs up or gets very blurry! This is so much worse than with RGPs.
The down side to RGPs is getting used to them - and I did get used to them and they felt great, don't notice they are on. They occassionally move off the iris portion because I may have rubbed or brushed something against my eye. The RGPs seem sharper (being hard, they hold the shape/prescription better.) I found the RGP's can last several years with care not to scratch them, and being careful to clean them with extra strength cleaner once a week.
Finally - I want my Dr to trial me on ProClear as I am hoping that they do lessen the dry eye problem. I am happy with my Frequency 55 as I have reasonably sharp distance and acceptable near vision (I hardly put my readers on anymore.)
Whew! This was along reply -sorry for being so verbose. Wish you success with your lens.

Hello Calvin

Thanks for relating your experience with RGP and soft lenses.

Do you wear the RGP lenses overnight? I wondered because you said you forgot to take out a soft lens and wore them overnight accidentally.

Since you wore non permeable rigid lenses for 20 years, do you have any neovascularisation (where the capillaries grow into your cornea) or ghost capillaries now that you are on a breathable lens?

knotlob

Calvin · #30 (**permalink**) 05-30-2010, 01:02 AM

Knotlob - I think you confused me with someone else as far as wearing the lens to sleep. During the 20 years I may have slept in them only twice. In the morning the eyes would have a mild burning sensation which goes away in about 10 minutes. However, I would take the lens out and let the eyes rest at least 4 hours if not the whole day. Then it's as if never wore them to sleep.
I don't have the capillary problems you describe - even after 20 years of hard lens. Thanks for asking.

Knotlob · #31 (**permalink**) 05-30-2010, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Knotlob - I think you confused me with someone else as far as wearing the lens to sleep. During the 20 years I may have slept in them only twice. In the morning the eyes would have a mild burning sensation which goes away in about 10 minutes. However, I would take the lens out and let the eyes rest at least 4 hours if not the whole day. Then it's as if never wore them to sleep.
I don't have the capillary problems you describe - even after 20 years of hard lens. Thanks for asking.

Hi Calvin

I didn't confuse you with anyone else. I just wondered, since you had accidentally worn the soft lens overnight, as if it was normal with the RGP.

The reason I asked about neovascularisation is that I started out, 35 years ago, on the old style non-gas permeable lenses and do have some ghost capillaries, which I suspect may have occurred while wearing them. But of course everyone's eyes are different, as are their wearing habits.

knotlob

badams · #32 (**permalink**) 05-30-2010, 01:04 PM

New to this forum and enjoy reading about some of your experience with RGP lens et al. As this thread began with a question about dry eyes, I thought you might find it interesting to know that I wore hard lenses (PMMSs) for about 30 years and didn't have any problems with dry eyes, occasionally, I might add some eye drops, but generally no problems. Switched to RPG at the recommendation of my doctor and wore them successfully until I had cataract surgery a little over a year ago. After the surgery, I gave glasses another try, but gave up on them and went back to RGPs. Now wearing Fluroperm 151s, guess the prescription is a little complicated, (heavy blend, lenticular cut) but having a little more problem with them than any lens I've worn before. Not sure if the problems are related to the implants or not, but time will tell. Bob.

Knotlob · #33 (**permalink**) 05-30-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badams

New to this forum and enjoy reading about some of your experience with RGP lens et al. As this thread began with a question about dry eyes, I thought you might find it interesting to know that I wore hard lenses (PMMSs) for about 30 years and didn't have any problems with dry eyes, occasionally, I might add some eye drops, but generally no problems. Switched to RPG at the recommendation of my doctor and wore them successfully until I had cataract surgery a little over a year ago. After the surgery, I gave glasses another try, but gave up on them and went back to RGPs. Now wearing Fluroperm 151s, guess the prescription is a little complicated, (heavy blend, lenticular cut) but having a little more problem with them than any lens I've worn before. Not sure if the problems are related to the implants or not, but time will tell. Bob.

Hello Bob

Thanks for telling us of your experiences with hard/RGP lenses. I wish you good luck with the Fluroperm 151 lenses.

knotlob

dda1960 · #34 (**permalink**) 05-31-2010, 08:25 AM

ok im kinda confused here haha but that's kinda normal for me

but calvin if you say RGP's are better for you? why have your dr try Proclear on you ? if rgp's are better why not stick with them?

Calvin · #35 (**permalink**) 05-31-2010, 11:22 AM

Hello DDA1960. I suspect doctors that work with RPGs are fewer in number than those who prescribe soft lens. I am using a new practitioner because my previous one went out of business. The current Dr. is nice and knew I was wearing RPGs and wanted a refitting for them. He suggested I try soft lens, and when the vision acuity was good, I continued to trial the soft lens ending up with the multifocal lens - Frequency 55 which HE had the most success fitting with patients. However Proclear lens were specifically designed to minimize dry eye problems which I didn't have with the RPGs. I would like my practitioner to trial me on the Proclears next year (I feel I've already imposed on him enough with 6 visits for the single $150 fitting fee.) If the Proclears solve the drying out of my eyes / lens problem, then I'll stick with them. Otherwise I would search for a new practitioner who has no qualms about prescribing RPGs.
I am not sure why I'm so ambivalent about going back to RPGs. Perhaps I want the soft lens to work and for me to figure out how to deal with the dry eyes. By the way, the eyes dry out when I'm at the computer. Does not dry out when not using near vision. Even reading the newspaper doesn't dry out my eyes.
The plus for softies is that if I lose one, I probably have another as these are monthly replacement and we generally buy a package of 6 lenses at a time. RPGs are definitely cheaper - long term (my RPGs lasted more than a year - several years in fact - and the prescription didn't seem to change in the first 20 year's I've had them!

Wookiee74 · #36 (**permalink**) 06-01-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Hello DDA1960. I suspect doctors that work with RPGs are fewer in number than those who prescribe soft lens. I am using a new practitioner because my previous one went out of business. The current Dr. is nice and knew I was wearing RPGs and wanted a refitting for them. He suggested I try soft lens, and when the vision acuity was good, I continued to trial the soft lens ending up with the multifocal lens - Frequency 55 which HE had the most success fitting with patients. However Proclear lens were specifically designed to minimize dry eye problems which I didn't have with the RPGs. I would like my practitioner to trial me on the Proclears next year (I feel I've already imposed on him enough with 6 visits for the single $150 fitting fee.) If the Proclears solve the drying out of my eyes / lens problem, then I'll stick with them. Otherwise I would search for a new practitioner who has no qualms about prescribing RPGs.
I am not sure why I'm so ambivalent about going back to RPGs. Perhaps I want the soft lens to work and for me to figure out how to deal with the dry eyes. By the way, the eyes dry out when I'm at the computer. Does not dry out when not using near vision. Even reading the newspaper doesn't dry out my eyes.
The plus for softies is that if I lose one, I probably have another as these are monthly replacement and we generally buy a package of 6 lenses at a time. RPGs are definitely cheaper - long term (my RPGs lasted more than a year - several years in fact - and the prescription didn't seem to change in the first 20 year's I've had them!

Thanks for sharing your experience, Calvin.

You say you want to try Proclears, and you're currently wearing Frequency 55 contact lenses. Are the Frequency lenses still too dry?

Calvin · #37 (**permalink**) 06-01-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wookiee74

Thanks for sharing your experience, Calvin.

You say you want to try Proclears, and you're currently wearing Frequency 55 contact lenses. Are the Frequency lenses still too dry?

Yup. Still wearing Freqeuncy 55. and yes, dries out! People are surprised that eye drops don't seem to work for me - they make my eyes foggy. The Dr. said Frequency 55 works better (get better fit/ vision.) But proclears are designed for dry eys where as Frequency 55 are designed for clearer vision. I want both.

Knotlob · #38 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Yup. Still wearing Freqeuncy 55. and yes, dries out! People are surprised that eye drops don't seem to work for me - they make my eyes foggy. The Dr. said Frequency 55 works better (get better fit/ vision.) But proclears are designed for dry eys where as Frequency 55 are designed for clearer vision. I want both.

Generally a lens material with low water content (usually the silicone hydrogel lenses) will be less prone to drying out and therefore drawing moisture away from your eyes (dry eyes).

A RGP lens material is zero % water so this would not be a problem. Yes, the RGP lenses are usually less comfortable, but you are well used to RGP lenses. Why change to soft lenses, apart from the fact that your optician is not experienced in fitting RGP lenses?

knotlob

badams · #39 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 12:29 PM

Hi Calvin,

Believe you are right about fewer doctors experienced with RPGs. Over the past 30 years I had experience with three doctors who prescribed and fitted my lens; in each case, I needed only one fitting and was very satisfied with the results. In the last 3 years I have seen two other doctors for RPGs and found both of them pushing soft lenses instead of the RPGs, as I wasn't willing to trade-off visual acuity we went ahead with the RPGs. Unfortunately, i the most recent case I've had to go back to the doctor about six times to get to an acceptable prescription and fit, but to date I am still not satisfied.

badams · #40 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 12:36 PM

Calvin,

If I understand correctly you are also having a problem with the lens becoming cloudy with wear, my experience with that problem has a lot to do with the cleaning and storage of the lens. I'm sure there are many recommendations on what is the best way to clean and store you lens, but you might try to determine if you are adequately cleaning them and storing them. Good luck.

FirstDown · #41 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Yup. Still wearing Freqeuncy 55. and yes, dries out! People are surprised that eye drops don't seem to work for me - they make my eyes foggy. The Dr. said Frequency 55 works better (get better fit/ vision.) But proclears are designed for dry eys where as Frequency 55 are designed for clearer vision. I want both.

I'm not an expert on RGP lenses by any means, but I thought I'd just poke my head in and see if I can clarify a bit. So you're saying that you're looking for the clear vision of Frequency 55 contacts and the moist comfort of Proclear contact lenses. Is that right?

Calvin · #42 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstDown

I'm not an expert on RGP lenses by any means, but I thought I'd just poke my head in and see if I can clarify a bit. So you're saying that you're looking for the clear vision of Frequency 55 contacts and the moist comfort of Proclear contact lenses. Is that right?

Yes you are correct. Unfortunately my messages speak too much on the soft lens whereas this original thread was about RPG causing dry eyes. I only mentioned the soft lens (Frequencyy 55 and Proclear) because that's what I wear or want to wear - While commenting that RPG's that I used to wear never caused dry eyes. I should have left out the comments on the softies as that thread of conversation belongs in another section of this web site.

Calvin · #43 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badams

Calvin,

If I understand correctly you are also having a problem with the lens becoming cloudy with wear, my experience with that problem has a lot to do with the cleaning and storage of the lens. I'm sure there are many recommendations on what is the best way to clean and store you lens, but you might try to determine if you are adequately cleaning them and storing them. Good luck.

Badams - thanks for your comments. I'm soaking the lens in a soak / clean / disinfect combined solution that the doctor recommended. The lens are clean, it's just that during the day, eye mucous accumulates, and or moisturizers and sunblock that I put on my face, end up in the eye. But mostly it's just the lens drying out on it's own.

Also - loved your comment about the last practicioner you had needing 6 fittings. That is what I'm afraid of if I go back to RPGs - multiple fittings for soft lens is so much easier because the guy usually has the required lens in his office so you try them right away. The RPGs almost always have to be ordered and sometimes custom ground.

Best wishes.

badams · #44 (**permalink**) 06-05-2010, 11:08 AM

Calvin,

Can you compare the visual acuity of your RPGs and soft lens? I haven't tried soft lens since shortly after they came out as I didn't want to trade-off acuity for convenience. Cheers.

dda1960 · #45 (**permalink**) 06-06-2010, 11:50 AM

you are right there calvin i changed ECP's because they were not experienced enough in my opinion to fit gas perms they wanted me to stick with soft lenses because they are the most popular of course in turn they would be more experienced in fitting them ,,and i tried the proclear lenses as well and they were good for me but i need something that will last longer than a month

Calvin · #46 (**permalink**) 06-06-2010, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badams

Calvin,

Can you compare the visual acuity of your RPGs and soft lens? I haven't tried soft lens since shortly after they came out as I didn't want to trade-off acuity for convenience. Cheers.

Hi Badams, It is hard to give you an accurate answer. I went to this new doctor because the old place that prescribed my RPGs went out of business, but I needed a prescription change. The new doctor wanted me to try the soft lens. The Acuity is good with the soft lens. The multifocus is now acceptable - except for the eyes drying out all the time (very very annoying and inconvenient.) The RPG multifocus for the first 3 years at least, were good for distance and intemediate (reading the car's dashboard and all the buttons) but marginal for reading - I would use readers if at computer or at home to read paper. I can squint on occassion when I don't have the readers handy to read something. The current soft lens gives me about 20/25 distance, great intermediate, and I can get by without readers!
Years ago (at least 10 years) soft lens sucked. I got my teenage kids softies as a present and I always had better vision with my hard lens (not RPG but RPGs are hard with permeablility.) I definitely had 20/20 where as my son's only had 20/30 or less. Hope this somewhat answers the question. With the soft lens now, I can see well, so I think soft lens may be as sharp as RPGs. However things like astigmatism and different lens materials may make a big difference in how sharp your corrected vision might be. My gripe is that there are practioners who won't go the extra mile to try different lens and prescriptions until you get 20/20!

Calvin · #47 (**permalink**) 06-06-2010, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

you are right there calvin i changed ECP's because they were not experienced enough in my opinion to fit gas perms they wanted me to stick with soft lenses because they are the most popular of course in turn they would be more experienced in fitting them ,,and i tried the proclear lenses as well and they were good for me but i need something that will last longer than a month

Thank you. I suspected there are people who are not satisfied with their ECPs. Some people don't know any better! Good for you changing yours. That ECPs often don't seem to think patient and patient satisfaction are priority #1, instead trying to get you out of the office with a so-so prescription - this is my biggest gripe! Even my current ECP originally thought he'd be rid of me by prescribing single vision lens when I told him I wanted my RPG prescription updated. Instead of RPG, he had me try soft lens - which turned out to be acceptable, but he ignored my need to have adequate vision far, intermediate and near (without wearing glasses on top of the contacts)! So the good part is after some perseverance, I have a workable Multifocus prescription - it isn't perfect, but next year maybe it's get better with additional trials and fittings.

Knotlob · #48 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Instead of RPG, he had me try soft lens - which turned out to be acceptable, ....

I think we have all been watching too much CNN - keep catching myself writing that as well

knotlob

Tiger · #49 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

I think we have all been watching too much CNN - keep catching myself writing that as well

knotlob

Oh, you mean RPG instead of RGP, as in Rigid Gas Permeables? Could be too much CNN, could be too many Role Playing Games.

Hypnoteyes · #50 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiger

Oh, you mean RPG instead of RGP, as in Rigid Gas Permeables? Could be too much CNN, could be too many Role Playing Games.

That or just careless keyign. I mean keying.

badams · #51 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 12:52 PM

Hi Calvin,

Thanks for your experience with the soft lens. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow mostly about my left eye fit, too tight. Must admit I've been spoiled of the years with other doctors. As I said I never needed more than one fitting to get it right the first time. Now I guess I'll have to bring my new doctor along. During my first fitting sessions, three or four of them, I told her I was more than dissatisfied with the results. She seemed to be surprised that in over 50 years she was the first doctor who couldn't get it right the first time. Anyway, I plan to bring up the question of soft lenses. I don't plan to try then yet, I'll wait until I get the fit, prescription and materials nailed down then go to lens.com. Cheers, Bob.

HelpMeRhonda · #52 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiger

Oh, you mean RPG instead of RGP, as in Rigid Gas Permeables? Could be too much CNN, could be too many Role Playing Games.

Yeah one of my friends made a misguided attempt to teach me how to play a Star Wars role playing game. After about fifteen minutes into the training seminar I wanted to just grab a couple of brooms so we could make vroom vroom noises and pretend they were light sabers.

pathfinder · #53 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelpMeRhonda

Yeah one of my friends made a misguided attempt to teach me how to play a Star Wars role playing game. After about fifteen minutes into the training seminar I wanted to just grab a couple of brooms so we could make vroom vroom noises and pretend they were light sabers.

I understand, HelpMeRhonda. I'm not into games that take longer to explain than they do to play.

So . . . how about getting back to the theme of this thread--RGP lenses and dry eyes. Are they connected?

unclebuck · #54 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John316

Allow me to interrupt.

Let's pick some random lenses and do the math.

Oh no! Not the math!

LeeRoberts · #55 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badams

Hi Calvin,

Thanks for your experience with the soft lens. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow mostly about my left eye fit, too tight. Must admit I've been spoiled of the years with other doctors. As I said I never needed more than one fitting to get it right the first time. Now I guess I'll have to bring my new doctor along. During my first fitting sessions, three or four of them, I told her I was more than dissatisfied with the results. She seemed to be surprised that in over 50 years she was the first doctor who couldn't get it right the first time. Anyway, I plan to bring up the question of soft lenses. I don't plan to try then yet, I'll wait until I get the fit, prescription and materials nailed down then go to lens.com. Cheers, Bob.

How did your doctor's appointment go, Mr. Adams?

FirstDown · #56 (**permalink**) 10-27-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badams

New to this forum and enjoy reading about some of your experience with RGP lens et al. As this thread began with a question about dry eyes, I thought you might find it interesting to know that I wore hard lenses (PMMSs) for about 30 years and didn't have any problems with dry eyes, occasionally, I might add some eye drops, but generally no problems. Switched to RPG at the recommendation of my doctor and wore them successfully until I had cataract surgery a little over a year ago. After the surgery, I gave glasses another try, but gave up on them and went back to RGPs. Now wearing Fluroperm 151s, guess the prescription is a little complicated, (heavy blend, lenticular cut) but having a little more problem with them than any lens I've worn before. Not sure if the problems are related to the implants or not, but time will tell. Bob.

Hi Bob. These "implants" you mentioned. Are they the result of the cataract surgery you said you had recently?

pathfinder · #57 (**permalink**) 11-02-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeRoberts

How did your doctor's appointment go, Mr. Adams?

Still no word from badams.

Wierdscience · #58 (**permalink**) 11-10-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badams

Hi Calvin,

Thanks for your experience with the soft lens. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow mostly about my left eye fit, too tight. Must admit I've been spoiled of the years with other doctors. As I said I never needed more than one fitting to get it right the first time. Now I guess I'll have to bring my new doctor along. During my first fitting sessions, three or four of them, I told her I was more than dissatisfied with the results. She seemed to be surprised that in over 50 years she was the first doctor who couldn't get it right the first time. Anyway, I plan to bring up the question of soft lenses. I don't plan to try then yet, I'll wait until I get the fit, prescription and materials nailed down then go to lens.com. Cheers, Bob.

So what's the latest, Bob? Have you found some lenses that fit you properly?

Tiger · #59 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelpMeRhonda

Yeah one of my friends made a misguided attempt to teach me how to play a Star Wars role playing game. After about fifteen minutes into the training seminar I wanted to just grab a couple of brooms so we could make vroom vroom noises and pretend they were light sabers.

Two red light sabers, huh? It would appear that there's some Sith infighting going on.

LeeRoberts · #60 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wierdscience

So what's the latest, Bob? Have you found some lenses that fit you properly?

It would seem that Bob has left us . . .

FirstDown · #61 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeRoberts

It would seem that Bob has left us . . .

Perhaps he was hurled down a deep shaft by his apprentice . . .

hotpepperking · #62 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstDown

Perhaps he was hurled down a deep shaft by his apprentice . . .

I hate it when that happens.

Unless, you know, the guy who was chucked down the shaft was really, really evil.

FirstDown · #63 (**permalink**) 01-11-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Thank you. I suspected there are people who are not satisfied with their ECPs. Some people don't know any better! Good for you changing yours. That ECPs often don't seem to think patient and patient satisfaction are priority #1, instead trying to get you out of the office with a so-so prescription - this is my biggest gripe! Even my current ECP originally thought he'd be rid of me by prescribing single vision lens when I told him I wanted my RPG prescription updated. Instead of RPG, he had me try soft lens - which turned out to be acceptable, but he ignored my need to have adequate vision far, intermediate and near (without wearing glasses on top of the contacts)! So the good part is after some perseverance, I have a workable Multifocus prescription - it isn't perfect, but next year maybe it's get better with additional trials and fittings.

Have you gotten a new eye doctor who is willing to spend time with you, Calvin?

aggiedude · #64 (**permalink**) 01-30-2011, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

yes unclebuck i can wear my gas perms alot better now ,,the advice i have is patience and perserverance? i think that is how u spell that lol,,,patience for the comfort level,,and the other for the fitting's that we all have to go thru no matter what your eye dr says ,,i got told a few times "well they look like they are fitting right" UGH!!!! hello?? we know our own eye's doc's we know if they are not right ,,i had the problem of my left lens not being right ,,it would ride to low and off to the side a little ,,the right one would ride low BUT would center ok so the vision was good ,,so the fittings can be a hassle at times ,,do not mean to be a downer with this but it's the truth

Hey dda, I've been an off and on wearer of soft contacts for many yrs now ( I'm 47 if it matters ) and STILL having trouble finding contacts that are comfortable in the monovision and usually end up going back to eyeglasses. I keep reading that rgp's are clearer and have less halo's and such with bright lights and just wondering if that's true. I'm also wondering ( don't want this to sound dumb ) why folks would go to rgps when they take so much longer to get used to than soft lenses like the Air Optix for Astigmatism I'm trying right now..Again, these are supposed to be monthly lenses and my probs are wearing them for more than 8 hours a day without dryness and blurriness, and having them last more than 2-3 weeks before changing them. And I've been through a few different extended wear soft contacts but never tried rgp's and just wanting advice and stuff...
My Rx right now is;

Rt BC 8.7 Dia 14.5 Sph -4.25 Cyl -0.75 Axis 080

Lt BC 8.7 Dia 14.5 Sph -2.00 Cyl -1.75 Axis 090

And any and all advice on maybe why I should try rgp's by all would be appreciated, and thanks for an awesome site; it's really helped so far.

Hope I didn't ramble on too much.

neets · #65 (**permalink**) 01-30-2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggiedude

And any and all advice on maybe why I should try rgp's by all would be appreciated, and thanks for an awesome site; it's really helped so far.

Hope I didn't ramble on too much.

Interesting ramble, aggiedude.

Glad you did though.

The reason i went to RGP is because of cost initially. With my prescription, updating or replacing my glasses would have cost me at least twice as much. I've read that RGPs can hold up as long as 3 years as long as you take care of them, and as long as your prescription doesn't change (or change drastically to require replacement lenses).

Another reason i prefer RGPs over soft lenses, and i believe the reason this thread was started in the first place, is because they do not absorb tears. Therefore my eyes do not feel dry. Also i have slight astigmatism in both eyes and the RGPs ensure clearer vision than any of the soft lenses that i've tried. Additionally, in the past, i always had an excess amount of proteins or whatever it is that accumulates on soft lenses. Those proteins do not stick to RGPs so you dont have to worry about using an enzyme cleaner once a week.

RGPs allow for more oxygen to reach the cornea which makes for healthier eyes. With glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment issues, and macular degeneration in my blood, i do everything i can to keep my eyes healthy, and that includes taking my Eye Promise Restore daily and by not ever leaving the house without protective sunglasses.

Is it harder to get used to wearing RGPs than it is getting used to any soft lens? Yes, but not all good things come easily, right? I have struggled for months to find a lens that makes my right eye happy but i'm really glad i persevered.

Granted, RGPs just work better for ME, but of course, whether they'd work better for you than soft lenses, well, that all depends on your needs and/or requirements. Keep us posted on whatever you decided to do.

Metsman · #66 (**permalink**) 01-31-2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neets

Interesting ramble, aggiedude.

Glad you did though.

The reason i went to RGP is because of cost initially. With my prescription, updating or replacing my glasses would have cost me at least twice as much. I've read that RGPs can hold up as long as 3 years as long as you take care of them, and as long as your prescription doesn't change (or change drastically to require replacement lenses).

Another reason i prefer RGPs over soft lenses, and i believe the reason this thread was started in the first place, is because they do not absorb tears. Therefore my eyes do not feel dry. Also i have slight astigmatism in both eyes and the RGPs ensure clearer vision than any of the soft lenses that i've tried. Additionally, in the past, i always had an excess amount of proteins or whatever it is that accumulates on soft lenses. Those proteins do not stick to RGPs so you dont have to worry about using an enzyme cleaner once a week.

RGPs allow for more oxygen to reach the cornea which makes for healthier eyes. With glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment issues, and macular degeneration in my blood, i do everything i can to keep my eyes healthy, and that includes taking my Eye Promise Restore daily and by not ever leaving the house without protective sunglasses.

Is it harder to get used to wearing RGPs than it is getting used to any soft lens? Yes, but not all good things come easily, right? I have struggled for months to find a lens that makes my right eye happy but i'm really glad i persevered.

Granted, RGPs just work better for ME, but of course, whether they'd work better for you than soft lenses, well, that all depends on your needs and/or requirements. Keep us posted on whatever you decided to do.

Thank you for that overview of your personal experience with RGP lenses. I think a lot of people are afraid to try them, but maybe your post will help some of them conquer their fears.

Just one more question. I've never heard that they last for up to three years. Is that what your eye doctor told you? I'm not calling anyone a liar, I just want to make sure that what you're saying here has been backed up by a medical professional. On a forum like this, you have to be very careful.

neets · #67 (**permalink**) 01-31-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metsman

Just one more question. I've never heard that they last for up to three years. Is that what your eye doctor told you? I'm not calling anyone a liar, I just want to make sure that what you're saying here has been backed up by a medical professional. On a forum like this, you have to be very careful.

I understand completely, Metsman.

My ECP's words were (not verbatim but as close as i can recall), "I've had at least two patients who had theirs for close to three years. They came in a couple of times to have them polished and they took good care of them otherwise. These (lenses) will last you at least a couple of years...and longer if you are okay with continuing to wear them if your prescription only slightly changes."

So its a challenge to me now. I'm gonna see how long mine last. Now if i can just keep them from going down the drain when i'm cleaning them. Haha!

Anazak · #68 (**permalink**) 01-31-2011, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neets

I understand completely, Metsman.

My ECP's words were (not verbatim but as close as i can recall), "I've had at least two patients who had theirs for close to three years. They came in a couple of times to have them polished and they took good care of them otherwise. These (lenses) will last you at least a couple of years...and longer if you are okay with continuing to wear them if your prescription only slightly changes."

So its a challenge to me now. I'm gonna see how long mine last. Now if i can just keep them from going down the drain when i'm cleaning them. Haha!

Okay neets. Now the nice lawyer would like a word.

"PLEASE DO NOT try this at home.

Neets is wearing contact lenses according to his/her eye doctor's instructions. Please see your own doctor and ask them how long you can wear your RGP lenses. Then follow that schedule faithfully."

Thank you.

neets · #69 (**permalink**) 01-31-2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anazak

Okay neets. Now the nice lawyer would like a word.

"PLEASE DO NOT try this at home.

Neets is wearing contact lenses according to his/her eye doctor's instructions. Please see your own doctor and ask them how long you can wear your RGP lenses. Then follow that schedule faithfully."

Thank you.

Hear hear!

SandiStix · #70 (**permalink**) 01-31-2011, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anazak

Okay neets. Now the nice lawyer would like a word.

"PLEASE DO NOT try this at home.

Neets is wearing contact lenses according to his/her eye doctor's instructions. Please see your own doctor and ask them how long you can wear your RGP lenses. Then follow that schedule faithfully."

Thank you.

That megaphone is a nice touch. Thank you for the words of wisdom, Anazak. Try as we might, we just can't seem to keep the lawyers out of here.

BigBanker1 · #71 (**permalink**) 01-31-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dda1960

Yes unclebuck I can wear my gas perms a lot better now. The advice I have is patience and perseverance. Patience for the comfort level, and the other for the fittings that we all have to go through no matter what your eye doctor says.
I got told a few times "Well they look like they are fitting right." UGH!!!! Hello?? We know our own eyes docs we know if they are not right. I had the problem of my left lens not being right, it would ride too low and off to the side a little. The right one would ride low BUT would center OK so the vision was good. So the fittings can be a hassle at times. Do not mean to be a downer with this but it's the truth

Thanks for telling it like it is, dda1960. Of course, not everyone is going to have as many problems as that, but not everyone is going to have smooth sailing, either. It's good to be prepared.

#72 (**permalink**) 10-19-2011, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebuck

So I take it that you're happy with your RGP lenses now that you've given yourself a chance to get used to them?

I have dry and sensitive eyes and I was updated to rgp lenses as I could no longer wear soft contact lenses daily however i do wear air optix aqua whenever i am working out.

Truth be told in the beginning during the adaptation period it was hell and it took me about a month and half to get use to them.

I now put them in first thing in the morning and can wear them long into the evening. Being a soft lens wearer in the past for many years I had a good basis of comparison. They are soooo comfortable now, I don't feel them at all, vision is crystal clear, and I don't get the dry itchy burning sensation from lenses drying up.

RGP lenses are fantastic for dry sensitive eyes as they don't require a moisture level to be maintained like a soft lens in or out of the eyes.

#73 (**permalink**) 10-19-2011, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hottchick

That's great dda1960. It's good to know that even if you aren't comfortable right away with RGP lenses, you will get used to them and probably like them better than soft lenses. Thanks.

agreed

the adaptation period for me was almost 6 weeks and I nearly gave up on rgp's but im glad i didnt. They are verrrrry comfortable now and i don't even feel them anymore....

I put them on at 7am and its now almost 1am.... my eyes are clear comfortable and dont feel the lenses..!

Timbo59 · #74 (**permalink**) 10-19-2011, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2

Truth be told in the beginning during the adaptation period it was hell and it took me about a month and half to get use to them.....

...the adaptation period for me was almost 6 weeks and I nearly gave up on rgp's but im glad i didnt. They are verrrrry comfortable now and i don't even feel them anymore....

I am glad to hear that. I'm going through the adaption period now and, like you, it's been hell. I've been nearly weeks now and usually can wear them for 8 hours or so, but I almost always notice them. So far.

BigJim · #75 (**permalink**) 10-19-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo59

I am glad to hear that. I'm going through the adaption period now and, like you, it's been hell. I've been nearly weeks now and usually can wear them for 8 hours or so, but I almost always notice them. So far.

Hang in there, Timbo59. You'll be feeling better soon.

sarahcg · #76 (**permalink**) 10-24-2011, 04:03 PM

I have been wearing RGPs for five days after being diagnosed with keratoconus (rigid lenses are the only solution short of surgery). The vision is incredible, well-worth the adjustment. I wear them for a few hours every day. I don't have any issue putting them in or taking them out and they don't bother me very much when they are in EXCEPT that my eyes are very dry and mucus-y, which makes my vision a little blurry, too. I use eye drops very frequently. Will this pass when I get used to them?

sarahcg · #77 (**permalink**) 10-24-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Just one more question. I've never heard that they last for up to three years. Is that what your eye doctor told you? I'm not calling anyone a liar, I just want to make sure that what you're saying here has been backed up by a medical professional. On a forum like this, you have to be very careful.

As long as your prescription doesn't change and you take care of you RGPs they can last as long as you need them, in some cases up to 5 or so years. Clean them daily, be careful not to break them, and have them polished occasionally. I have heard of some people wearing them fifteen years. Very economical in comparison to soft lenses.

BigJim · #78 (**permalink**) 10-27-2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahcg

I have been wearing RGPs for five days after being diagnosed with keratoconus (rigid lenses are the only solution short of surgery). The vision is incredible, well-worth the adjustment. I wear them for a few hours every day. I don't have any issue putting them in or taking them out and they don't bother me very much when they are in EXCEPT that my eyes are very dry and mucus-y, which makes my vision a little blurry, too. I use eye drops very frequently. Will this pass when I get used to them?

It's been a few days now. Are your eyes still dry and mucus-y?

HelpMeRhonda · #79 (**permalink**) 10-27-2011, 02:28 PM

Long thread . . . isn't it?

LeeRoberts · #80 (**permalink**) 10-28-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelpMeRhonda

Long thread . . . isn't it?

Yeah . . . an mucus-y too.

sarahcg · #81 (**permalink**) 11-02-2011, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigJim

It's been a few days now. Are your eyes still dry and mucus-y?

Here's what I've figured out so far: I can wear them for three days straight, but on that fourth day- mucus! I've had them maybe two weeks and I really don't mind them much except the dryness. I'd like to try new drops, favorites?

I am mostly paranoid that I am going to lose one! Anyone ever have one pop out?

sarahcg · #82 (**permalink**) 11-02-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeRoberts

Yeah . . . an mucus-y too.

Good to know I am not alone! How long have you had yours?

PrincePlanet · #83 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahcg

Here's what I've figured out so far: I can wear them for three days straight, but on that fourth day- mucus! I've had them maybe two weeks and I really don't mind them much except the dryness. I'd like to try new drops, favorites?

You said you wanted to try new drops. What brand are your "old" drops? We don't want to recommend what you already use, do we?

sarahcg · #84 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrincePlanet

You said you wanted to try new drops. What brand are your "old" drops? We don't want to recommend what you already use, do we?

I went to my doc today and she gave me some preservative free (expensive) drops Refresh Optive Sensitive. Hopefully they will help! She also said that I am not blinking completely and that could be why my eyes are dry?? Never would have guessed that... I need to practice blinking!

dda1960 · #85 (**permalink**) 11-03-2011, 07:24 PM

i think the best drops for RGP's is either the boston brand OR the optimum"lobob" rewetting drops either one are great for contacts,,the combo drops that are supposedly for RGP's & soft lenses i think are worthless ,,,the best soft lens drops i think are alcon's CLERZ 2 excellent for those ,,of course everyone has their favorites

but those are mine

Timbo59 · #86 (**permalink**) 11-04-2011, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahcg

I went to my doc today and she gave me some preservative free (expensive) drops Refresh Optive Sensitive. Hopefully they will help! She also said that I am not blinking completely and that could be why my eyes are dry?? Never would have guessed that... I need to practice blinking!

An interesting article here with blinking exercises :
http://www.andrewgasson.co.uk/info_blinking.htm

eye2eye · #87 (**permalink**) 11-04-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo59

An interesting article here with blinking exercises :
http://www.andrewgasson.co.uk/info_blinking.htm

That's an interesting site there, Timbo59. Part of it goes "Most people, in fact, do not have ideal blinking habits for contact lens wear but with a little effort and practice you should be able to eliminate the forced blink by relaxation of the heavy muscles while learning to use the light muscles correctly. This usually requires a two to eight week period of consistent and regular application. After this time a reduced maintenance programme can be followed."

Who would've thunk it?

sarahcg · #88 (**permalink**) 11-06-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo59

An interesting article here with blinking exercises :
http://www.andrewgasson.co.uk/info_blinking.htm

Thank you! I had no idea there was any real science to blinking...

Tiger · #89 (**permalink**) 11-10-2011, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eye2eye

That's an interesting site there, Timbo59. Part of it goes "Most people, in fact, do not have ideal blinking habits for contact lens wear but with a little effort and practice you should be able to eliminate the forced blink by relaxation of the heavy muscles while learning to use the light muscles correctly. This usually requires a two to eight week period of consistent and regular application. After this time a reduced maintenance programme can be followed."

Who would've thunk it?

Terrific. Now you're telling me I don't even blink right.

Timbo59 · #90 (**permalink**) 11-10-2011, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiger

Terrific. Now you're telling me I don't even blink right.

Life is full of these little trials :-)

sarahcg · #91 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigJim

It's been a few days now. Are your eyes still dry and mucus-y?

No more mucus! Still dry, but I LOVE my new drops.

I also survived the hell of getting-something-in-my-eye for the first time.

Timbo59 · #92 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahcg

I also survived the hell of getting-something-in-my-eye for the first time.

Great!

Shade Maiden · #93 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahcg

No more mucus! Still dry, but I LOVE my new drops.

I also survived the hell of getting-something-in-my-eye for the first time.

Well, good. I'm glad you got past that "something-in-your-eye" hurdle. How long did it take to get it out? Was it a huge ordeal?

sarahcg · #94 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shade Maiden

Well, good. I'm glad you got past that "something-in-your-eye" hurdle. How long did it take to get it out? Was it a huge ordeal?

At first, I freaked out. It felt like a grain of salt- gahhhh. I tried to flush it out with drops which didn't work.

So I took the lens out and rinsed it with my solution really, really well and then stuck it back in there. No harm, no foul. But then, I did it again the next day, twice! I think it is my mascara.

Timbo59 · #95 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahcg

At first, I freaked out. It felt like a grain of salt- gahhhh. I tried to flush it out with drops which didn't work.

So I took the lens out and rinsed it with my solution really, really well and then stuck it back in there. No harm, no foul. But then, I did it again the next day, twice! I think it is my mascara.

It happens anyway, especially bad when you're just starting to ear lenses. I've had mine about 2 months and the dust specs, although painful don't cause that panic and are not quite so bad. If you are brave, a couple of strong blinks can often clear it out by itself.

eyecaramba · #96 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo59

If you are brave, a couple of strong blinks can often clear it out by itself.

That's good to know, Timbo59. Is it possible though, to blink out your contact lens while trying to blink out a speck of dust?

Timbo59 · #97 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyecaramba

That's good to know, Timbo59. Is it possible though, to blink out your contact lens while trying to blink out a speck of dust?

Um, don't know. It hasn't happened to me yet.
To use the "blink" method of removal people normally (as far as I have read) have to pull the eyelids tight with one hand then blink. Without this tightening they are unlikely to come out.

But try it yourself, make some really big wide, vigorous blinks and see if they fall out or if it feels like the eyelids are catching on the rim of the lenses. (Hand under the eye, just in case).

Rosetyler · #98 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo59

Um, don't know. It hasn't happened to me yet.
To use the "blink" method of removal people normally (as far as I have read) have to pull the eyelids tight with one hand then blink. Without this tightening they are unlikely to come out.

So by pulling one's eyelids tight, one could dislodge a dust particle, but not a contact lens, right?

Timbo59 · #99 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 03:41 PM

Oh no, sorry my mistake, that was misleading wasn't it?

I mean the blink technique of removing the lens from the eye:

Quote:

Originally Posted by copied from http://www.contactlens.org.nz/handlingrgp.aspx

1) Look straight ahead opening your eyes as wide as possible.
2) Place a fingertip on the outer corner of the eyelids so that pressure is applied evenly to both upper and lower lid margins.
3) Pull your finger towards the ear and slightly upwards. Then open the eye as wide as possible. Blink strongly and catch the lens in your other hand cupped under the eye.
4) If the lens does not come out with the first blink, relax, reposition your finger and repeat.

So if you blink to remove dust it should be ok, as to remove the lens you have to pull the eyelids extra tight.
I think it might have been Knotlob on this forum that suggested that.

MopJockey · #**100** (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo59

Oh no, sorry my mistake, that was misleading wasn't it?

I mean the blink technique of removing the lens from the eye:

So if you blink to remove dust it should be ok, as to remove the lens you have to pull the eyelids extra tight.
I think it might have been Knotlob on this forum that suggested that.

Thanks for posting the Blink Technique Timbo59.

Now what do you say we get back to the topic that we started this thread with?

"RGPs and Dry Eyes."