contact lens discussion thread (merged)

Wizard_2

I had a free eye test with Doll & H and they told me I needed a specific contact lense test, so they booked me in for one two weeks later, (next week.) Almost a year ago, I had the same, free, ordinary eye test and using this prescription ordered a year's supply of contacts, (through someone else, online,) which I've been using since, in my ignorance. I had no problems, vision seemed absolutely fine and fortunately there had been no change in my prescription, when tested last week. So therefore do I really need to waste money on a contact lense test? I understand the lense is closer to the eye, so shouldn't need to be as strong, but should there really be that much of a difference? If I do get a contact test, I'll probably try and get it cheaper elsewhere, with say, vision express or spec savers.

random456

there arent any on ebay any more???? where can i get them from high street? thanks

Pink.

Hi Pumpa,

I'll move your thread over to the health board where you may get more replies.

It might be worth taking a look at these recent threads to see if you can find any help on where to find coloured lenses:

contact lens discussion thread

Cheap Contacts


Pink

mutley74

I have just started to re-wear contact lenses mainly for sports.

I have quite dry eyes (eye dont produce enough tears) and thus need high water content lenses.

The optician give me a 5 day trial of Focus Dailies - these were good but mainly comfort of not using solutions.(apprrox £20/mth)

I am now given a trial of Ciba 02 Optix monthly lenses, which are good but obviously need solutions. (approx £12/th)

I ask are these the best contact lenses for someone with dry eyes, or can anyone else suggest any other types?

(I asked my optician and they said they were the best, but on the price list they have so many others that are more expensive that those abpbe, so just want to check that nothing has been overlooked)

pavlovs_dog

the only piece of advice i can offer, as a fellow dry eye-d person is that when i went for contacts (which i never ended up wearing - love my glasses too much) the optician who fitted me and taught me how to insert them told me to make a conscious effort to blink - to keep the eye moist.

sounds mad, but it does help!

SammyD_2

Bauch and Lombe Purevision have more water in them than "standard" lenses - my eyes were starting to respond badly to my old Bauch and Lombe lenses, so I switched to these and they are much better.

You can leave them in for a whole month (ie no solution needed) if you want, although my optician did not recommend it so I still use solution, and I don't think it would be ideal for you with dry eyes. Have you used the "Blink" artificial tears - they come in little tear top packs and are great. I use them when I am working long hours and staring at the screen.

K9cuddles

Hey.. this is how much I suffer from dry eye (and spec savers never told me!!) I woke up one morning with a half a face like a puffer fish! I had a eye ulcer! LOVELY!!! After a visit to my GP and 2 the A&E eye hospital and days off work the steriod drops began to kick in!!

I was wearing monthly contact lenses every day and Specsavers failed to tell me I suffered from dry eye. the Dr at the hospital was amazed at how many eye injuries he had seen from contact lenses and was wearing glasses himself and couldn't recommend lenses!!!

Anyways.. 3 years down the line I thought I'd try contact lense.. I only wear them at weekends as I value you sight too much (roll on getting them eyes lasered!). I used to have the Bauch and Lombe ones and I find the Focus Dailies so much more comfortable. But even once they been in 8 plus house they stick to my eyes so I really can't see how anyone could leave the in long term!! If I know that I'll be wearing them all day ie 14 plus hours then I put in eye drops safe for contact lenses.

lolly5648

I had to stop wearing lenses because of dry eyes but then my optician gave me a trial of Acuvue Oasys with hydraclear plus and they have been fine. Acuvue do free trials at most opticians and its definitely worth trying the Oasys.

pavlovs_dog

i was given accuvue ones too (mine didnt have such a posh name though). they were the only ones i could wear that boots opticians carried at the time, and also the most expensive. not that it mattered to me in the end - three cheers for glasses :beer:

im sure you probably already know this, but by law the optician HAS to give you a copy of your prescription, so dont be shy to shop around and see what the best price you can get is.

i also got the opinion that to get the best price, a lot of places wanted you to commit to receiving so many pairs a month, and paying by direct debit. although it does tie you in, this does offer certain perks such as free eye exams etc, so could be worth investigating.

mutley74

thanks for the advice.

I do know that i can move to different opticians. But i chose asda optician as ease of having 7day service and easy parking etc. compared to going to opticians at town.

i will ask about the acuvue lenses. I might even consider eye laseer surgery in the future.