contact lens discussion thread (merged)

Llyllyll

Firstly, may I apologise if this is not appropriate for this forum, however it's the best place I can think of to ask .

There are some great links and info on this site about cheaper contact lenses but over the years I've tried many different types (inc. those that have a high water content) but can't really get on with them as my eyes are sensitive due to my Crohn's.

My question is, do any other CD suffers out there wear contacts and if so how long have you worn them for and what ones are they?

Thanks very much...

livinginhope

Hi there,I too have Crohn's and suffer badly with my eyes (iritis mainly) I have tried all types of contact lenses over the years but have found that I can wear NONE! all affect my eyes and I get more flare ups of iritis/uveitis when I wear them.
My advice would be save your money and buy some lovely glasses instead

Llyllyll

Thanks. I've had similar experience. Now that I've had surgery however I may give the lenses one more go, otherwise it's glasses all the way.

DGGS_2

I am an optician (and am on the specialist register for contact lens practice). I'm sure that at least part of the problem is dehydration and you may be helped with a biomimetic contact lens material (e.g. Proclear that contains phosphorylcholine https://www.biocompatibles.co.uk ) and these don't dehydrate like normal materials. If you haven't tried them before it's worth a go!

sarah090182

I want to buy my lenses online as my optician has been taken over and the new one changed the brand and i don't rate the lens or the new owners.

I have one lense that is toric and i pay £13 without solutions for a pair a month.

I last had my eyes tested a few months ago at specssavers I was getting new glasses is this the same perscription as I would use for contact lenses?

wishiwasarichgirl

hi sarah090182
you need a "contact lens specification" to order CLs, this is different from your spec prescription.
if you still have some of your previous lenses that you got on well with and the packaging/proof of what lenses they are then you can book a contact lens check at any opticians (you will have to pay for this, and IMHO its best to do this at the same place as you had your eye test as they already have your spec prescription, otherwise make sure you bring a copy of it to your CL check too). after the check they must give you a copy of your contact lens specification which you can use to order lenses.

I have one lense that is toric and i pay £13 without solutions a month

i hope i am interpreting this correctly, so you have one toric lens and one standard(non toric)? if this is the case it may be worth checking round other opticians for their prices, eg i happen to know that at specsavers you can get a pair of monthly toric lenses+solutions+CL checks for £15 per month, depends on the make of lenses you want though. do you know what name they are?

chirtty

I have worn contact lenses for 8 years. It is economical to use conventional contact lenses instead of disposal ones.

First of all, the comfort is the most important thing. I know not a certain contact lens is good to all people, but it/they do suit a good number of poeple.

I just change to other brand since my friend recommends it, but I do not feel better than my old pair.

Online buying is cheaper. If you don't have much uncomfortable or any problem, I recommend online buying.

Good luck!

soluce

panther wrote:

If an optician refuses to supply a written contact lens prescription report them to the General Optical Council. Taken from the GOC website: http://www.optical.org

The contact lens (specification) rules 1989

The General Optical Council, in exercise of their powers under section 31(1)(e) of the Opticians Act 1958, hereby make the following rules:-

Citation and commencement
1. These rules may be cited as the Contact Lens (Specification) Rules 1989 and shall come into force on the 1st day of June 1989.

Duty to provide specification
2. An optician who fits a person with a contact lens shall on completing the fitting give to him a written statement of the particulars necessary to enable the lens to be replicated.

Jurisdiction
The Council deals with concerns about registrants who have:
· been convicted of a criminal offence;
· been guilty of serious professional misconduct;
· breached a rule regarding professional activities by, for example
◦ producing inappropriate publicity,
◦ not supplying a contact lens specification,
◦ failing to refer to a general medical practitioner when appropriate to do so.

This is exactley the information I was looking for.

I have been on a contact lense trial for the past month. On my last appointment the optician gave me the lids from the contact lense packaging so that I had the details. I wear Acuvue Oasys 2 weekly lenses and I love them.

I went to order them online, at asda they are only 11.50 a month compared to 21.50 at my local opticians. When Asda tried to contact my opticians for a confirmation of my prescription, they wouldnt release it quoting the Data Protection Act as the reason why.

So, I thought I could just go to my opticians and collect a copy of mly prescription and send it in to Asda. I tried that today only to be told by the receptionist that I would have to pay £35 for a copy of it otherwise they wouldnt give it to me!

She went on about not being able to compete with the big retailers etc etc But I am on a budget and cant afford 21.50 a month. There was no mention of a charge at the beginning of my contact lense trial and I was under the impression that I wouldnt be under any obligation to buy from them. I paid £17.50 for my eye test at the time of my contact lense fitting, I dont see why I should pay anything else.

Its nice to know that by law they have to give me my prescription. First thing Monday they are going to wish they had just given me a copy when I first asked....:mad:

ifti

hi,

im thinking of trying contact lenses but am not sure where is the best place for a test, can anyone recommed me a place out of the following, D&A, Vision Express or Specsavers, who are 90% packed everytime i go to past my local store. im pretty sure they are th best though.

Thanks in Advance.

wishiwasarichgirl

ifti wrote:

hi,

im thinking of trying contact lenses but am not sure where is the best place for a test, can anyone recommed me a place out of the following, D&A, Vision Express or Specsavers, who are 90% packed everytime i go to past my local store. im pretty sure they are th best though.

Thanks in Advance.

i work for specsavers, they'll normally give you a free trial if you ask, but policy may vary from store to store so do ask:).
other places may charge you just to try contact lenses. as long as you have an up to date sight test prescription (you'll need to bring a copy with you) you can book a contact lens fitting/consultation

at the min i believe specsavers is the cheapest high street optician for most types of contact lenses. i may be wrong though so do your own research. don't forget to ask about charges for cleaning solutions/aftercare (check-ups) delivery etc.

hth