contact lens discussion thread (merged)

Janepig

I'm wearing another pair of the free lenses I got from Specsavers again today (to use them up really) and I really know I'm wearing them!!! I had wondered whether they were uncomfortable when I first wore them because I hadn't worn lenses for a while, but despite being able to wear the Daysoft ones until about 9pm last night (and I could have worn them for longer) these specsavers ones are getting on my nerves!!!

Jxx

Magicstar_2

I've also been for my annual contact lenses check up recently and he was very happy with the health of my eyes, so no worries there either.[/quote]

Hi
Where do you go for your checkup and how much did it cost. I'm not due one for months yet but wondered if Specsavers might be a bit funny with me if I went back there as I now dont get my lenses off them anymore.

Janepig

I had a contact lens check and eye test at Specsavers last week in readyness for my internet purchase - £20 for the CLC and £17 for the eye test. If you're on the contact lens scheme with them then the CLC's are free. I was expecting the hard sell after my check up but the chap just asked me if I wanted to buy some straight off or did I want some to try, I said I'd take some to try and he gave me five pairs. I'm glad I didn't buy any given how awful the trial ones are making my eyes feel. They also didn't push me into getting any glasses - I said I was going buy some at a later date (true, just not from specsavers!).

Jxx

nedmundo

I should say that wearing lenses from waking until sleep isn't the sharpest thing to do, even if they still feel comfortable. Ultimately, a contact lens is a barrier, which will prevent oxygen getting to your corneas. If you carry on wearing them for every waking hour, your eyes will start showing changes due to the above, which may ultimately affect your contact lens wearing lifespan.

purplepatch

Magicstar wrote: »

Hi
Where do you go for your checkup and how much did it cost. I'm not due one for months yet but wondered if Specsavers might be a bit funny with me if I went back there as I now dont get my lenses off them anymore.

I continued to go to Dolland & Aitchison where I had previously bought my lenses from as part of a monthly package. They weren't remotely bothered when I opted out of that, after all I'm sure they can appreciate why we more mse savvy people will get our lenses from the cheapest outlet. I think I get charged around £35 for the annual CL check and they make me have a normal sight test at the same time too. However, the last 2 years I've been able to find free eyetest at D&A vouchers on MSE - I think Martin has a little arrangement with them.

snapdragon69

Newer popular soft contact lenses such as Acuvue Oasys can easily be left in 18 hours, as they are 60% water and your tears will migrate through them and behind them.
Some (I forget the make) have just come out which can last a month 24 hours a day, as they utilise xiloxane which transfers 5x the oxygen compared to the best water-based ones.

nedmundo wrote: »

I should say that wearing lenses from waking until sleep isn't the sharpest thing to do, even if they still feel comfortable. Ultimately, a contact lens is a barrier, which will prevent oxygen getting to your corneas. If you carry on wearing them for every waking hour, your eyes will start showing changes due to the above, which may ultimately affect your contact lens wearing lifespan.

nedmundo

snapdragon69 wrote: »

Newer popular soft contact lenses such as Acuvue Oasys can easily be left in 18 hours, as they are 60% water and your tears will migrate through them and behind them.
Some (I forget the make) have just come out which can last a month 24 hours a day, as they utilise xiloxane which transfers 5x the oxygen compared to the best water-based ones.

Indeed, but that doesn't explain why the incidence of complications still increases with wearing time, even with silicon hydrogel lenses! Also, high water content, means the lens is more susceptible to dessication, reducing oxygen transfer - nice thought!.

Most of the lenses discussed on here are conventional hydrogels.

guestjim

These are good lenses - and I am difficult and can't use anything but these and 1-day Acuvues. (surprisingly Acuvue Moist are not good for me.) Now they are £19.96 INCL post and packages for 2 months supply.

sashanut

Is this a silly question; but I can seem to find a free eye test for D&A but I would really prefer contact lenses to glasses. I see that although the eye test is free a 'contact lens check' is £27.50 - is that usual??? Do I have to check all the 'free eye test' opticians to see how much their CLC is to make an informed decision about how much it will cost me? I'm planning to get the contacts off the web once I get a prescription, to save money..

I have worn glasses/ lenses in the past but I had laser surgery on one eye. Now I think I need better vision for distance but don't need to wear them for everyday, reading is fine at the mo.

TIA if anyone can help - I need to do this quickly!!

fabuleuse_2

I'm on my 5 day free trial with Specsavers at the moment. I have to go back on Thursday to check how my eyes are coping with the lenses, but I forgot to ask if I should go wearing the lenses or if they should be taken out for the check. Anyone know? Also, I'm trying a couple of brands - I really like Focus Dailies as they're so comfortable I can't tell I'm wearing them, but they're a nightmare to take out because they're so thin! The other lenses I have are thicker and not as comfortable to wear but they come out a lot easier. Will I get better at removing the Focus Dailies with practice?