contact lens discussion thread (merged)

lolly5648

Surely your optician recommended a brand of gas permeables. There are far fewer makes and materials than with soft lenses.

Having worn gas permeables for 30 years my eyes kept drying out (old age) so I have now changed to soft Acuvue Oasys which are excellent for letting in oxygen. They are suitable for mild astigmatism but a friend with severe astigmatism also wears soft lenses and has no problem. Not sure of make.

If you havent worn GPs before they take a long time to get used to as you have to build up wearing time by 1-2 hour per day and you would probably not adapt in time for your interview. Soft lenses only take a few days to get used to.

Good luck

keri

Having looked through a number of contact lens threads there seems to be a wealth of great info from people about lens prices but nothing about the actual lenses themselves, which is what I need!
My son (who's 15) is about to embark on contact lens wearing. I decided that daily disposables are best for him at the mo and it is likely that he will need to wear them daily but mainly for sports activities so probably no more than 4 hours per day.
We were at Dolland & Aitchison today, where the optician opted for Acuvue daily wear for him. I questioned this since I knew that these were more expensive than most other makes. I gave Focus Dailies as another option and he seemed to say yes he could prescribe these for my son but the Acuvue were a better quality and let more oxygen through to the eye and as my son was young and would be wearing lenses for a number of years yet, wouldn't it be better to fit the best lens for him.
Of course I want a lens that is not going to cause problems for his eyes and I signed up but I'm wondering now whether this maybe a way for D&A to earn the most money they can.
I need an independent opinion as to whether there is any real difference between Focus Dailies and Acuvue. ie enough of a difference that it would have a long term effect on my sons eyes.

In view of the huge number of places to obtain cheaper lenses now are the high street opticians "guiding" us to choose the lenses that are in THEIR best interests?

Keri

lolly5648

I have used Focus Dailies and Acuvue and would say that Acuvue are definitely better quality and better material.

I am very worried about the amount of oxygen getting through to my eyes and think Acuvue are much better and more comfortable

However if your son is only going to wear them for 4 hours a day it doesnt really matter. But as he gets older and more vain I am sure he will wear them for longer

poppy8

My son, aged 16, has used both. At the moment he has Focus Dailies and has had no problems. He is quite sporty and plays rugby twice a week. He also went to Dolland and Aitchson to start with and was given acuvue, I think he got a limited amount of pairs by post every month. Now we go to Costco and he gets a box of 90 focus dailies. He seems quite happy with no problems.

keri

Thank you for your replies and info, both helpful.
I have now managed to get a little more in-depth info from a place on a link from the College of Optometrists website. It's called the Eyecare Trust. It is as follows: "The Eyecare Trust is a registered charity that exists to raise awareness of all aspects of ocular health, the importance of regular eye care and good eye wear. We do this by providing accurate, unbiased eye care information to the public and the media. Trustees include leading optometrists and representatives of the most eminent British ophthalmic institutions"

I phoned and spoke to a very helpful lady. Without going into all the ins and outs she gave me a lot of info about the lenses themselves and gave me advice regarding getting the right aftercare for my son.

I can now make an informed decision and would advise anyone with questions about eyecare to give them a call.

Cheers
Keri

brummiebabe

I've worn GP lenses for 17 years. I think they're the most cost effective, if you can wear them. Last pair from Dolland & Atchinson for £140. Meant to last 6 months but lasted over 2 years!!! All of my lenses have been the same! By the way, I wouldn't recommend D&A - they're service was DREADFUL!!!!!!!! I went to a local, independent optician for my aftercare and found this much better - they weren't interested in making money, and advised me to keep the same lenses as they were in good condition.

As for which brands etc, you really need to get your opticians advice!!!

heavensense

I have a mild astigmatism, I wore GP's for over 20yrs and started to dry my eyes out. I changed opticians as they expected me to pay over £200 for a new pair of glasses when I had already told them I was having trouble with my lenses, and then suggested I went without any correction (and I drive for work!) for a fortnight!! Upshot was I went to specsavers, asked a few leading questions and was recommended ordinary soft disposable lenses for one eye and Toric lenses(also disposable for the other eye) The test was free, their service was exceptional you can pay DD and it amounts to far less than all the solutions and protein removers, the charge includes insurance for new lenses and is far less than I was quoted at my original opticians. I got one pair of ordinary glasses, 1 pair of prescription sunglasses and a pair of contact lenses (sent to me 3 monthly in the post) for £70 less than my original opticians......and as a bonus they are the most comfortable lenses I have ever worn.
I would go and see another optician who is prepared to talk to you.
Heavensense

misskool

It depends on what you intend on doing and how much you plan on wearing lenses. If you spend lots of hours in front of the computer and you have a good tear value (or something to that effect) gas permeable lenses are the cheapest and best value around. People tend not to wear them been wearing GP lenses for 8 years or so now and have only had 3 pairs. They last a good 2-3 years especially if you are careful when cleaning them. Solutions are harder to find and slightly more expensive but they do last longer.

It's up to you on what you choose. Most people will ask you to choose soft lenses but vision correction is not the best (especially with astigmatism). Wearing GP lenses also slow down your loss of vision. My prescription has improved in the last 3 years!!

I've always used Bausch and Lomb lenses, the one for long wear. :-)

Hope this helps.Alice

ozy123

I order my lenses online but i need a new contact lens prescription which I was told is different form just a regular eye test. Anyone know where the cheapest place to go to get one is? I'm in Liverpool and I'm a sudent. Cheers!

anniecave

specsavers?