Contact Lenses Question

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Replies

  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    yes, you get used to it. you're body is trying to force them out because they're not supposed to be there.

    i think i remember being told that you're only supposed to wear them an hour or two a day for the first few days. just to get used to them.
  • EnuffaMyButt
    EnuffaMyButt Posts: 111 Member
    I just started wearing contacts for the first time. I really dislike having to wear glasses. However, is it normal to feel grumpy and irritated with them at the beginning of first wearing them? If so, does it get better and how long does it take? I keep wanting to rub at my eyes and take them out. At the same time, I really want to feel comfortable wearing them because, well, I don't want to wear glasses.

    Thanks!

    I've worked for an eye dr for 15 yrs. For the most part, you really shouldn't even feel the lenses. Irritated could mean they are inside out. Do you have astigmatism? They might not be turning the right way. Several factors here but, bottom line you should feel completely comfortable in them. I'm not sure about the grumpy part though. Not sure where that plays a part with the lenses.
  • TimeForMe99
    TimeForMe99 Posts: 309
    It could be something else, like seasonal allergies. Always upsets my contacts. Also, if they are in the wrong eyes or inside out that would be very uncomfortable.
  • owlie246
    owlie246 Posts: 4 Member
    Sounds like you need a brand which is better at maintaining moisture in your eyes. I had problems with other brands, until I tried my current ones. You forget they are there. I use a very reasonably priced, but less know Italian brand called Safilens, which I find great. Also, I use daily disposables, which if you aren't using might be a better option for your eyes. I agree that it probably time to go back to your optician and say you want to try something different. Good luck! :)
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    It took me a while to find a brand that was comfy. I have dry eyes, so the brand that has worked for me the best is Acuvue Oasys. Another option is the type that you throw away each day. I have not tried that kind, but my doctor gave me a free sample should I ever want to. There are tons of brands and types nowadays - I'm sure you'll find the right fit.

    As for rubbing a lot and being irritating in the beginning, that may vary person to person. It could also be the solution you are using. I stick with Clear Care, and rinse them with straight saline solution (not multi-purpose) each morning before inserting them. It can be challenging trying to figure out if it is the contacts or the solution, but keep trying (it's way better than wearing glasses, in my opinion).

    Accuvue oasys were the worse contacts I've ever used. They burned and left a red ring around my iris each day I took them out.
  • Svolt
    Svolt Posts: 284 Member
    I agree with pretty much everyone here. I wore glasses until I was about 20. I would switch brands if they're so uncomfortable. Let your optometrist know about any discomfort you may be having. I never feel my contact lens. But I'll take a couple days to get used to. Good luck :smile:
  • Twisted_Wrister
    Twisted_Wrister Posts: 758 Member
    I quickly went through the replies so I apologize if this has already been covered:

    Do you have an astigmatism (<~~ spelling?), like I do? Either way, my eyes are slightly mis-shapen so the Dr. originally gave me toric lenses which were supposed to be for eyes like mine. Turns out, in my case anyway, they were worse! They gave me better vision, (20/20), but were very uncomfortable. They felt like they were constantly moving around on my eyes.

    I switched to regular, non-toric lenses and have been fine ever since
  • Colliex3
    Colliex3 Posts: 328 Member
    I work for an eye Doctor, and i know we tell our patients to wear them for short periods maybe like 2 hours one day 3 the next especially if its a new fit. some people just cant get used to contacts at all, I used to get irritation all the time but they fit fine, my eyes just didnt take to them. But if after a week you still feel funky id call your DR. just my opinion
  • lambchristie
    lambchristie Posts: 552 Member
    I've worn them since I was 16, and not soft lenses either. First hard now gas-perms.

    It does take time to adjust to wearing them. Your doctor may have advised you to wear them for an hour or two and increase that length of time each day.

    If you've had them for awhile, say a month or more and you're still having issues; it could be they are the wrong prescription ... off by just a tad can be very annoying. So go back and have your doctor check the fit and explain all your issues to him/her.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    lasik
    This. Well worth it. I wore glasses (still do for driving) since the 2nd grade and had Lasik done in 2008. World of difference.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Wear them for an hour more each day and see if your eyes adjust. If they don't, try another brand. I have some brands that I just want to rip out of my eyes, but my current ones I can wear all day, and it feels like there's nothing. Seriously, some brands are just super painful for some people.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I've been wearing contacts since I was 11, so about 30 years.

    When I first got gas perms (semi-rigid) at 11, they were a little irritating. Now, wearing soft lenses, they only bother me if I have an eyelash or cat hair in my eye. Sometimes not even then. My eyes are a bit numb to pain at this point.

    Check with your eye doctor. They might be the wrong fit. I had a trial pair of lenses once that weren't the right fit, and ended up with corneal abrasions. Not fun.

    (And I'd love lasik, but I've been told my eyesight is too bad for me to be a candidate.)
  • michele2377
    michele2377 Posts: 50 Member
    lasik
    This. Well worth it. I wore glasses (still do for driving) since the 2nd grade and had Lasik done in 2008. World of difference.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I'm getting Lasik this upcomming Thursday!! AGgghhhh...so nervous! But can't wait to ditch the glasses/contacts.
  • passionflwr1
    passionflwr1 Posts: 31 Member
    No, it could be the brand. Some lenses are more comfortable than others. Ask your optomistrist about getting a trial pair of another brand.

    This.
    I switched to Acuvue Oasys years ago because I find them to be more comfortable.
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    I just started wearing contacts for the first time. I really dislike having to wear glasses. However, is it normal to feel grumpy and irritated with them at the beginning of first wearing them? If so, does it get better and how long does it take? I keep wanting to rub at my eyes and take them out. At the same time, I really want to feel comfortable wearing them because, well, I don't want to wear glasses.

    Thanks!

    It's normal for them to bother you to start with.
    When you reach the point where they bother you, take them out and go back to glasses.
    Eventually you'll have them in all day and you won't even notice them.
  • agirlscamaro
    agirlscamaro Posts: 175 Member
    I started off a few hours a day myself. Also if they continue to itch and bother you try switching solutions. I had to switch to a peroxide solution and one of those special cups to but the contacts in that neutralizes the peroxide. I had a mild allergy to the solution I was using. It's more expensive but it's totally worth it to be able to wear contacts again.
  • worldsbestauntie
    worldsbestauntie Posts: 280 Member
    I've recently re-started wearing them after not being able to get them for close to 2 years (lack of funds due to no insurance). My eyes re-adjusted with no problem EXCEPT when I'm working out. I use a DVD and I need them to see the screen on my computer (I don't have a TV) Despite all the water running down my face as I am doing it, when I get near the end (it's 45 minutes) my eyes are feeling dry and I just want to stop and take them out! Wearing my glasses doesn't go over well when working out and I don't know the moves well enough to take the contacts out before doing the workout. (I can't see the computer screen that well without them in as my vision isn't the greatest. I was told I'm border line needing constant contacts for my right eye. That will mean one of two things if it comes to that either wearing glasses all the time or start saving my money for lasik!.)

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