Teach me about contact lenses, please.

[scrapquitler]

My 16 year old daughter went this week for her eye appointment, and decided to get contact lenses. She has a pair to use for a week and then has to go back and have another check up with the doctor. She went to the appointment with Dad, who didn't thin to ask any questions and they came home with no paperwork or anything. I assume she'll get more paperwork and stuff next week. I wore contact lenses for a short time, but that was about 20 years ago, and the whole deal has changed since then so I need to learn about contacts all over again so I can help her.

Her prescription is for Accuvue Oasys lenses, they are good for 2 weeks and then she uses a new pair. The prescription for each eye is different, and I understand that I need to buy two boxes at a time, so two boxes will last her about 3 months. Where is the best place to buy them? What will I expect to pay for them?

What extras do I need to buy? I know that during the short time I wore them, I had to have drops and cleaning solution and solution to keep them in overnight. I looked at those things at Walmart today, and there were so many kinds, I wasn't sure what was what. Is it best to just keep using the same as the trial size solution she was given? I'm curious if different types of lenses required different types of solutions?

Thanks for any advice.. I do plan to ask some of these questions when she goes next week, but it would be nice to have some idea ahead of time, and if there's anything I should be asking about, please let me know that, too.

 

[Handbag Lady]

My 16 year old daughter went this week for her eye appointment, and decided to get contact lenses. She has a pair to use for a week and then has to go back and have another check up with the doctor. She went to the appointment with Dad, who didn't thin to ask any questions and they came home with no paperwork or anything. I assume she'll get more paperwork and stuff next week. I wore contact lenses for a short time, but that was about 20 years ago, and the whole deal has changed since then so I need to learn about contacts all over again so I can help her.

Her prescription is for Accuvue Oasys lenses, they are good for 2 weeks and then she uses a new pair. The prescription for each eye is different, and I understand that I need to buy two boxes at a time, so two boxes will last her about 3 months. Where is the best place to buy them? What will I expect to pay for them?

What extras do I need to buy? I know that during the short time I wore them, I had to have drops and cleaning solution and solution to keep them in overnight. I looked at those things at Walmart today, and there were so many kinds, I wasn't sure what was what. Is it best to just keep using the same as the trial size solution she was given? I'm curious if different types of lenses required different types of solutions?

Thanks for any advice.. I do plan to ask some of these questions when she goes next week, but it would be nice to have some idea ahead of time, and if there's anything I should be asking about, please let me know that, too.

I wear that brand now and have worn contacts since I turned 16. I'm 45 on Sunday...

You don't need all of that extra stuff now. You just need the solution and an overnight container. The solution they have now has bits of cleaner in them, so you fill the right cup with solution, take out the right lens, pour solution on the lens and gently clean the lens in the cup of your palm. Pour out the dirty solution from your palm, then put the lens in the clean solution in the cup and MAKE SURE THE LENS is submerged. Twist the lid on and repeat with the left lens.

In the morning, start with the right side, cup the lens, let the extra solution drain away, and put it in. Repeat with the left.

ALWAYS do them in order and you will never mix them up.

You can tell when the lens is the wrong way in your eye, it will hurt like the dickens and when you take it out, you'll see the curvature is all wrong. It needs to be concave.

I'm happy to answer any questions. I always buy my lenses from my doctor and I have no experience buying them elsewhere. I've been with my eye doc over 18 years so I know I'm getting the right Rx and the best lens for my needs.

 

[Handbag Lady]

This is what I use. I buy the double-pack at Target to save money.

http://www.soap.com/p/opti-free-rep...147733&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla


You can try different solutions if you find one is more irritating.

 

[Elleshoodat]

My 16 year old daughter went this week for her eye appointment, and decided to get contact lenses. She has a pair to use for a week and then has to go back and have another check up with the doctor. She went to the appointment with Dad, who didn't thin to ask any questions and they came home with no paperwork or anything. I assume she'll get more paperwork and stuff next week. I wore contact lenses for a short time, but that was about 20 years ago, and the whole deal has changed since then so I need to learn about contacts all over again so I can help her.

Her prescription is for Accuvue Oasys lenses, they are good for 2 weeks and then she uses a new pair. The prescription for each eye is different, and I understand that I need to buy two boxes at a time, so two boxes will last her about 3 months. Where is the best place to buy them? What will I expect to pay for them?

What extras do I need to buy? I know that during the short time I wore them, I had to have drops and cleaning solution and solution to keep them in overnight. I looked at those things at Walmart today, and there were so many kinds, I wasn't sure what was what. Is it best to just keep using the same as the trial size solution she was given? I'm curious if different types of lenses required different types of solutions?

Thanks for any advice.. I do plan to ask some of these questions when she goes next week, but it would be nice to have some idea ahead of time, and if there's anything I should be asking about, please let me know that, too.

I don't know about paperwork for contacts, but yes -- they've changed a lot in the last 20 years. (That's how long I've been wearing contacts ... eek!)

Twenty years ago, you had to disinfect them once a week (I think), but now most, if not all, are disposable. My doctor recommends wearing them for two weeks, but I stretch them at least a month and have never had problems, knock on wood. (Note: I take them out every night and put them in solution, so when I say I wear them for a month doesn't mean I sleep with them. I haven't made that mistake since college.)

I just bought four boxes (for me, a year's supply -- I wear the same prescription in both eyes) off Walgreens.com for $65. You can probably find them cheaper, but I'd recommend not buying them from your doctor's office or 1-800-CONTACTS. Typically those are the most expensive options.

Other than the contacts, the only thing I buy is solution. I get free contact cases from my doctor's office or with bottles of solution. She might have to try a few different solutions before finding the right "fit" for her. For instance, I use Renu and DH uses OptiFree. We tried using just one or the other to simplify things, but OptiFree irritated my eyes and Renu irritated his.

Also, she may not have this problem since contacts are new to her, but I've been wearing Acuvue 2s for years. Last month my doctor tried to switch me to the Oasys, but my eyes rejected them. I'm sure it's just because they were used to the 2s, but she may have to experiment with different brands/fits of lenses as well as solutions.

Hope this helps!

 

[Handbag Lady]

And questions to ask:


If a lens gets stuck at night, does the doctor prefer a call or will they just send you to emergency? It happens for first time users when they don't keep their eyes moist the first few weeks. I no longer have to use drops as my eyes are used to contacts now.

Make sure you are getting the two-week lenses that you take out each night. IF she is getting the sleep-in kind, I'd be a little concerned. Those are trickier and should be used after she is used to lenses for a while.

Have the doctor show her pictures of eyes that have worn contacts past their two-week period. I KNOW you can go for a few weeks more, but some people wear them for a year and get nasty eye infections. It isn't pretty.

I LOVE contacts. I even wear them swimming and snorkeling; you can get very comfortable in them.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I don't know about paperwork for contacts, but yes -- they've changed a lot in the last 20 years. (That's how long I've been wearing contacts ... eek!)

Twenty years ago, you had to disinfect them once a week (I think), but now most, if not all, are disposable. My doctor recommends wearing them for two weeks, but I stretch them at least a month and have never had problems, knock on wood. (Note: I take them out every night and put them in solution, so when I say I wear them for a month doesn't mean I sleep with them. I haven't made that mistake since college.)

I just bought four boxes (for me, a year's supply -- I wear the same prescription in both eyes) off Walgreens.com for $65. You can probably find them cheaper, but I'd recommend not buying them from your doctor's office or 1-800-CONTACTS. Typically those are the most expensive options.

Other than the contacts, the only thing I buy is solution. I get free contact cases from my doctor's office or with bottles of solution. She might have to try a few different solutions before finding the right "fit" for her. For instance, I use Renu and DH uses OptiFree. We tried using just one or the other to simplify things, but OptiFree irritated my eyes and Renu irritated his.

Also, she may not have this problem since contacts are new to her, but I've been wearing Acuvue 2s for years. Last month my doctor tried to switch me to the Oasys, but my eyes rejected them. I'm sure it's just because they were used to the 2s, but she may have to experiment with different brands/fits of lenses as well as solutions.

Hope this helps!

I've done this as well. I think the longest I've gone is about four weeks but even with careful cleaning, they just get cloudy. I knew a guy who kept his disposables for a year...egads! It was awful and he was the one with the eye infection!

 

[Fire14]

I personally find vision direct to have best pricing for Accuvue Oasys but Costco comes in close second in pricing. I personally use walmart brand solution but really like opi free. I can say the stuff I'm using right now isn't my personal choice in solutions and I probably won't buy again ( I am not home so can't look).

 

[ZehnJahren]

My tip: use the solution given to you by the Dr., then ask him what you should use. I use Opti-free, and my eye doc specifically had brands he wanted me to use. Not sure why, but I'd go with the eye doc's recommendations.

My eye doc also recommends Blink eye drops if things get dry. My eyes are dry constantly with my contacts in; used to not be this way.

Sounds simple, but hands should be washed EVERY TIME before putting in or taking out contacts.

I also suggest carrying an extra lens case filled with solution at all times. If I should get something in my eye, have my eyes irritated, or lose one contact, I have someplace to store it/them until I get home. In a pinch, you can also use the solution in the case as a cleaner (by taking out the contact and putting it in the solution to clear whatever's on it).

 

[bjgonzo]

I've been wearing contacts for gosh way too many years lol. I remember back when I started you needed all that extra stuff, but not now. I was wearing 2 week ones, but my eye doc convinced me to try dailies and I have to say I'm loving them! I've wore them for over 3 months now and have yet to need solution or a case. My eye doc in Cali price matched if I found a cheaper price online, I haven't had another doc offer that so I normally order online. Contactlensking.com was the cheapest I found for the 2 weeks ones I wore. I think they were acuvue. I'm another that would stretch mine more then 2 weeks, like 16 days instead of 14 lol. I also don't wear contacts everyday, I normally take a day off a week and never sleep in them.
I hope your daughter has great luck and loves contacts!

 

[Lynne G]

My 12 year old DD wears them and has for almost a year now. I bought a whole year's supply since the maker gave a $50 Visa gift card with a year's supply. Also, if you have vision insurance, it should cover contacts. Between my insurance and the gift card, the cost was reasonable. We use Sam's Club, since they discount the contacts and take our insurance.

My DD uses Biotrue soaking, cleaning, and wetting solution. That is what the doctor started her with, and she has no issues with it. The maker of the contacts also has a website that you can sign up your phone number and they send a text reminding you of when to change the lenses. I find that reminder text helpful.

My DD also said the easiest way she makes sure the are right side up, is that if the contact edge is not perfectly round, then it is inside out. If it wiggles or droops, it is most likely inside out.

When my DD started to wear them, she looked so different, now I am used to her glasses in the evenings and mornings only. She loves having them.

 

[ceecee]

I have hard lens and have had them since 6th grade. DD wears Accuvue Oasis and has since she was 12, no problems at all, so much easier then hard lenses. She had the 2 week kind and I got her a case at Target that kept track of the two weeks for her. I bought extras at Walgreen (online) and my insurance paid for about six months worth. Now she wears another kind that last for a month and our insurance paid for the whole year, plus we got a $40 rebate on them. Ask your eye dr. for the form. I get the solution in a 2 pack and it's usually around $15, there are always coupons for it.

 

[LaurLaur04]

All I can say is be careful with solutions. If the trial they gave her causes no problems, continue getting that kind. I tried to use my moms once and the kind she used made my eyes burn horribly. I used OptiFree and love it! I've had contacts for 13 years. Make sure she DOESN'T sleep in them (unless they are made for it). I did that frequently as a teen and my eyes are damaged because of it.

 

[3boymthr]

I wore polycarbonate lenses daily until last year when I started having problems with them and my Dr. switched me to the Accuvue Oasys. I love them. They definitely can be worn for a longer period of time than recommended but as PP mentioned not for too long as they can then cause infections.

Speaking of infections. DS got an eye infection from his contacts. His eye wasn't weeping anything gross, rather bright red - like it was bloodshot only on steroids . This is from an ulcer of the eye and it's extremely dangerous - can cause blindness. They said it was from wearing the contacts for too long a period and from not changing the solution and not cleaning the case every day.

 

[Gigi22]

Make sure your DD has a good pair of sunglasses, with protection from the sun's rays. I wore sunglasses religiously when I had contacts. It also protects the eyes from sand, grit and pollen.

 

[Shagley]

I wear Accuvue Advanced, but I used to wear the Oasis. I use the Walmart Equate brand multipurpose solution because it is the cheapest, and I have never had any problems with it. I get my contacts from Costco because they are the cheapest I have found. I never sleep in my contacts (except an occasional nap), because I find my contact dry out and are not very comfortable after I wake up. The only supplies I have for my contacts are a case, the multipurpose solution, and some drops in case my contacts feel dry. Also ask the eye doctor for some trial size solution, because it usually comes in a box with a trial size solution and a case. That would be nice for your DD to keep in her locker at school in case she has any issues with her contacts during the day. My eye doctor gave me about 4 boxes of the trial sizes and they are great to use to keep at work and when I travel.

A tip to make sure your contact isn't inside out is to hold it up to the light before you put it in your eye. There is a little 1 2 3 on the side of the contact. If the numbers look correct, then it is the right way. If the numbers look inverted, then it is inside out. You cannot see the number when you have the contact in your eye.

 

[laura428]

I saw this in Current Threads and had to reply. Please please please don't wear your lenses for longer than they're meant to be worn. Sleeping in them is fine, as long as they're designed to be slept in. (They'll have a higher permeability rating which allows more oxygen through - basically lets your eyes breathe and keeps a healthier environment.) But they do start to break down, just like any other soft lens will do. And if you continue to wear them past this point, you're opening yourself up for all kinds of trouble, not the least of which is corneal ulcers. Trust me - I had three when I was 25 and scared the daylights out of my ophthalmologist. Nearly lost my right eye. Years later, I actually sold contact lenses for a major pharma company. Funny that circle of life...

But seriously - please only wear your lenses as directed. You only have one pair of eyes. Take good care of them.

 

[goodeats]

I just started buying my contacts from Vision Direct - if you go through Ebates you get 8% back. Works for me! Generally I go through the eye doctor though. And I've found it's really important to give your eyes "breathing" time from the contacts. Either by taking them off early at night or one full day. One of my eye doctor's told me if you don't do this that blood vessels will grow OVER your irises while looking for more oxygen and that will cause more vision problems.

I really don't find contacts too much of a problem, and I don't find the risk and price of Lasik to be worth it compared to the relative ease of contacts.

 

[bwhitlatch81]

I've been wearing acuvue oasys for a few years now and love them! I have a different prescription for each eye too, which makes it more expensive but not terribly so. Mark on the box L or R so she knows which one goes in each. I stretch mine out for about a month, and I've slept in them without any trouble also. I tried the dailies as well and had a terrible time with them. I found that they were constantly ripping in my eye; ouch! I also use the bio true solution and am very happy with it. The opti free replenish also works well

 

[Callie]

The kind you DD is getting are what I started out in. As far as solution goes, once I switched to Clear Care, I found it to clean them better! But you can't wear them unless they sit for 8 hours I think it is, so keep some regular solution if you go that route. Its more expensive, but it cleans the contact well.

I switched to dailies, because I ended up not wearing contacts all that often. With my allergies, they can be extremely irritating, and when I'm at school, on the computer, or reading I can't see as well in my opinion. So be prepared in case they shouldn't work out!

 

[Zephyr]

My lens are quite different from all of yours - I've got gas permeable hard lens. (sorry, I don't remember the specific brand.) They last for 3 to 6 years (unless your prescription changes) and I only take them out once every 3 to 6 weeks to clean them overnight. Otherwise, I'm wearing them 24 hours a day. I love them!