Hypersensitive eyelids?

[LM]

It's been about two and a half years since I've been diagnosed. My optometrist tells me that in her 30-odd years of practising, she hasn't seen anyone with eyelids as sensitive as mine. What that means essentially is that getting a new lens fitted is pure torture.

More importantly, I can't wear my RGPs outdoors because the slightest hint of dust causes immense discomfort and tearing.

Initially I thought, and my practitioner suggested, that things would improve with time, but no matter how many times I've steeled myself to wear my lenses outdoors (with wraparound shades on), within about 10 minutes I have a dust-induced discomfort episode and have to either take the lenses out or go around teary-eyed. (It doesn't help that I live in Bombay, India, which is a very polluted place.)

Anyways, does anyone else have a problem with hypersensitive eyelids, and are there any tricks to deal with them?

Don't know if this is the wrong forum area for the question. If it isn't, can a moderator please move it?

Thanks

[jayuk]

LM

I would hate to actually wear RGP's in Mumbai; whilst still trying to get used to them! I dont envy you!

Do you have issues actually getting the lenses in?..

How does the Opt perform your fitting? does he/she utilise any anesthetic?...

It may be wise to consider a wider contact lens, in your case if this problem persists

J

[Andrew MacLean]

LM

Welcome to the forum


Dust is the enemy of folk with RGP's. I wonder whether you might be better with scleral lenses as these do not irritate your eyelid in any way, and they protect your eye against dust.

Glad to hear from the sub condinent! From way across the world, it is good to meet you.

Andrew

[John Smith]

Hi,

I'd agree that wearing scleral lenses if they are available could make all the difference. They are so large that dust cannot get underneath them, and also because they are fitted underneath both eyelids, there is little eyelid sensation to trouble you.

Hope you get over your problems. Do let us know how you get on.

[rosemary johnson]

they beat me to it to suggest sclerals!
Sclerals *can* be affected by dust - I've occasionally got dust or grit in my eye with a scleral in, and it hurts madly and gives a lot of grief.
(Tell me about it - I got a little bit of sawdust in my eye a couple of weeks ago while pouring out a sack of wood shavings for the timber yard to made bedding for the horse I ride. uch, ouch, ouch!

BUT

because sclerals fit right under the eyelids, the edges of the lenses don't irritate the eyelids with each blink, so the eyelid is overall less abraded and less tender.
I hope you find some solution to this, whatever it is.
Rosemary

[LM]

Thanks for the responses, everybody.

Jayuk: I don't really have too many problems getting the lenses in every day. Well, one or the other doesn't go in perfectly and then I have to push and nudge a bit to get it right, but apart from that, nothing much.

My fitter doesn't use anaesthetic. Maybe she should, considering how much the tears impair her ability to get an accurate reading when we're getting a new pair done.

I see that everyone mentions sclerals. I've only once broached the topic with my fitter and she didn't seem to think they were a good idea. Maybe I should bring it up again.

What does a pair of sclerals cost on average in the UK, by the way? Are they more expensive than regular RGPs? My fitter tells me that the import duties and other costs make getting the more advanced lenses that are available in places like the UK, for instance, prohibitively expensive for patients here in India.

Anyways, my fitter is at a seminar this weekend with a whole lot of guest professionals from overseas and she thinks she could swing it so I can get a hybrid lens that will offer better comfort and vision. I've got my fingers crossed.

[jayuk]

LM

It would very interesting to see what reasons your optician gives as to her reluctance to not try Sclerals...can you ask her and let us know?

Sclerals can be expensive....even more so if you got for the US Based Boston Sclerals!....But if you approach the likes of Ken Pullum in the UK I am sure he can provide you with indicative costs.....it may even be cheaper to actually come here for a vists have a fitting and then return....

J

[Andrew MacLean]

LM

It may be that your fitter remembers a time when Sclerals were the only lenses available. They fell out of favour for ordinary eyes, but remain a good resource for people with Keratoconus. Maybe they are nbot an obvious first choice, but if other options are failing, they can be very helpful.

Andrew

[asylumxl]

hi, i have the same problem - it causes a real problem for me. a while back i had a bad case of tight lens syndrome and it kind of desensitised my right eye, but my left eye remains normal. i have no trouble putting my right one in anymore, but the left one is a major issue, as it makes putting the left in near impossible.

the slightest change in heat or a bit of dust drives my eyes crazy.

[Sweet]

Ok just wanted to add here along with all the posts about scleral lenses. Maybe this is an allergic reaction though to any lens in general and that if it is the underneath of your eyelids that are the problem it wouldn't matter which lens you wore as it would still hurt? Your eyelids would rub over any lens and cause pain and tearing. Do you suffer from eczema or hay fever? Maybe you should go to your GP just to check, but welcome to the forum and hoping you get some relief soon!

Sweet X x X