UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Just got some systane drops for use with my lenses.

Are you meant to remove the lenses before you put the drops in or can you apply the drops with the lenses in place?

Andy

With Systane you are supposes to remove the lenses first.

You can use them with lenses in, but you get poor lubrication betweent he cornea and the lens and the effects are less long lasting.

If you need to use Systane frequently, it will produce a film over the lens if they are not removed and gives reduced vision.

The old instructions mentioned lens removal but also said only use three times per day.

Updated leaflet ommits the lens removal, but does say you can use them as required.

I found these drops very soothing and really did seem to have a long lasting lubricating effect, but I also found they did tend to put a film on my lenses.I would advise taking your lenses out before use.

ok - thanks - does anyone use or recommend any drops that they use with the lenses in or are they all going to give the same problem of creating a film over the lenses.

Andy

Andy,

The types of drops that suit you best depends on what you need them for.

I have found if you need drops to lubricate the eye surface and help trap moisture they are more viscous than natural tears and in all cases it is advisable to remove lenses.

If it is purely for wetting, Alcon Blink solutions can be used while wearing lenses. This is just a wetting solution very similar to saline.

I stopped using this type of drop as they are purely wetting agent, they do nothing for the overall hydration of the eye.

When you have your lens fit test, put the question to your optom as well.

thanks gareth - it is someting to make them feel a little less dry so i might try blink - see if it helps.....

Andy

With Systane, I put a couple of drops in my eye about 10 mins before putting the lenses in.....then I put another drop INTO the lens and pop it into my eye.

Works a treat for me!

A tip i found useful. If you do use systane or viscous tear drops use one or two drops as you only want to apply a thin film over the cornea not rinse it. If you put two much in your eyelashes will stick together and get powdery when the solution dries which is really annoying.

Thanks for the tips - I'll give them a go

Andy