Contact lens options on NHS

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Johnni81
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Joined: Mon 23 Apr 2018 8:11 pm
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: Contact lenses

Contact lens options on NHS

Postby Johnni81 » Mon 23 Apr 2018 8:23 pm

Hi,

I've had KC for about 10 years and been wearing RGP since. The vision is ok however I find them prone to fall out or become dislodged in the eye especially during the warm weather when it dries out my eyes. Im due for a lens fitting at St Thomas Hospital, London and wanted to know what options there are for different types of lenses on the NHS and if there are any that may help with regards to more comfort. The main issue is when playing sports as they can fall out or slip but also happens day to day. Its quite frustrating and have lost lots of lenses over the yeas as they can fall out just by blinking. I use dry eye drops where I can but not always practical to pop some in. Ive red about Kerasoft and thought they would not move as much as RGP? but not sure what other types of lenses there are out there and if I can get them on the NHS.

Any advice much appreciated
.

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Lia Williams
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Re: Contact lens options on NHS

Postby Lia Williams » Tue 24 Apr 2018 7:26 am

Hi Johnni,

There are lots of different types of lenses available for keratoconus on the NHS; RGPs are the most common type. Some people with mild keratoconus are able to wear soft lenses and others with more advanced keratoconus are prescribed scleral lenses.

RGPs shouldn't fall out. If they do it may be that the fitting needs to be adjusted or a different type of lens is required. Piggy-backing with a soft lens under the RGP could help with comfort although I doubt if it could prevent a lens falling out. Even a change from one type of RGP to another made from a different type of material could help.

Semi-scleral lenses are another type of RGP. They are about the size of a soft lens and are said to be more comfortable than a corneal RGP as they sit on the sclera rather than the cornea.

Specialist hydrogel lenses, such as the Kerasoft lens, is another possibility. However when someone has worn RGPs for several years the cornea may need to demould from RGP wear so a change to this type of lens, and to optimise the prescription, may take a few months. That said some people find that comfort they get is worth the hassle. Some people find that the vision they get is better than RGPs, others not so good but this is offset by the comfort and wearing time achieved.

At your next appointment do explain the problems you are having and ask the optometrist whether you could try another type of lens. They will be able to determine if there is a more suitable lens for your eyes.

Lia


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