UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi,
I have worn RGP's for 7 years. Over the past couple of weeks I have suffered from irritation and soreness in both eyes. I also suffer from hayfever...could this be a cause. My sensitivity to light has also increased. When I put my lenses in the morning my eyes run and I find it difficult to keep them open. I have used the same solution (AMO Total Care) for 7 years. ANy advice would be most appreciated.
thanks
Emma.

Hi Emma,

It could be many things causing the irritation, but if you are experiencing pain and intolerance to the lenses I would suggest that you see your opthalmologist.
It may be the hayfever or an allergy to the solution (I also used a solution for years and then suddenly became irritated by it)- or more seriously it could be an infection like conjuntivitis... if there is pain- there may be damage to the cornea's surface. See your doctor...

thanks, I am going to see him today. My eyes are a lot better today, I used a protein remover on my lenses last night.How often should I be doing this?

thanks

I used protein remover once a week. Certainly a built up of protein on your lenses would give you poor vision and sore eyes; add to that the effect of hay fever and you have got a good going dose of ocular itch!

What did your optometrist say?

If the time has come for you to think about different sorts of contact lens, there are lots to try; hard materials and soft materials, big lenses and little lenses.

Andrew

I don't use a protein remover at all. I had a bad experience when I didn't rinse it off properly and burnt my eyes. Apparently you really have to RUB it off, and I have been too scared to try again. I use an All-in-One solution with a protein remover and when I get a bad build-up I take them to my optometrist and he 'polishes' them. I am lucky to have really easy access to him, but only need to have it done every 3/4 months.

That's wise advice. Agitate the lens under clean saline and then rub between thumb and forefinger of hand; repeat.

Andrew

I get hayfever, I react very badly to pollen and get swollen glands in my throat, itchy ears, neck and the roof of my mouth gets itchy. Pollen makes my eyes sore aswell. I get eye drops on prescription called olpanthanol ( i think) and they sometimes help.