UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I was diagnosed with KC about 8 years ago now, with fairly minor progression. I was able to continue using soft lenses for a number of years before my vision deteriorated to the point where I needed RGP's. When I got them, I was able to tolerate them fairly well, and I was soon wearing them for about 12 hours a day. However, whenever the wind blew, or I got even the smallest spec of dust in my eye, it was agony. This meant that I would routinely end up washing my lenses 3-4 times a day as they felt gritty in my eye. But the real problem I had was early mornings. Being a university student, I didn't often have to get up early in the morning and put in my lenses . However, whenever I did have to get up early for whatever reason, I found my eyes to be very sensitive and it was almost impossible to put RGPs in. When I tried, I would often have to take them out after only a couple of hours.

So when I got a job that required me to get up early and drive to work, I talked to my lens specialist about the issue. She suggested piggy backing (wearing a non-powered or blank soft lens under the RGP), so I decided to give it a go. It put an end to the early morning issues, and made RGP's far more comfortable. I am now able to wear them for 12-14 hours a day with no issues whatsoever. I don't get that gritty feeling with the wind and I almost never have to take them out to wash them.

I really would urge anyone with RGPs to give piggy backing a go. It's been a life changer for me.

Hi Chris,

Thanks for sharing your positive story, it's nice to read about your improved comfort!

Do you notice any drawbacks to piggy backing? I remember reading it might let somewhat less oxygen pass than "normal" lenses, do you notice it at all?

Hi Gerard, no I don't notice any draw backs really. I guess the only issue is that if the lens underneath gets dirty (does tend to happen in hayfever season), then I have to take them both out to clean. So just a bit more faff, plus an extra set of lenses to clean in the morning. But it's a small price to pay

Soft lenses can sometimes restrict the flow of oxygen, however, I have monthly disposable ones which do allow axygen to pass through. If you want to try it, make sure you ask your lens specialist about this. It;s worth getting them as non gas permeable lenses restrict the amount of wear time you can get out of them.

My lens fitter is sorting me out with piggy backs too.

I get dailies for the eye, and a RGP for the top. I still get quite a bit of ghosting with RGPs, piggy backs or hybrids. I hate ghosting with a passion.

I sometimes get 4 varying sky news scrolling tickers ghosts below the main one

munster wrote:I hate ghosting with a passion.

I sometimes get 4 varying sky news scrolling tickers ghosts below the main one

Its the primary problem i suffer with, KC wise.

Its particuarly horrid, when you get like the opening credits on something, if its a black screen with white text. It looks like the text is exploding all over the place. Or dark scenes, with flickering lights.

I still havent been able to finish off batman arkham city (or even play my xbox much anymore)as a result of the ghosting.

Ive recently got a kerasoft lens (i think), which seems to have helped a fair bit in toning down the ghosting effects.

If I could just get rid of the ghosting, my vision would be fine!

Congrats on the improvement. Personally I use a monthly (think it's even 24hr wear) soft contact under the RGP, I think they are meant to have excellent oxygen permeability? They are pretty robust too. The only problem I've noticed is that my eye does dry out if I wear them for very long, but I just take them out drop in solution then back in and then everything is fine again.

Liam - I'm a game journalist. You can imagine how annoying it is.

I think it helps to stick with it. Getting used to the ghosts can be a bit deflating at first, but once you're used to them you're used to them.

Alternatively, try playing on a PC monitor. Not as comfy as sitting on your couch, but you may find the ghosting reduces at close range.