Lens Newbie needs Solution Advice

[tremtastic]

Hey all,

I've just started wearing So2Clear contact lenses for keratoconus. I'd worn glasses since I was three (I'm 28 now) and apparently was managing with a lot of processing going on in my head. I thought I only had mild KC because it only affected me with really high contrast stuff (headlights at night, etc). Now when I take my lenses out and put the glasses back on, I get classic KC "double vision".

Anyway, I wondered if anyone could point me at good ways to reduce irritation. Most of the time the lenses are really comfortable and the vision is good, but sometimes they irritate me to the point where I have to take them out. The optician gave me "Menicare Plus" multipurpose solution and "Avizor" saline. Would anything else be better?

[jay87]

I use Sauflon Synergi with my RGPs as it's preservative free and not as thick and gloopy as typical RGP solutions. It may be the preservatives irritating your eyes. I clean with Boston cleaner first though.

[jay87]

I've just watched the soclear fitting guide on their website aswell and at the end they say standard RGP lens solutions may be too viscous for them. They said a standard soft solution may be better

[tremtastic]

Thanks for the replies. At the moment, I'm rubbing and storing in the Menicare stuff (which I think is an RGP solution). Then I'm rinsing with the saline before putting in.

I have a bottle of Bausch Renu soft lens solution (given to me because of the free case). Can I just try that for a while instead? Or do I need a cleaning solution as well?

I also have two little bottles that came with the Menicare that I think should be mixed together and used monthly to get rid of any protein deposits. Would this proper clean help with any irritation?

Sorry for the newbie questions!

[jay87]

I would use the menicare or an RGP cleaner (total care,boston etc) first, then soak in renu. Protein removal may help if the irritation is due to proteins, so worth a try.

How long have you been wearing them? I'd give it at least a month for your eyes to get used to them.

[tremtastic]

I've been wearing them for about 3.5 weeks. I want to persevere with them because the vision is really good and I'm quite liking not hiding behind glasses. Just trying to make them as comfortable as possible.

They have been less comfortable over the past week than at first, so it might be down to the proteins.

[tremtastic]

I also wondered if any eye drops would help, but I've no idea what to choose since they're not the standard rigid or soft lenses.

[Lia Williams]

tremtastic,

Just wondered, but how long each day are you wearing your lenses? All lenses need time to build up wearing tolerances - but because the vision is so good compared with glasses there is a temptation to over wear the lenses. Maybe just reducing the wear time slightly could help.

As you are new to lenses are you going back for a check-up soon? If the irritation doesn't go with the simple suggestions here on the forum you should ask your optometrist at your check-up.

Lia

[jay87]

Protien removal should help then. If protien is building up quickly you can start cleaning daily and doing protien removal each month

The soclear lens is essentially an RGP lens, so anything that says suitable for hard contacts will be suitable for them. Eye drops for contacts, or soft contacts will be fine. It's usually hard solution that shouldn't be used on soft lenses as it can damage them.

I use general moisturising eye drops and hypromellose from the pharmacy. I use celluvisc aswell which is preservative free. I like hypromellose in particular. I keep them in the fridge and drench my eyes in them if they feel irritated

[jay87]

I also sometimes put eye drops in my eye, fill the contact lens with eye drops, then put it in my eye. that makes it nice and comfy!