Keeping a diary can be really useful

[Andrew MacLean]

Setting your suggestion on one side, there are little 'humidifiers' available. These sit on your desk and produce a stream of ionized and humidified air. They are supposed to be good for Air conditioned buildings.

My secretary used to have one on his desk.

Andrew

[Val G]

Hi Gareth

I have also had many years of struggling to do lab work while coping with KC.
The best environment I ever worked in was in a "cleanroom' making microchips, which although air conditioned was humid(apparently microchips like that) and obviously very clean! Twelve hour shifts with RPGs were no problem.
Now back in a NHS pathology lab it is a different story. I have been fortunate so far in that not all rooms in our dept are air conditioned. My boss has been very understanding and has allowed me to work only in the non-airconditioned areas. But it looks like more rooms are to be fitted with air con and it worries me!
I don't have much success with lubricating drops. I can only use Systane with my lenses out, as they 'film' over.
Anyway, just back to work yesterday after graft on 6th Dec. Had a headache, due to the lighting I think, yesterday,but OK today. Vision not great in my grafted eye yet, don't suppose things will improve dramatically until it can be fitted with a lens.
I love my job and hope my vision reaches a level where I can manage comfortably.
What type of lab work are you invoved in?

[GarethB]

Hi Val,

I know what you mean Systane pus a film on the lens which is probably why they say remove the lenses. They are supposed to put a film on your eye and eye lid so they are protected from the lens.

Regards

Gareth

[Kathy Hobkirk]

Hi

Does anyone know:

Are viscotears the same type of thing as Systane or is one better than the other?

I keep hearing about systane but nobody mentions viscotears which is what I use.

Kathy

[Sweet]

Hi, i used to use viscotears but found them to be very sticky and messy whereas systane is more of a liquid drop. While viscotears can be used regularly throughout the day systane is mainly to be used twice a day, so while it is a little expensive it is worth it.

I would suggest buying some and trying it as i know that like myself many here many find it excellent! My interpretation of these drops is that viscotears dissolve and produce more lubrication resembling tears while systane coats the surface of the eye so that it provides more comfort on which to place a lens. Therefore if it is the lens wear on the cornea that is causing you trouble more than dry eyes that i would suggest systane as a better option, although i'm sure that you would be able to use both drops if needed!

Sweet X x X

[GarethB]

Katherine,

I found I had to wat atleast 20 minutes with vicotears before putting a lens in. This was because if I put a lens in beofre this, it sat on a lump of goo and took longer to see again.

The drops I suggest are based purely on my experience and it will be different for others.

Sweet; Systane was orginally to be used 2 - 3 times per day on the information leaflet enclosed. Thetops on these bottles had the lid attached to a ring on the neck of the bottle which would break when you opend a new bottle.

The information leaflet in the new bottles say they can be used as and when necessary and there is a piece of plastic over the lid and bottle neck that needs removing first when the bottle is new. I did not know this as I did not have my lenses in and could not see it!

Before embarking on my mini trial the useage rate of Stsyane was a concern, but the updated information leaflet showed that my concerns were unfounded.

On any medicine it is always important to read the information leaflet, even on a medicin you use regularly as they do get updated every so often.

Regards

Gareth

[Andrew MacLean]

Just for the pot: I use hypermelamose and I used to use Carbomber Gel

My eyes (without lenses) have a tendency to dry out, and can feel a bit 'gritty' without artificial tears.

Andrew

[GarethB]

Quick Update;

For the past 9 days I have been going between 12 and 16 hours total lens wear in each eye. Weekends is about 12 and during the week it is between 14 - 16 hours. I am now in a position I can earn extra money and work weekends too!

So far no eye days, infact I now have to set a time to take my lenses out between the 4 - 5 hour mark. The comfort is so good, unless I am talking about lenses, I can not tell they are in.

Except for the fact I can see!

[Sweet]

Gareth that is great news! After all the trouble you have had i am glad that things are getting better for you. It is great to be able to work more as well! Take it easy

Sweet X x X