Piggy backing - a sincere recommendation

[chris_irwin89]

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.

[GerardPMD]

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?

[chris_irwin89]

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.

[munster]

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

[liam82]

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!

[andytraill]

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.

[harker]

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.