Focusing with RGPs

[Mick Singh]

Hi, this is my first post but I have been reading other posts since i was diagnosed a few months back. Although it is very depressing, reading other peoples experiences and advice has been a great help. Thankyou!

I got RGPs from coventry and wark hospital on thurs and have been told that I should be able to build up to 12 hours wearing time within 2 weeks?? I have managed 4 so far! but not a second goes by when i am not aware that they are there.

I couldnt find a mention of my query so was not sure if it was the norm with RGPs?

Basically I understand that they are by nature irratating but one thing i am unsure about is that everytime i blink the lens slides up slightly and then i have to wait for it to slide back down and stop until i can focus properly. This happens everytime i blink so is quite irratating.

Does this happen to any1 else?

Thanking you in advance for taking time to read my message.

[jayuk]

Mick

Welcome to the board!!

A possible reason why you may be experiencing this is due to

a) the eye getting used to the lenses
b) incorrect fit

Sadly, fitting RGP's to keratoconic eyes is an art rather than a out and out skill. As what you are trying to do is fit a glove over a hand with only 3 fingers!......and then assuming you can use all five fingers............(ha that was a good example! better write that one down!)

But on a serious note; you are trying to fit a lens on a cornea that is uneven in shape. Some sliding on the lens is acceptable but too much will let to scarring.

If you have been trying this lens for a number of hours a day; and still getting this problem than I would got back to your CL fitter and get it looked at .

But do bear in mind; its take longer for the eye to get used to this lens at first.....so being strongly aware of the lens can last up to a month in some cases; depending on how sensitive the eye/cornea is.

[John Smith]

I'd also point out that the corneal lens sliding around is actually as designed! It's a way of getting oxygenated tears onto the cornea.

However, if it's taking a few seconds to settle after each blink, then I'd start to wonder about the fit.

As with many things on here, if unsure, ask your fitter.

[GarethB]

Hi Mick,

I go to Cov & Warwick too.

As John says, the lens needs to slide to get the tears to flow. It took me a couple of weeks to be able to blink with the lens moving and settling quickly. As pointed out, the cornea needs to adapt to the lens as it helps re-shape the cornea. Getting to 12 hours in 2 weeks is possible, but as with most things it depends on how well you are getting on. If you have only just got your lenses you will be back for a check to make sure they fit correctly.

If you are uncomfortable wearing the lenses, wear them for a time that is comfortable and build up the time slower.

It is not natural to put a lump of plastic in your eyes, so initially you will be very conceous of them. As you get used to them and do more, your mind gets distracted away from the lens. I find if people at work enquire as to how I am getting in with my lenses I start to feel its presence, just because I am thinking about it.

In most cases, they do get more comfortable as the eye lids get used to passing over the plastic.

Take it steady and find plent of things to do that will take your m ind of wearing the lenses.

Regards

Gareth

[Lynn White]

All of this is sound advice!!

May I just add that people with KC tend to have more sensitive eyes anyway which means you will more likely feel the RGP's than the next average Joe.

It does take time to settle but if you are having continuing comfort issues, I do advise you get back in contact with your fitter.

Lynn