Why is it that my contact lenses get uncomfortable so quickly now?

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This is a question to all of you contact lens users. I have been wearing contact lenses for 8 years now, most of the time I had no problem at all. About 2 or 3 years ago, I started using Acuve Oasys, which were amazing. The recommended wearing time per pair is 3 weeks. Bull sh1t. I got at least 2 months out of a pair, with NO problems at all, hence making this extremely economical.

Recently though, I found that my lenses get uncomfortable fairly quickly. It seems like they pretty much just go a couple of days, and then they get uncomfortable. Sometimes when I put them on, or just starting throughout the day. My general rule is that I take them out when they start to get uncomfortable (and put on my glasses). I mean, who wants to suffer?

To store, I pretty much just use the standard contact lens solution, and put them in their little capsules. I have always done it with this method, with hardly any problems  I also have those hydrogen peroxide cleaners, but I don't really like them that much. They dry out the lenses, and just don't work. I'm going probably going to see an Optometrist in a couple weeks to talk about this. I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts.

FYI, this is really getting me into researching Lasik.

[Lucky17]

How long are you wearing them on a daily basis? More than 8 hours a day?

[Banner_18]

How long are you wearing them on a daily basis? More than 8 hours a day?

Oh, definitely. From when I get up, to just before I go to sleep, but I've always done this, and I've been wearing lenses for almost a decade.

[Lucky17]

My most recent batch of lenses are Oasys as well. I only wear mine one or two days a week, so I too have been able to stretch the life of each set.

I notice some occasional discomfort towards the end of the day (well after 8 hours), but nothing early on.

Maybe you're using old (expired) lenses?

[Change]

Maybe quality of the product got worse, Or its the side effects wearing them for all those years. You are depriving oxygen from your eyes. Try wearing them less.

But what do i know, Go See Your Optometrist

[yall hate]

I had an ex who used to stretch the usage time of the lenses.  she developed a condition called Giant Papilary conjunctivitis.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1191641-overview

Basically had to stop wearing contacts as a result...

[mgent]

How long are you wearing them on a daily basis? More than 8 hours a day?

Oh, definitely. From when I get up, to just before I go to sleep, but I've always done this, and I've been wearing lenses for almost a decade.

Sounds like you just have dry eyes and you might need a new type of lens, although Oasys is silicone which I think is one of the best.  I use the same kind and I'm able to sleep in them every night with no discomfort.  Seeing an Optometrist is probably smart, I think they have samples that you can test on your eyes to see if they make a difference.

[Caribbean]

They might be the wrong size for you. Or you just might need some eye drops. Watch out though. ReNu eye drops actually cause contacts to break down and not last for as long as they're supposed to. I would try using some drops, and if that doesn't work, go to your eye doctor and let him/her know so they can find out what's going on.

[moiso]

How long are you wearing them on a daily basis? More than 8 hours a day?

Oh, definitely. From when I get up, to just before I go to sleep, but I've always done this, and I've been wearing lenses for almost a decade.

Sounds like you just have dry eyes and you might need a new type of lens, although Oasys is silicone which I think is one of the best.  I use the same kind and I'm able to sleep in them every night with no discomfort.  Seeing an Optometrist is probably smart, I think they have samples that you can test on your eyes to see if they make a difference.

I agree that's it probably dry eyes.  Your body is constantly changing so it could be something you just developed.  Either that, or your environment has changed and that is causing the dryness.  I had lasek surgery over the summer after like 20 years of contacts.  One of the possible side effects is dry eyes.  My eyes are dryer now than they were before.  The optometrist can give you prescription drops that can help.

[Las Vegas Asian]

I used to have the same problem with my contacts. I'd say if you have the money get Lasik...check around there are some great deals now. I had it done 4 years ago, cost me $3k, but it definitely was one of the best decisions I ever made to have it done. I see better now than when I had contacts and glasses.

[Caribbean]

I have heard others who have dry eyes not been able to wear them comfortably; thereby they have to revert to wearing glasses again. I guess it all depend on individuals. Well, you can try a pair and if you find them to be comfortable, then continue on.

[twinbree]

If you've changed jobs or homes recently it could be that - I notice the ventilation affects how long I can keep contacts in.

You can try using the rewetting drops. Drop some in right after you put in your contacts and then later if your lenses start to feel uncomfortable. 

Also try the Renu Biotrue solution. I finally committed to wearing the Oasys for astigmatism which is very uncomfortable compared to the regular kind but once I started using the Biotrue recently, it got a lot better.

[GreenEnvy]

I remember when I first got contacts, I was given SoftLens I believe. They were extremely comfortable, very thin, but prone to tears. I got recurring eye infections and would have to stop using them for several days to a week.

I then tried the Acuvue Oasys and they are definitely more durable, but thicker and not as comfortable (but not uncomfortable). I haven't got nearly as many infections if at all *knock on wood* since using the Oasys.

I also use them from wakeup til bedtime, and occasionally take a nap with them (up to like 3-4 hours) in, but I cannot sleep with lenses in. My eyes literally look like cherries when I wake up, I have very sensitive eyes.

I stretch out the length of use for quite a few months until I get a tear or they start consistently itching while in. I know it's not good, but I need a new Rx and I'm too lazy to go to the doctor.


If it is only this pair bothering you, simply throw them out and use a fresh pair. If they have been bothering you for several pairs now, I would suggest asking your doc for a new brand and have him remeasure your eye. If you are getting uncomfortable after a few hours of wear (and not as soon as you put them in), try using some rewetting drops.