Contact Lens

[health2790]

Recently I have been having problems with my contact lenses and it strikes me as odd since I have been a contact lens user for ten years during which time I experienced little to no problems. I have had symptoms such as dry eye, redness, blurriness, eye pain, vision changes, etc. I originally thought I was having these problems because of a minor chemical exposure to my eyes. We had a spill at work and even though nothing slashed or spilled into my eye I thought it was a reaction due to that. I promptly got checked out by my optometrist. He did a full checkup and found nothing, not even minor irritation. He suggested that it was a problem with my contact lenses. We have tried two different types of contacts and although my eyes do feel better I am still experiencing some of the symptoms I had before. All in all he has checked me out a total of three times over the past month and has not found anything wrong. The OD assured me that my eyes were fine and that I didn't have any injuries or eye diseases such as Glaucoma etc. He did not even suggest that I rest my eyes and stop wearing my contacts. I took it upon myself to stop wearing them for four days. It seems to have had a positive effect as most of the symptoms I was experiencing went away but some (not all) came back once I started wearing them again. I have tried two new contact lens and I still have  the most success and comfort with my old contacts so it does not seem like these different contacts are helping.  I am thinking of switching to the one a day contact lens AKA daily disposable to see if this finally solves this mystery. Up until now I have been using a two week contact lens. I have three questions. One do you think making the switch to the daily disposable contacts will put an end to this problem? or 2 Should I escalate the situation and make an appointment to see an Ophthalmologist?  3. Can an Ophthalmologist find something in a test that an optometrist can't? Thank you and God Bless.

[health2790]

My last question would be the prescription I just received (Alrex 0.2%). The possible side affects seem scary. I haven't experienced any of the side effects yet except some burning sensations in my eyes after usage. Should I discontinue use based on this? Does it make sense he prescribed this particular medication?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Likely you will have a repeat glasses test, measurement of the shape of the cornea, measurement of eye muscle balance, pupils checked, lid function, slit lamp exam, introacular pressure, visual field exam, dilated exam of the retina with direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Usually takes about an hour to hour and a half and pupil normally dilated.

JCH III MD

[health2790]

I saw my GP today who then referred me to an Ophthalmologist who happened to be in the same building one floor up. Even though I did not have an appointment he was kind enough to see me. Let me say first off shame on me for not knowing the huge difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist. He was kind enough to professionally explain the differences. This came up after he asked me who has been caring for my eyes. When I replied an Optometrist he responded with "That was your first mistake." And that's when I asked what the difference was. Let me say to everyone on this board for your own good. Please take the time and research the difference between the two. I'm not knocking or favoring one or the other but it is extremely important that you understand the differences. Anyhow, I am confident that now I am in the right hands. The second thing he told me was that he is a major pain in the butt (in a good way) and to get ALL my records from my Optometrist to him ASAP. The MD was great like a pitbull, on top of everything. Just to give the doctors and users on the board feedback he examined my eyes and found some minor irritation, nothing serious or major. He prescribed Alrez 0.2% eye drops that I must use four times daily. He wants me to come back in two weeks for a full examination which will include Glasses, contact lens fitting, etc. My questions to the doctors are what other types of tests can I expect to take during this examination? Thank you so much for the advice. When asked by my new eye MD how I finally ended up in the services of an Ophthalmologist I mentioned this sites name. God Bless and thank you again.

[bad eyes]

Before giving up on contacts all together - after clearance with Eye MD - you might try the daily disposable contacts.  This eliminated most problems I had with contacts - no use of chemical solutions, no protein deposit buildup, less allergens on lens.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Absolutely would be dangerous. You can get an infected corneal ulcer. Pain = remove contact.

JCH III MD

[health2790]

Thank you for the feedback, it is much appreciated. I now understand the younger generation has problems with contacts too, I'm 28. I am going to schedule an appointment with my GP so he can refer me to an Ophthalmologist ASAP. What struck me so hard was the sudden change from having no problems to having a ton. My last question would be if I could withstand the discomfort would it be dangerous to continue wearing the contacts?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes you do need to see an ophthalmologist, ideally a cornea/refractive surgeon.  If a cause can be found and treated you are more likely to find it with the Eye MD.  People do lose the ability to wear contacts you don't see many 50, 60 and 70 year old people wearing contacts. Even in a young population it is not uncommon. About 10-15% of our LASIK patients are contact wearers that lose the ability to wear them.

JCH III MD