Contact lenses, "gas permeables"

[allen-uk]

Hello.

Type II for a few years, with retinopathy. My right eye isn't much use (as an eye) due to several vitrectomy-type ops.

My left eye is very good, except for quite severe astigmatism.

Optician has been trying his best over the years, with various varifocals, and lately soft contacts, but not doing much good. Consultant says 'nothing wrong with your eye that a lens couldn't cure'.

So, I'm going to ask optician about GP lenses (rigid gas permeable). They're semi-rigid, and apparently take a lot of getting used to, but from all reports they really do improve your vision, and suit astigmatism as they stay in one place (unlike softs, which rotate and generally drift about).

Anyone got any good or bad things to say about GP lenses? I would like to see properly, if nothing else!

Allen, London.

 

[Dizzydi]

Hi Allen, I used to be a heavy soft contact lens user. I have never tried the GP ones.

I have however had laser eye surgery - I was warned I was in danger of detached retinas and this prompted me into have the laser surgery. Best thing I ever did 20/20 vision.

Have you considered it for your good eye? (I had mine done before diagnosis), would it be advised ? Can be pricey but worth it long term.

 

[Copepod]

I've worn hard gas permeable contact lenses in both eyes for about 30 years with no problems. However, it's far more use for you to discuss with your optician. These days, gas permeable lenses are not so common, but no problems getting lenses from opticians nor solutions from chemists etc. Overall, work out far cheaper than soft lenses, as they last for years.