Hard Contacts

I've worn contacts for about 25 years, both soft and hard. I've had trouble with dryness and with allergies to some brands of soft contact lenses, often getting conjuntivitis. I needed lenses I could replace often but the cost seemed too high.

I tried hard (gas permeable) lenses for a while; they are smaller than regular contact lenses and use a gel like cleaner. I did Ok with them but costwise, they can be really expensive if you lose one. I found that if I got stressed, they would just pop out as well.

After talking with my eye doctor (an opthamologist and eye doctor), he suggested Acuvue 2 disposable lenses. He explained that they do not need to be used as marketed (wearing them all the time and then throwing them out after a couple of days) as this was a marketing gimmick that makes these inexpensive but less durable lenses more profitable for the manufacturer.

What he suggested is that I use the Acuvue 2 lenses the same way as regular soft contact lenses - taking the pair out each night, cleaning them with Renu cleaner, and letting them soak overnight. If you do this, the Acuvue 2 lenses last you about 2-3 months per pair, pretty much until they tear. They are extremely comfortable, you'll forget you're wearing them.

With these lenses, you do not need to use the protein-dissolving tablets for deep cleaning as you replace the lenses a lot more often.

I have since checked with two other ophtamologists and they agreed that it was Ok to do this.

Another great tip - get the contact lens prescription from your eye doctor (make sure it's an ophtamologist, not an optician from an optic who is not as well trained and whose exam would not be as thorough). Then, head over to Costco - you can get one or more boxes (6 lenses each) for a fraction of the price and, if over time you find these work for you, you can stock up and get back $20 rebate. Costco also sells 2-pack Renu for a fraction of the price.

Even if you buy the Acuvue 2 at retail - Walgreens sells a box of 6 for $22, the cost per lens is still less than $4. If you got through 4-6 pairs per year, that still only about a $44/ year investment for the lenses (if worn daily wear, not extended).

You can also ask your doctor for your prescription for eyeglasses when you have your eye exam done for lenses - it's good to have as a backup. You can find a great selection of designer styles at Costco with thin scratch-resistant lenses, and they'll cost about half of what a regular optic such as Lenscrafters or Pearl Vision charges.

I have always used hard (actually gas permeable) lenses and love them! It does take a few days to get used to feeling them in your eyes but it's not bad. I used to not clean them like I should but they kinda got a build up on them and I had to get new ones so this time I've been using the right cleaner and it has helped a lot! The cleaner for hard lenses is more expensive (of course) but it still ends up being cheaper since you don't have to buy the lenses so often! good luck!

I have tried them a few years ago, I liked them ok. It did take me quite some time to get used to them (definitely more than a week, I had monthly disposables before). The cleaning solution is quite pricey and you do need a storage solution as well I believe/or sterile saline to rinse.
I never reached the same comfort level I had with soft lenses and stopped using them when my prescription changed.

They do still make permanent soft contacts (1 year disposable) and they are about the same price as rigid ones but more comfortable. You also need cleaning solution for them and they break easier than rigid lenses, but personally i find them more comfortable.

I am now on daily disposable ones that I don't use every day. It's my one luxury and I don't think I will ever switch back. I was stunned how comfortable they are and the convenience is unbeatable.

Good luck!

Hi L...I've worn gas permeable (hard contacts) for 22 years and love mine. It will take a little time to get used to them but this will eventually fade and you won't even feel you have something on your eye until something blows in it or your contact gets moved from your cornea, which can happen when rubbing or messing with your eyes. I use the Boston solutions and have never had any issues. WalMart makes a generic in the conditioning solution that's not very expensive. I would suggest cleaning them at least weekly as deposit build up can occur that then interferes with your vision.

I always wore soft contacts until about 5 years ago when I had laser eye surgery to correct my vision. It cost under $2,000 for everything including the pre-op and post-op care. It may be even cheaper now; I'm not sure. The whole procedure took less than 5 minutes. I now have perfect vision. It is wonderful. I would look into laser eye surgery. It may be something you would like to save your money for. It sure is worth it!

Talk to your eye doctor, I have worn hard (gas permeable) for years, but found they only last a couple of years, either because of a vision change or warping. My mom wears soft and she has found several discount sources that her eye doctor found for her. I also depends on the type of vision correction you need.