Contact wearers: Do you have this annoying problem?

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
For some reason lately, I get these massive buildups on my right side contact. I literally have to "scrub" them out when cleaning at night. Left side, nothing. I can actually not rub them at all and they remain crystal clear.

Now, it can't possibly be my contact care routine, because I have been doing the same thing for both contacts. So... what gives? :(


Edit: Well, looks like whoever said it was the case was right. I switched cases and the problem disappeared. Wee.
 

akshatp

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
8,349
0
76
You might have an infection. I would stop wearing the contacts until I paid a visit to my Eye Dr.


How old are the contacts? And what solution brand do you use?
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: akshatp
You might have an infection. I would stop wearing the contacts until I paid a visit to my Eye Dr.


How old are the contacts? And what solution brand do you use?

Ohhh. really? That would suck, but I have no other symptoms besides the protein buildup. No pain, itchiness, discoloration, etc. None at all.

I'm using Acuvue2 for Astigmatism 2-week disposables. Kirkland Signature solution, and Complete brand rewetting drops (which I've had to use at least 2-3 times daily to make it through).
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Forgot to mention, this has occurred over the last 3 sets of new lenses. The first time, I disposed of them a little under the 2 weeks, second time they lasted only a little over a week. And this third time has been only 8 days that I tossed them out. :(
 

Imported

Lifer
Sep 2, 2000
14,679
23
81
Wow.. I use my 2 week contacts for months.. I never leave them in overnight or anything. :/
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: Imported
Wow.. I use my 2 week contacts for months.. I never leave them in overnight or anything. :/

Yes, usually I can wear the 2-week pairs for at least 3-4 weeks. But now they get all dried out and cloudy after days only. :|
 

doze

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2005
2,786
0
0
Do you have the same prescription in each eye? Try switching eyes every day. My right eye used to itch and bother me before my left until I started rotating my contacts daily. Easiest way is to put them in the opposite side at night then in the morning insert as usual.

You could also try a new lens case, different solution, or different drops .
 

Imported

Lifer
Sep 2, 2000
14,679
23
81
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: Imported
Wow.. I use my 2 week contacts for months.. I never leave them in overnight or anything. :/

Yes, usually I can wear the 2-week pairs for at least 3-4 weeks. But now they get all dried out and cloudy after days only. :|

That really sucks. If you've been doing the same thing to clean them for a while, definitely see a doctor. Have you ever tried other brands of solution? Maybe a formula change took place.. but that wouldn't make much sense in that your left contacts don't get the buildups.. :(
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: doze
Do you have the same prescription in each eye? Try switching eyes every day. My right eye used to itch and bother me before my left until I started rotating my contacts daily. Easiest way is to put them in the opposite side at night then in the morning insert as usual.

You could also try a new lens case, different solution, or different drops .

I've tried my old name-brand (Renu and Complete) solutions for a while, but no effect. As mentioned, I've switched out many pairs of lenses.

Unfortunately I have differing prescriptions for each eye so can't try that, but I will replace the case. Hopefully that's the problem. I usually replace the case when I open up a new bottle of solution. Was hoping to make it there, since I'm almost through with one, but I'll make an exception in hopes of solving this annoyance.
 

aceO07

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2000
4,491
0
76
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Forgot to mention, this has occurred over the last 3 sets of new lenses. The first time, I disposed of them a little under the 2 weeks, second time they lasted only a little over a week. And this third time has been only 8 days that I tossed them out. :(

See your eye doctor. It'd really suck if it turns out to be something serious that you could have prevented..
 

homercles337

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2004
6,340
3
71
Originally posted by: Imported
Wow.. I use my 2 week contacts for months.. I never leave them in overnight or anything. :/

Yea so do i. I just put a new pair in because the old ones ripped. I think my two week disposables last 3 or more months.

OP, have you tried using daily protein drops? I forget what they are called but its a daily protein remover. The stuff is expensive for a couple ounces, but i have found that it works well.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: homercles337
Originally posted by: Imported
Wow.. I use my 2 week contacts for months.. I never leave them in overnight or anything. :/

Yea so do i. I just put a new pair in because the old ones ripped. I think my two week disposables last 3 or more months.

OP, have you tried using daily protein drops? I forget what they are called but its a daily protein remover. The stuff is expensive for a couple ounces, but i have found that it works well.

Well the brand of drops I use is called "Blink-n-Clean" and supposedly rewets lenses and removes protein buildup. It is indeed a friggin' ripoff ($7-8 for 20mL (0.7 fl oz)), but when I drop them in, it's heaven... for like.. 5 minutes.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: aceO07
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Forgot to mention, this has occurred over the last 3 sets of new lenses. The first time, I disposed of them a little under the 2 weeks, second time they lasted only a little over a week. And this third time has been only 8 days that I tossed them out. :(

See your eye doctor. It'd really suck if it turns out to be something serious that you could have prevented..

Dammit. I'm going to try one more cycle with a new lens case. If that doesn't work I'll grudgingly make an appointment.
 

boggsie

Platinum Member
Mar 31, 2000
2,326
1
81
I buy mine in bulk ... daily wear lenses. I put in a new lens in each eye, every day. No mess, no muss and no fuss.

I recall that I pay around $350 for my last batch of lenses. I buy the Focus Daily 90-pack and I get them for around $40/box shipped. $350 for an entire year seems like a bargain, especially considering that I don't buy any fluids at all and I don't have to take time to clean, etc.

I started to do this after I developed symptoms like you described. I just decided not to risk the health of my eyes.

I would recommend that you get examined by an ophthalmologist and very soon.
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
You shouldn't be building up THAT much protein in that amount of time, this is definetly not a symptom of your contacts or solution. Make an appt with your eye doctor immediately, your eyes aren't something you can afford to fvck around with if you know what I'm saying.
 

homercles337

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2004
6,340
3
71
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: homercles337
Originally posted by: Imported
Wow.. I use my 2 week contacts for months.. I never leave them in overnight or anything. :/

Yea so do i. I just put a new pair in because the old ones ripped. I think my two week disposables last 3 or more months.

OP, have you tried using daily protein drops? I forget what they are called but its a daily protein remover. The stuff is expensive for a couple ounces, but i have found that it works well.

Well the brand of drops I use is called "Blink-n-Clean" and supposedly rewets lenses and removes protein buildup. It is indeed a friggin' ripoff ($7-8 for 20mL (0.7 fl oz)), but when I drop them in, it's heaven... for like.. 5 minutes.

No, im talking about the stuff you put in with your lenses over night. I take mine out every day. You rub them clean, the top off with your favorite disinfecting solution and add a couple drops of this stuff. I dont use it anymore, but the lenses feel new in the morn.

edit: here.

edit 2: Costco has the cheapest lenses i have ever found.
 

doze

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2005
2,786
0
0
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: doze
Do you have the same prescription in each eye? Try switching eyes every day. My right eye used to itch and bother me before my left until I started rotating my contacts daily. Easiest way is to put them in the opposite side at night then in the morning insert as usual.

You could also try a new lens case, different solution, or different drops .

I've tried my old name-brand (Renu and Complete) solutions for a while, but no effect. As mentioned, I've switched out many pairs of lenses.

Unfortunately I have differing prescriptions for each eye so can't try that, but I will replace the case. Hopefully that's the problem. I usually replace the case when I open up a new bottle of solution. Was hoping to make it there, since I'm almost through with one, but I'll make an exception in hopes of solving this annoyance.

You can try 2 different sets and switching days too, sometimes the extra soak helps. Also according to my eye doc the no rub solution is really not true, it's still best to rub carefully then put in solution. I've been using Optifree solution for a while lately and sometimes use regular Visine in the evening after removal or in the morning before I put the contacts in if eyes are irritated.

Could also be time for new lenses, I used to wear Acuvue2 until I tried thsse coopervision XC lenses for a few $$$ more. You can always call and ask the doc for a sample pair of some better lenses.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: boggsie
I buy mine in bulk ... daily wear lenses. I put in a new lens in each eye, every day. No mess, no muss and no fuss.

I recall that I pay around $350 for my last batch of lenses. I buy the Focus Daily 90-pack and I get them for around $40/box shipped. $350 for an entire year seems like a bargain, especially considering that I don't buy any fluids at all and I don't have to take time to clean, etc.

I started to do this after I developed symptoms like you described. I just decided not to risk the health of my eyes.

I would recommend that you get examined by an ophthalmologist and very soon.

I wouldn't mind trying daily-wear lenses, but it looks like they're friggin' expensive for daily Toric lenses. 1-800 Contacts only has 1 brand of daily Torics, 6-month supply for $259. My 1-year supply of 2-weeks were like $200-250 after a rebate.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: homercles337
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: homercles337
Originally posted by: Imported
Wow.. I use my 2 week contacts for months.. I never leave them in overnight or anything. :/

Yea so do i. I just put a new pair in because the old ones ripped. I think my two week disposables last 3 or more months.

OP, have you tried using daily protein drops? I forget what they are called but its a daily protein remover. The stuff is expensive for a couple ounces, but i have found that it works well.

Well the brand of drops I use is called "Blink-n-Clean" and supposedly rewets lenses and removes protein buildup. It is indeed a friggin' ripoff ($7-8 for 20mL (0.7 fl oz)), but when I drop them in, it's heaven... for like.. 5 minutes.

No, im talking about the stuff you put in with your lenses over night. I take mine out every day. You rub them clean, the top off with your favorite disinfecting solution and add a couple drops of this stuff. I dont use it anymore, but the lenses feel new in the morn.

edit: here.

Nope, I just use the regular multi-purpose solution. I doubt I'd need to use additives, just gotta figure out how to fix this particular problem. Thanks for the link though.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: doze
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: doze
Do you have the same prescription in each eye? Try switching eyes every day. My right eye used to itch and bother me before my left until I started rotating my contacts daily. Easiest way is to put them in the opposite side at night then in the morning insert as usual.

You could also try a new lens case, different solution, or different drops .

I've tried my old name-brand (Renu and Complete) solutions for a while, but no effect. As mentioned, I've switched out many pairs of lenses.

Unfortunately I have differing prescriptions for each eye so can't try that, but I will replace the case. Hopefully that's the problem. I usually replace the case when I open up a new bottle of solution. Was hoping to make it there, since I'm almost through with one, but I'll make an exception in hopes of solving this annoyance.

You can try 2 different sets and switching days too, sometimes the extra soak helps. Also according to my eye doc the no rub solution is really not true, it's still best to rub carefully then put in solution. I've been using Optifree solution for a while lately and sometimes use regular Visine in the evening after removal or in the morning before I put the contacts in if eyes are irritated.

Could also be time for new lenses, I used to wear Acuvue2 until I tried thsse coopervision XC lenses for a few $$$ more. You can always call and ask the doc for a sample pair of some better lenses.

Yeah, one of my weaknesses is that I may not give them an appropriate amount of time to soak regularly.

I did try on many brands during my last appointment I think around late summer last year. These Acuvues were the most comfortable to me. Curse my oddly shaped and tiny Asian eyes.
 

boggsie

Platinum Member
Mar 31, 2000
2,326
1
81
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: boggsie
I buy mine in bulk ... daily wear lenses. I put in a new lens in each eye, every day. No mess, no muss and no fuss.

I recall that I pay around $350 for my last batch of lenses. I buy the Focus Daily 90-pack and I get them for around $40/box shipped. $350 for an entire year seems like a bargain, especially considering that I don't buy any fluids at all and I don't have to take time to clean, etc.

I started to do this after I developed symptoms like you described. I just decided not to risk the health of my eyes.

I would recommend that you get examined by an ophthalmologist and very soon.

I wouldn't mind trying daily-wear lenses, but it looks like they're friggin' expensive for daily Toric lenses. 1-800 Contacts only has 1 brand of daily Torics, 6-month supply for $259. My 1-year supply of 2-weeks were like $200-250 after a rebate.

Oh, sorry then - if you wear Toric lenses, then you are screwed. They are about 3x as expensive as the daily wear lenses I use.
 

akshatp

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
8,349
0
76
OMG you have been going that long and STILL havent seen a Doctor?

I hope you know Braille.. If not I would start to learn it... Seems like you dont value your vision that much.
 

slpaulson

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2000
4,409
12
81
There is something wrong.

I can usually wear my night and day contacts for a month without taking them out without any problems.