help needed with new contact lenses please

[sunflower68]

I'm trying to get used to them; they are great when they don't go gritty on me. My queries are:

1. What is an astigmatism and will my toric lenses cure it?

2. Is it ok to use the lens solution to swish my eyes when the lenses are bothering me?

3. Does it matter which eye solution I buy?

4. Will daily torics be ok for me? My optician said I could only have monthlies (�25 a pop thankyou Dolland and Aitchison) but they do not last a month.

5. Can anyone recommend a good online contact lens supplier?

[Clanad]

I've worn toric lenses for nearly 20 years... they won't of course "cure" astigmatism, but they certainly correct it if fitted properly. The most agravating thing is you can't lie down on your side (or back) and read or watch TV, since the weighted part causes them to rotate on the eye. Small price to pay for the convenience and comfort. If the lens fluid is simple saline solution, it's perfectly OK to use as eye rinse, however there are re-wetting drops that are designed for this purpose and do a better job with the soothing effects lasting longer. I use a 30 day lens and still take care of them the same way as the older lens that was replaced once yearly. Here in the U.S., Bausch amd Lomb make an all purpose lens cleaning and overnight storage fluid marketed as Renu. I get really good results using it. I clean the lenses with a cleaner also made by B & l. One drop in each side of the overnight lens storage case of new product, Alcon Laboratories, Inc Opti-Free Supra Clens Daily Protein Remover, keeps them free of protein deposits. The next morning the lenses are just inserted in the eye and there good for at least 12 to 14 hours of comfort. The re-wetting drops can be used if needed when in your in a low humidity or dry, windy location.
I'd really opt for the 30 day replacement lens... I get a good 45 to 60 days out of a pair when cleaned and taken care of as described above. There are many on-line lens companies, but mine are all U.S. sites... just Google "contact lens on-line" and I'm sure you'll get many results... Best of luck!

[sunflower68]

Thankyou Clanad. Some great, much needed advice. I am interested to know how protein deposits get on the lenses. Also, sometimes I watch tv in my bedroom and have to look up to the telly. This causes irritation; could that be what you mean? In turn, rubbing my eyes causes my lenses to fall out.

I use the Renu; it's very good and will look out for the re-wetting drops.

[Clanad]

I apologize for not getting back to you sooner... been gone.... protein, calcium and lipids occur naturally in tears and they attach themselves to the lens. Over time they can build up significantly and destroy the usefulness of the lens. They can build up into small "horns" that irritate the eye or they can cloud the lens. The newer cleaning and soaking solutions pretty much eliminate this irritant, but one has to adhere to a schedule of cleaning as well as disinfecting (also accomplished with the new solutions).
I find, with disposable or new lenses that the first day or so after beginning wearing them they can be a little uncomfortable, but the longer they're worn the more comfortable they become. I can't really account for your problem in looking up at the TV, but if it persists, check with your Dr. Keep in mind that numerous studies have shown that, while watching TV and more importantly, while looking at a computer monitor, people rarely blink, certainly far less than normally. No one knows for sure why, but this phenomena results in lack of comfort in contact lens wearers. I pretty much solved this by going to a LCD monitor, since the technology for image display is quite different form the ordinary monitor. So... don't forget to blink... Lotsa luck!