ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Eye Issues => Topic started by: badyellowvette on February 22, 2014, 09:42:21 am

Title: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on February 22, 2014, 09:42:21 am
Frist time in 29 years my eye hasen't felt dry. This is just my second day with the lens but what a relief. This is a temporay lens because it doesn't fit quite right, I can feel it in my eye pretty bad but I can now keep my eye open when needed.  Doctor says one edge is lifting and they ordered another for me to try. I hope the feeling is not the major weight that is in my lid at 3 grams. They did put a very little prescription in the lens to clear up the vision in my right eye, I can't notice much.

Total price was $350 and when I try the new lens I have 90 day to order a extra lens for half price of the lens itself $125. Appointments and fit was just $100 first lens $250.

The Doctors and the special lens fitter trained for fitting the Sclerals lens are excellent. They really take their time with you to get the best possible fit. She took lots of time training me to put the lens in and out. I had watched the YouTube video many times on how it's done so I had no problem with it. I use one finger to put it in and the little plunger to take it out. Building up my wear time each day for now.

Anybody in PA close to Brookville and need a Sclerals lens check them out.
http://www.laureleye.com/
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on February 26, 2014, 01:29:06 am
So glad to hear you got your lens and that you are enjoying the benefits of not having your eye feel dry!  I don't have a weight in my eye so I don't know if the edge lifting problem is caused by that or not.  I do know that I had an issue with one side of my lens when I got it and the eye doctor was able to tweak it in the office so it fit better.  There are so many little things that can change how the lens fits and feels, you will learn in time how to figure out what works best for you and what causes the issues. 

For instance:  When the eye doctor put a prescription in my lens I couldn't wear the lens, my eye was constantly irritated by the lens, she tried at least two different lenses with the prescription then decided to go back to the plain lens that, "I LOVED."  She was anxious to try different things on me but could tell that my comfort was more important.  She could tell from the look on my face and what I told her that I was just so happy to be pain free that I didn't care about the vision. 

Glad you are getting an extra lens, I need to do that too, had planned to do it but haven't, thanks for the reminder.  The last thing you want is to have something happen to your lens, that's when you remember what it's like to not have it and you will miss it terribly. 

I've had my lens for just over a year now and life is so much better now.  Just the other day my husband mentioned to me that he could tell the quality of my life had really improved.  The quality of his life improved as well because I'm able to do more things then I could before and those things I did but didn't enjoy that much I do more often.  I'm really looking forward to Spring so once again I can ride bikes with my Hubby and not have to stop every 5 to 15 minutes(depending on the wind) to put more ointment in my eye).  Just one of tons of examples. 

Please keep me updated on how you are doing and feel free to ask questions!  Will help when I can!  Take Care and  Congratulations, Jill  ;)

Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on February 26, 2014, 06:50:00 am
That's a great price on the back-up lens. I'd go for it.

I second what Jill Marie said about quality of life. My sister tells me that my appearance is incredibly better since I started wearing the lens. I think it's because I no longer have to concentrate so hard on compensating for half-fuzzy vision, but it can only help not to sport a big smear of gel under that eye most of the time.

I have a fairly heavy (1.8 gram) platinum weight in my eyelid. It does not cause any edge issues. Do you notice any drooping in that eyelid due to your weight?

Finally, do you know the brand of the lens you are using?
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on February 28, 2014, 08:25:30 pm
Thanks girls, Having a little trouble wearing lens for more then a few hours. Doctor said the new lens will fit much better.
Sorry I don't know who made my lens but I will ask when I go back.
As far as quality of life, can't wait to ride my Motorcycle without stopping every 8-10 miles for an eye drop, that is with wearing goggles that block all wind. Maybe I can get rid of them and wear something cool looking   8)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Brendapmohr on March 02, 2014, 06:18:49 pm
I am new to ANA after 20 years!  Wow have they changed and advanced!  Impressive.  Where can I go to get more info. on sclerals lenses?  After caring for my dry eye for 20 years, I have a very damaged eye with scars.  The doctors are wanting me to get a prostetic eye but I know there must be some other approach!  I am turing to ANA patients for any information or advice.  The sclerals lens sounds wonderful.  I am happy you are finding it successful!
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 03, 2014, 10:08:25 am
I am new to ANA after 20 years!  Wow have they changed and advanced.  Impressive! 

Where can I go to get more info on sclerals lenses?  After caring for my dry eye for 20 years, I have a very damaged eye with scars.  The doctors want me to get a prosthetic eye but I know there must be some other approach!  I am turning to ANA patients for any information or advice.  The sclerals lens sounds wonderful.  I'm happy you're finding it successful!

You should consult with a Doctor that fits the Scleral lens to see if they can help you. I had trouble finding someone, so I just started calling eye Doctors until I found someone fairly close (1 1/2 hours) away. I also started searching the internet for info on the lens. There are also videos on Youtube about the lens.

I had a very flat cornea because of Lasik vision correction in 1999 so I am hard to fit with the lens but they keep trying until it fits. I was out in the cold wind for hours Saturday and never thought about needing a eye drop. Normally I would have been putting drops in every 10 minutes.

Here is one link that can help.  http://www.sclerallens.org/about

Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on March 04, 2014, 12:27:12 am
How soon do you get your new lens?  You will be even happier with the lens once you get one that fits right, you won't even know you're wearing the lens except when you stop a moment to appreciate how much better you feel because your eye isn't bothering you!  Glad you got a chance to enjoy being out in the wind!

Welcome to the forum Brenda,
In addition to the helpful info you've been given I suggest you do a search on this forum as there are a few threads about the lens.  You will want to search for schleral lens, sclerals lens and scleral lens as there are different spellings for the same lens.  In addition some of us have gotten a lens that works great for us but isn't actually a scleral lens but something similar that works great for us but is fitted easier then the scleral and more eye doctor offices can get you one. 

After you do a bit of research please post again with questions, we are more than happy to help someone else obtain a pain free eye as we have.  I had my surgery 22 years ago this June so know how you feel, it's been even longer for badyellowvette so we understand what you are going through. 

Sara has posted lots of helpful info that you will want to look into.

Looking forward to hearing from you, Jill Marie :)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on March 04, 2014, 10:13:37 pm
Brenda, I wrote about my experiences on my weblog at http://www.sarahartman.com/the-eyes-have-it/ and http://www.sarahartman.com/dry-eye-triumph/

At the end of the first post I have a list of as many scleral lens manufacturers as I could locate, with web links. Some of them have provider lists on their sites so you may be able to find a practitioner that way.

Depending on how badly scarred your eye is, you might need to look into a custom fitted scleral lens such as Boston Foundation for Sight or Global Refractive Solutions (the final two on my list), but it's also possible that one of the standard sclerals will do the trick. I would certainly look into all of your options before such a drastic measure as a prosthetic eye.

Where do you live?
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 14, 2014, 03:15:41 pm
Got my new lens Wednesday and I can hardly feel it in my eye. I can tell it's there if I think about it. The problem is I can see very well out of it. Vision is kind of cloudy after about an hour and never gets better. Doctor can't seem to tell me why, so I don't know what to do about it. Going to see her in two weeks. Guess I will keep trying until then. Anyone else have this problem with the Scleral Lens?
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on March 14, 2014, 11:33:16 pm
Hi Jim,

Really glad to hear you got your new lens and that you can hardly feel it in your eye, that's the way it should be, it should even get better.  Unless my eye is irritated for some reason I don't even think about the lens.  As for the cloudy vision, I'm no help there as I still use ointment 24/7 so my vision is always cloudy in that eye.  Recall someone saying they had the same issue you do, don't know if they got it cleared up or not.  You might want to do some research on this site to see what others have said about the lens.  I don't know if there is anyone other than Sara and I that have the lens that our on the board very much.  I might check a bit tomorrow, for tonight I'm taking it easy.  Hope you are enjoying the new lens.  Jill
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 15, 2014, 05:30:22 pm
Thanks Jill
I have wore the lens for more then 8 hours without much trouble other then not being able to see. Another problem I have is getting it out. Have the little plunger but the lens sticks to my eye so hard it's difficult to get it lose. Never mastered the plucking it out with my fingers. Even drops don't loosen it up any. How do you take yours out?

Jim
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on March 15, 2014, 07:41:33 pm
Hi Jim

I found the posts I was thinking about that mentioned the cloudy lens.  It would be easier for you to go to the post then for me to post it here as there's a few replies that will hopefully help you.  The post is one I started under eye issues as this one is, the post is titled, I'm very, very happy with my scleral lens.  Go down to the post Ginsue made on Oct. 15th and read from there. 

I take my lens out with the plunger also, never tried using my fingers.  Practice makes perfect in getting the lens out, after a while you just automatically hit the right spot in the lens to get it out, I usually hit it the 2nd time.  I remember well the fear that I wouldn't get it out at all, would be stuck tell the next morning and would have to have the doctor remove it, that has never happened.  The lens I have know is easier to get out then the one I first had despite them supposedly being exactly the same.  I went through several plungers with the old lens as they would wear out because it took more times to get the lens out.  I got my last lens in July and I'm still using the same plunger.  It's also possible that as your eye gets better from wearing the lens it will be easier for you to get the lens out.  Occasionally my eye still gets irritated and when it is it's harder to get the lens out, sticks like it does on you.  Lots of trial and error and it's all worth it!  Every time something (ulcerated cornea, broke my lens, couldn't get lens out) happens that makes me freak out a bit I remind myself that at least the next time it happens I will know how to deal with it and it won't bother me.  I freak out a bit because I don't want to EVER go back to life before the lens!  Hope the lens keeps getting better for you!  Jill :)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 16, 2014, 10:14:26 am
Thanks Jill for pointing me toward that post, I now have some things to try. Jim
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on March 16, 2014, 01:55:25 pm
Hi Jim, I have a couple of thoughts for you. First about the cloudiness. One of the functions of blinking is to distribute the tear film over the surface of our cornea. Since our blink is incomplete that does not happen, at least not thoroughly. In addition, depending on where the facial nerve was damaged, we may not make as many tears.

The scleral lens works best when the top surface is clean and moist. Both of those things are compromised in our case. First thing I would try is a couple of hard blinks, forcing your eye shut and holding it closed for a second or two. If that doesn't help, try putting in an eyedrop, the less lubricated the better since the lubricants will put a film on the lens. I use vials of sterilized saline marketed for use with nebulizers. Just purified water and salt.

If your vision remains cloudy you may need to remove the lens, rinse it really well and reinsert. Some days I get through without messing with my lens at all. Some days I have to refill in the middle of the day, some days I have to do it several times. I have not figured out any way to predict.

As far as removal, I don't like the thought of using my fingers so I always use a plunger. It seems to help to put a drop of saline in my eye and on the plunger. Then the trick becomes to find the best spot. For me it is just off center on the lower edge of the lens away from my nose. My lens goes on my left eye so if I imagine my eye is a clock when I am looking in the mirror, the best spot is about 7:00. You do need to pick a spot on the outer edge of the iris rather than on the pupil because that will increase the suction of the lens. Also there are two kinds of plungers. One is solid and one has a hollow core that increases the level of suction when it is squeezed and decreases the level when it is released. I like the hollow type better.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 17, 2014, 09:52:28 am
Thanks Jill I will keep trying.
I didn't use any lube last night to see if that helps the cloudiness as Ginsue tried.
I really have no trouble getting the suction cup to stick on the lens it's getting the lens upstuck from my eye. Using as many drops with this lens as I did before the lens maybe more, doesn't seem to help the lens stuck to my eye. It really hurts when it's stuck and comes off. Doctor says it can tear the lens of your eye and that is why she don't like the suction cup removel method. I don't like my fingers in my eye either can only make things worse.

Jim
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on March 17, 2014, 04:40:14 pm
Tell me about your suction cup. Is it solid or does it have a hollow core? If it's solid look for the other type. That way you can control the level of suction and move it if you need to. Further up I refer to a couple of my blog posts. Look for the one about Dry Eye Triumph. It has pictures of what I mean.

It took me a while to find the sweet spot for removing my lens with the suction cup. Keep trying. I tried a different spot every night until I found the one that worked best. Make sure you place the suction cup close to the edge of the lens but not partially on the eye because that really hurts. One other trick is to gently move the lens in a very small arc to break the suction before trying to remove it. Like moving the clock hands from seven to eight and back.

I suppose worse case is that you will have to learn to use your fingers. I keep thinking I should learn to do that in case of emergency, but I haven't done it yet.

The only other thing that comes to mind is the possibility that your lens fits a bit too snug but I understand they aren't very comfortable in that case so probably not.

Best,
Sara
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: ginsue on March 17, 2014, 08:56:42 pm
Jim,
I have read  this whole thread. I am glad that you sent me an email. A lot of this is a repeat but I know that we are not the only ones that have this problem.   I think that the cloudiness will clear once you quit with the ointment for a few days.  The cloudiness is actually under the lens so forcing a blink will not help. This is a common problem with scleral lenses, so I was told by my doctor.  A mucus also builds up on the outside of the lens and sticks on to it pretty hard.  Once this happens you will have to take the lens out and clean it then reinsert it. Instead of two hours like it use to be I get 8hrs  when I stopped using ointment all together.  I use Opti-Free multi purpose and rub the film off inside and outside with my fingertip in the palm of my hand.  You also should be  cleaning it at night with a peroxide base disinfectant.   It sound to me that you have an actual scleral lens.  Mine is Europa lens which is the next generation of the old Jupiter lens. They are different care and size of other lenses so the problems may vary.  Also make sure that you are using a preservative free saline, I use Unisome 4.  When I am taking out my lens I was told to use the small solid plunger.  I douse my eye with saline and wet the tip of the plunger, then you need to attach it so the whole plunger is on the edge of the lens,  so between the pupil and the rim. 
Best of luck, Sue
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: ginsue on March 17, 2014, 09:09:36 pm
PS.  I know this sound difficult but I just do not know what I would do without it.  If it cost ten times more than it did I would still have invested knowing what life is like with a scleral lens!!!!!!   ;D   ;D   ;D   ;D   ;D
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 19, 2014, 04:59:30 pm
Tell me about your suction cup. Is it solid or does it have a hollow core? If it's solid look for the other type. That way you can control the level of suction and move it if you need to. Further up I refer to a couple of my blog posts. Look for the one about Dry Eye Triumph. It has pictures of what I mean.

It took me a while to find the sweet spot for removing my lens with the suction cup. Keep trying. I tried a different spot every night until I found the one that worked best. Make sure you place the suction cup close to the edge of the lens but not partially on the eye because that really hurts. One other trick is to gently move the lens in a very small arc to break the suction before trying to remove it. Like moving the clock hands from seven to eight and back.

I suppose worse case is that you will have to learn to use your fingers. I keep thinking I should learn to do that in case of emergency, but I haven't done it yet.

The only other thing that comes to mind is the possibility that your lens fits a bit too snug but I understand they aren't very comfortable in that case so probably not.

Best,
Sara

I have the solid suction cup Sara. It is getting easier to get out. Had a good day with the lens today, didn't get cloudy until about 6 hours working outside.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on March 20, 2014, 05:57:01 am
That's good news. Hope it continues to improve for you.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 21, 2014, 06:42:16 pm
Had the lens in for almost 10 hours today. Didn't brother me to much especially when I got busy. I was working in some dusty conditions also that didn't seem to brother me. It did start getting cloudy toward the end that is why I took it out. The no ointment at night might be helping but the goggles I'm wearing at night are a pain. Have to order the moisture chamber eye patch. Had a heck of a time getting it out tonight. The suction cup holds on to it but the lens is stuck to my eye really hard. Have to talk to the Doctor about it Wendsday when I see her.

By the way how do you get an Avatar on your profile? Wanted to put a picture on there for a while now and it never works for me. Have Avatars on other forums can't seem too make this one work. 

Jim
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x230/badyellowvette/th_ME.jpg) (http://s182.photobucket.com/user/badyellowvette/media/ME.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on March 22, 2014, 12:04:53 am
Hi Jim,  Good to see ya! One of these days I will figure out how to do the pic thing too! 

I too use the solid lens remover, my eye doctor told me to use it, can't remember why she said to use it instead of the hollow one.  It's been quite a while since I had any problem getting my lens out, have had both issues, plunger not sticking to lens and plunger sticking to lens and lens sticking to eye.  I remember well how much it hurt when I pulled the lens of my eye when the lens didn't want to come off.  Seems to me that the lens sticking to your eye isn't so much a problem of how you are removing the lens as it is with the lens fitting itself.  I agree with Sara, seems like the fit isn't quite right.  It's been about a year and a half since I got the lens so my memory isn't that great about the first few weeks I had the lens but it seems to that I couldn't feel the lens in my eye at all and wanted to keep it in longer then the doctor wanted me to.  The fact that you say the lens didn't bother you to much, makes me wonder if it's the right lens for you.  I got my lens a couple of weeks before Christmas and after Christmas tree hunting a few days before Christmas I took a nap in the truck with the lens in and didn't feel a thing.  As I mentioned before it could just be that your eye needs a bit more time to heal and adjust.  There are so many variables to this lens thing, hope you find what works for you soon!

As for taking out the lens, I made myself think about it more the last couple of nights so I could tell you what I do.  I place the plunger in the middle horizontally and at the bottom of the lens vertically then slide it up to release the suction. 

I haven't tried the goggles or moisture chamber, just use a regular eye patch.  One of these days I might give the chamber a try along with not using eye ointment but for now I'm happy with what I'm doing! 

Jill 8)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on March 22, 2014, 12:28:53 am
Hi Sue,

I will have to look at some of my lens paper work but I believe my lens is a Jupiter lens, next time I see my lens eye doctor I will ask her about the lens you have.  However, I probably won't try it as I'm so happy with the one I have I see no reason to fix what isn't broken. 

My lens eye doctor asked me to see my regular eye doctor that sent me to her for a vision check and tell him about my lens so he could refer others that could benefit from it.  I'm tempted to make my appointment for the last one of the day so I don't keep him from his other patients while I tell him about all the benefits of the lens and how much it has improved my life. 

Glad to hear the lens is working so well for you too!  Jill :) ;) :D ;D 8)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 22, 2014, 01:38:24 pm
Nothing I do is helping with the lens sticking to my eye maybe it is too tight, have to see if the Doctor can help. She said that they changed it as much as possible the last time to help that. It is so tight when I get the scution cup attached to the lens and try to move the lens to the side or up and down to release it, it moves my eye ball instead, that is a weird feeling.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on March 22, 2014, 06:56:59 pm
See if this helps with your avatar questions:
http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=2823.msg29799#msg29799
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on March 22, 2014, 07:00:15 pm
I'm not an eye doctor, but that does not sound right. I would definitely check with the doctor. Has she ever removed the lens for you?

Nothing I do is helping with the lens sticking to my eye maybe it is too tight, have to see if the Doctor can help. She said that they changed it as much as possible the last time to help that. It is so tight when I get the scution cup attached to the lens and try to move the lens to the side or up and down to release it, it moves my eye ball instead, that is a weird feeling.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on March 22, 2014, 07:08:29 pm
Jill, I started with a solid suction cup. Once I had the lens out, I would have to drag the suction cup off the side of the lens to release it and I was always afraid of scratching the lens.

With the hollow core remover, I squeeze it, then position it on the lens and release the squeeze to engage the suction and grab the lens. Then I squeeze it again to release the suction and drop the lens into the palm of my hand for cleaning. If I have not positioned it correctly, I can squeeze it to reposition. The solid one would be stuck tight and it was sometimes very painful to get the lens out.

Hope that made sense.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 23, 2014, 08:25:02 am
Doctor takes it out with fingers, she doesn't like the plunger.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on March 23, 2014, 07:48:39 pm
My doctor takes it out with his fingers too. Gives me the creeps though. He prefers the hollow core remover if I have to use one, though.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: ginsue on March 24, 2014, 09:28:18 am
Jim my lens will stick to my eye too if I don't take it out properly. Seems like my eyeball wants to come out with the lens, not a good feeling at all.  The solution that I have found is squirting so much saline into my eye that it runs down my face then wetting the plunger with saline too, the lens comes out very easy. Please give this a try.  I was feeling like Marty Feldman before trying this.  LOL
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 24, 2014, 05:10:22 pm
Thanks Sue, I have that exact feeling taking mine out. I will try the flooding method. With just a few drops it doesn't help at all.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on March 26, 2014, 08:04:13 pm
Doctor today said that my lens is fitting a little too tight. There isn't enough tear exchange. She's not sure if one of the three angles of the lens can be changed enough to help the fit. She will call them tomorrow. I believe it is an excel lens.
Flooding the eye with drops before taking it out did help the removal. I layed on my back to keep drops in my eye as long as possible, when they were running all over my face I got up and took the lens out without much trouble. Jim
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on April 02, 2014, 09:30:40 am
Jim, I found an article that I think may be of interest to you: http://www.reviewofcontactlenses.com/content/d/lens_care_insights/i/2781/c/47094/
I have tried the cotton swab cleaning and found it to be very effective. I have not yet perfected the on-eye saline flush, although it was also recommended to me by the president of the company that manufactured my lens. (I will write more about that in a post later.)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 06, 2014, 08:06:20 am
Interesting article saralynn143, might try that. I have not been wearing my lens because of the difficulty getting it out, last time was bad. Waiting to get the new lens on Monday.
Then my old cat 14 died Friday not feeling to excited about anything.

Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on April 06, 2014, 09:06:57 am
I'm sorry about your cat. It's a tough time when they go. I recommend the book "Cat Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant. It's actually a children's book, but I found it comforting when my last cat died at the age of 17. Our current cat will be 14 next month and is starting to show her age.

I hope that the new lens will solve some of the problems that you were having. My fitting experience was opposite to yours. The first lens was too loose so not only did it move quite a bit, but the fluid also slowly drained over the course of a few hours. The doc was afraid that the second lens might be too tight but I have had a good experience with it.

Be sure to let us know how it goes tomorrow.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on April 07, 2014, 09:40:57 pm
Hi Jim,

How's the new lens working for you?  Sure hope this is the one so you can enjoy wearing it and not worry about taking it out at the end of the day.

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat, it's always rough when you loose a family member.  Take Care, Jill
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 12, 2014, 07:51:32 am
New lens isn't working out either. Got it on Wednesday, wore it for 6 hours on Thursday, had trouble getting it out Thursday afternoon and my vision has been blurry in that eye ever since. Called the Doctor Friday and could drive the 2 1/2 hours to see her at that time. I have to see when I can get to her next week now. Maybe this lens just isn't going to work for me. It sure helps my eye working outside in the wind but it still sticks too hard to my eye.  :(

Thanks for your concern about my Cat. I have another one but he's just not the same.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on April 12, 2014, 05:00:06 pm
Jim, you might ask your doctor about SynergEyes lenses. They are mini sclerals that are gas permeable with a soft outside edge. As I understand it, they are removed by pinching the soft edge rather than trying to break suction. http://www.synergeyes.com/

I don't have personal experience with these lenses but there are threads here about them.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on April 12, 2014, 07:58:08 pm
Hi Jim,

I no it's easy for me to say but please don't give up, there's got to be something that will work for you.  My regular eye doctor was reluctant to recommend me to a contact lens specialist because he was sure the lens would stick to my very dry eye.  He told me to not even bother making an appointment unless the specialist read my history and thought she could help.  The long drive doesn't help matters but hopefully it will pay off soon.  It could be the type of lens or the fit.  Perhaps Sara's idea will work.  Please keep trying, would hate to think there's something out there that can help you but you just don't know where/what it is. 

I have two dogs one I like and take care of because we have her, the other I love, so know what you mean about your cat! 

Take Care, Jill
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on April 13, 2014, 10:05:51 am
The ophthalmic surgeon who did my eyelid implant also told me that I would never be able to tolerate a contact lens, but here I am. I have read accounts of patients who had to try up to 20 lenses before they found the correct one. One of these days the hassle of being fitted will be a distant memory that comes to mind every once in a while as you enjoy life to the fullest.

We're all rooting for you.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 14, 2014, 05:07:56 pm
I will ask my Doctor about the Synerg lens but I think they only have the Excel lens. I guess it's expensive to get another company's lens so they only have the one brand. The video of the Synerg lens is interesting, going to try and remove my lens that way next time I put that damn thing in. Jim

My poor Kitty.
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x230/badyellowvette/b2e0fe25-dda4-4cd7-8b20-871fcf40433c.jpg) (http://s182.photobucket.com/user/badyellowvette/media/b2e0fe25-dda4-4cd7-8b20-871fcf40433c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on April 14, 2014, 08:58:13 pm
Jim, please do not try that removal technique on your regular scleral lens. It will only work with the soft skirted hybrid lens. I would hate for you to pinch your eye or break your lens.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 15, 2014, 03:46:00 pm
I looked up my lens, X-cel Atlantis scleral lens and it is Gas Permeable but don't say anything about soft outer edge. It does flex somewhat do they all do that?
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on April 16, 2014, 07:28:33 pm
My lens is fairly rigid. I guess there is a little flex, but I would definitely worry about snapping it if I were to pinch the edge.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 19, 2014, 07:53:03 pm
I have been trying with the lens every day wearing it for only 5-6 hours and it is coming out easier then before. Flooding my eye with saline first. Still gets blurry and my eye still gets irritated and red. See Doctor again on the 30th. Not sure if there is anymore they can do for me. 
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on April 22, 2014, 11:39:34 pm
Hi Jim,

Please don't give up, if the doctor doesn't think he/she can help you then try another doctor.  There's got to be something that will work for you.  Hang in there, Jill :D
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 26, 2014, 06:50:23 am
There is just no other Doctors around here that fit the Scleral lens. Next Closest I found is 3 hours and I can't drive that anymore with my eye this way and I don't have anybody to help me with that. And how many trips would it take? I am on my sixth visit this Wednesday for this one.
I have been trying and trying this one but after wearing for 4-6 hours my eye seems worse after taking it out then it would have been if I hadn't wore it at all. So it's not helping my situation at all. I will see on Wednesday.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on April 26, 2014, 08:45:21 pm
Jim,  The lens shouldn't be giving you that much trouble.  I would try lenses that weren't working in hopes that things would get better but they didn't, 5 days later I would quit and the eye doctor told me I should have said something sooner.  If it doesn't work right away it's not going to.  Learning how to put the lens in and out takes some time but wearing it shouldn't be a problem. 

What size lens do you have?  Mine is a 15, do you have an 18, it's bigger and harder to work with.

My lens came from Valley Contax, you can check it out online, it's the 15 lens.  You can also check out Visionary Optics they have the Jupiter Lens which is I believe where Valley Contax gets my lens. 

Where do you live, perhaps you mentioned it before and I don't recall. 

My lens wasn't really fitted, no special measuring, just tried a couple different lenses tell we found the one that fit the best.  Seems like there has to be a better way for you.  So very sorry it's not working out, hope that changes. 

Hang in there, Jill
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 27, 2014, 09:15:46 am
Jill,   My lens is a 15. Getting it in and out isn't a problem anymore but it shouldn't be irritating my eye so bad. How long can others wear their lens?
I live in north central PA about an hour from the NY border. Everything is about 3 hours away, Eire, Buffalo, Pittsburgh.
 Thanks for the encouragement.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on April 27, 2014, 11:51:50 pm
Hi Jim, 

I was hoping that the lens was bigger and that was why it was bothering you.  I sure wish I knew why you're having so much trouble with the lens. 

When I first started wearing my lens I had it in for 2 hours then increased it by 2 hours a day tell I was wearing it from the moment I put it in first thing in the morning tell I went to bed.  I can even take a 2 hour nap with it in. 

Do you have a prescription in the lens?  My doctor put one in and I couldn't wear the lens without it bothering me.  They changed the lens a bit and tried it again, no luck.  I told her I didn't care about having a prescription in it, I just didn't want to hurt anymore so we went back to the first lens.  We tried a couple of different sizes, think there was a 16 and a 17 but they didn't work, felt like my eyelid was catching on the lens.

When I broke my first lens they gave me a temporary replacement while they ordered a new one.  They said the lens was exactly the same as the one I had but it was to loose and irritated my eye severely.  I was really worried because I thought the lens I broke was the only one that would ever work since the temporary one didn't work for me.  Thankfully when I got the new lens it worked great once my eye healed from the irritation from the temporary lens. 

Sure hope some of what I just said helps you.  Take Care, Jill :)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on April 28, 2014, 08:36:14 am
The more I hear the more I think you might benefit from a hybrid lens (gas permeable center, soft lens edge). Go to http://www.synergeyes.com/ - there is a place right on the home page to enter your zip code and find the nearest doctor in your area.

Also, I can't find the article again right now, but I read that actually the larger the lens the more comfortable it can be since the eye is more sensitive closer to the cornea than further away.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 28, 2014, 05:00:02 pm
 I wore the lens for 5 hours when it all went bad driving home from work. Had to pull over and take it out. Lens was working good today outside and after taking it out eye isn't hurting too bad, about like normal.
My eye gets red in a area through the middle maybe a little more the 1/8" wide all they way across my eye. Seems like the area that is not covered by my blink. My eye shuts when I close them but when I normally blink it doesn't shut far enough. That is some of my problem.
Found a doctor that carries the SynergEyes lens not too far away. I will call them tomorrow to see if they carry the one I need.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on April 28, 2014, 09:21:30 pm
Jim,  Sure hope the SynergEyes lens work for you, glad to hear you found one not to far away.  I have a spot just on the edge of my cornea that gets irritated when I don't get enough rest/over work my eye, it usually clears up when I treat it nicer.  Good luck, you deserve a break!  Jill
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on April 29, 2014, 05:35:27 pm
I called the new Doctor today and they never started using the Synergeyes lens. They inquired about it for a someone but never went any further. There is no other Doctors listed.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on April 29, 2014, 07:29:35 pm
Darn darn and double darn. I am running out of ideas. But here is one more - ask your doctor about piggybacking a soft lens under the scleral. See the section about piggybacking here: http://www.revoptom.com/continuing_education/tabviewtest/lessonid/108308/
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on May 01, 2014, 04:45:21 pm
Doctor took my lens back, she said it was stuck to my cornea and would cause damage if I continue using it. She said they did everything she could do for me, there was no more changing the Scleral lens to fit. They were going to check if a bigger lens would work but I have not heard back about that.

I asked if a regular contact would help and she said another Doctor that works there has had luck fitting some soft contact for dry eye so she ordered one of those.

They do carry the Synergeye hybrid lens but she said that would not work at all for the problem I am having. Going to be two week before I can get back there.

Working in the wind was hell without the Scleral today.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on May 01, 2014, 04:49:39 pm
Piggybacking sounds interesting, going to ask about it next time.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on May 01, 2014, 05:39:22 pm
Do you have some moisture chamber goggles to wear outside? See here: http://www.dryeyeshop.com/all-eyewear-c104.aspx

I have a pair of onion goggles, Dustbusters and WileyX glasses. They all help to some extent in conjunction with Theratears Gel drops. Be sure to check the discount page.

I have to say I'm not liking your doctor's attitude. Just because that scleral lens did not fit does not mean they have done everything they can for you. I'm not an eye doctor and maybe she is right that the SynergEyes won't work, but I'm sure curious why not. Also a bigger lenses will fully vault the cornea, so keep pressing for an answer.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on May 01, 2014, 06:57:00 pm
Thanks Saralynn, The Doctor explained why the Synergeyes lens would not work, I forget why, something about it would stick to my eye even worst because they are made not to move.
I have all kinds of glasses and goggles for the motorcycle and work, I spray chemicals all the time. They do help but are not for all situations, they sure fog up easy.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on May 15, 2014, 03:04:10 pm
Well....I got a soft lens yesterday, Acuvue Oasys one month disposable. It seems to work better then the Scleral lens. Still not perfect eye gets blurry and I have to use drops quite often about the same as the Scleral lens. Difference is I can't feel this at all and it is easy to get in and out. Like the Scleral it protects my eye from wind and anything else that irritates it so my eye doesn't bother me at all while wearing it.

Doctor says that the daily disposable would even work better because of the moisture content so she ordered me a sample pack of them. I like that idea, wear it and throw it away at the end of the day. They are kind of pricey $180 for 6 months but that might be for two lens so that might last me a year.

Sure hope others find this thread that are seeking help for a dry eye and it gives them help in deciding how to deal with it.   
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on May 16, 2014, 10:08:55 am
I sure hope you have found a solution. Soft lenses would not work for me, due to LASIK my cornea is too flat and the soft lens would cave in and wrinkle.

However, since you are having success with the soft lens, my curiosity is piqued again as to why SynergEyes is not an option. It's a hybrid of a gas permeable center with a soft contact edge in a semi-scleral size.

Keep us posted. The more options we know about, the better.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on May 16, 2014, 11:54:10 pm
Hi Jim,

I'm so VERY glad to hear that you found a lens that works for you. :D  I know you were hoping to have a lens that didn't cause blurry vision but as we both know, we rather have blurry vision then a dry eye and not being able to be out in the wind.  As I've mentioned before I still use ointment with my lens so the vision is blurry.  Might someday try using drops only, not there yet. 

The daily disposable lens doesn't sound that bad, would have jumped at that in a heart beat if I didn't already have my lens as the $180 for 6 months would be WAY cheaper than all the ointment I was using.  If you could get the Insurance company to pay for them it would be really great.  They need to understand that the lenses are for medical reasons not just an alternative to glasses.  I still haven't paid for my lens I got a year and a half ago, doctors office is suppose to be working with my Insurance to see what they can do. 

As Saralynn says, the more we explore our options the better off we and others are.  We are pioneers in this area so everything we do and post about will help those that are dealing with dry eyes now and in the future. 

I too hope that others find this thread, the other threads about the lens are great as well but this one will help those that are reluctant to try or try and don't at first succeed to give it another chance as you did.  I wish it hadn't been such an ordeal for you but it will help inspire others to keep trying to find something that will work for them. 

As long as one or two of the threads about the scleral lens are active I think we are reaching those with dry eyes.  Every now and then I will start a new thread to try and reach out to new members that we can help.

Hope you have a great weekend outside with your new lens!  Jill Marie 8)

Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on May 19, 2014, 03:50:25 pm
The lens is working pretty well. It's just the blurriness that is bothering me. It will clear up with drops but not for long. Sometimes I rub my eye and it clears up. Had some trouble getting it out but that is getting easier.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on May 19, 2014, 05:49:51 pm
Jim, this is a post outlining a patient's experience with the doctor in Texas I told you about before. He custom fits each scleral but is not as expensive as PROSE. In case you ever need it: http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showthread.php?20553-Dr-Gemoules-and-my-first-Scleral-Lens

Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on May 24, 2014, 07:15:21 am
Thanks Saralynn interesting reading. This soft contact doesn't really work very well for me. It works to make my eye to feel better but the blurriness is just too much. I have to see at work and it makes it impossible to use at work, where I need it the most. Also makes it difficult driving, I have to be contently looking for road hazards (bear, deer, elk, turkeys, bobcats, etc)  I came so close to hitting a deer last Friday that he relieved himself all over my windshield, good thing I did not have the lens in or I would not have seen him in time.
Not sure what I will do at my appointment this Wednesday, just give up or keep the lens and use it when I think I can or try something else. :(   
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on May 24, 2014, 08:31:29 pm
Jim, my suggestion is to press for a reason why the SynergEyes would not work for you. If the soft contact works for comfort but does not give crisp vision, then central RGP portion of the SynergEyes lens would be ideal for you. Ask your practitioner to at least try it. What harm could it cause?

Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on May 28, 2014, 04:18:07 pm
Seen the Eye Doctor today and got the new soft daily wear lens and the blurriness is worst then the monthly lens. Doctor says there is just not enough tears. She's getting yet another soft lens in for me to try. Have 10 of the daily lens to try until then. All the lens I try make my eye feel better I just can't see. She really is trying and seams to care.
She says the hybrid lens doesn't move very much on the eye and would stick to my eye worst then the Scleral lens.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on June 04, 2014, 09:09:15 pm
Well yes, the scleral lenses and hybrid lenses don't move much on the eye. For those of us with dry eye that's a very good thing because it enables the lenses to keep a pool of saline on our cornea.

But I thought your major problem was removing the lens. With a hybrid, you pinch the soft edge to break the suction.

If I recall correctly (and please correct me if I am wrong) you have had LASIK. I don't see any way for you to get good vision with a soft lens. The top is going to collapse on your flattened cornea.

I just don't get why she won't just try to find out if the SynergEyes lens will work for you since you are getting relief from the soft lens, but not clear vision.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on June 19, 2014, 03:25:47 pm
Seen the eye doctor today and yet another soft lens. Same as the others, less then an hour blurry. After the last soft lens my vision went blurry and did not clear up. Doctor had me try FreshKote drops $35 and it did clear up as of today not sure it was the drops. I think I am done with this experiment.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Kristena on June 20, 2014, 08:42:25 am
Thank you all for your stories and keeping these threads active. I recently passed my 1-year anniversary and am starting to realize this might be how my eye will be now. I have an incomplete blink, I tape my eye shut at night (thanks for the tip on Press N Seal--so much easier to remove than paper tape!), I have a punctal plug, but I'm still using drops a couple times an hour. My eye can now cry, but it doesn't tear. I miss my bicycle! I don't see my eye doctor again until late July (he's also handling my Botox), but I am definitely going to ask about options for a lens of some type.

Keep on posting--it's inspirational to read (snorkeling? Wow!)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on June 20, 2014, 05:42:03 pm
Kristena, This has helped me at night. You can find them here. $6.75 Very comfortable to sleep with.

http://suppleyes.net/EYE_PADS.html

(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x230/badyellowvette/patch.jpg) (http://s182.photobucket.com/user/badyellowvette/media/patch.jpg.html)

Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Jill Marie on June 20, 2014, 10:15:46 pm
Hey Jim,  So sorry to hear the lenses aren't working for you.  I can understand your not wanting to deal with this anymore.  Perhaps something else will come along and you will want to try again after a break.  I'm not wearing my lens right now because of an eye infection, looking forward to it going away.  I like the looks of the patch you wear, I just use the old pirate patch with eye pads wrapped in kleenex.  The pads are a bit spendy so I just use the kleenex then toss them.  Do you use anything with the patch?  Think I'll give it a try!  Thanks for sharing!

Kristina,   Feel free to ask us questions we will help as much as we can.  Sara is a fountain of information and the rest of us are always happy to share what works does and doesn't work for us.  I too missed my bicycle, love to ride and appreciate it more now, you will ride again!  Jill :)
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on June 21, 2014, 09:38:41 am
I am still using the Genteal gel at night. I have goggles that let me ride the motorcycle.

http://www.amazon.com/Birdz-Eyewear-Motorcycle-Goggles-Polarised/dp/B00936GVKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403365085&sr=8-1&keywords=birdz+goggles
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on June 27, 2014, 07:42:09 am
Jim, I saw my optometrist yesterday. One of the things we discussed was the SynergEyes lens. He said that at this time he is more comfortable keeping me in the regular scleral because I would not benefit from the tear exchange feature of the SynergEyes lens. He did not say it would harm my eye, just that I would not benefit. However, he thought it would be a great choice for my right eye. One of the things he mentioned was that the SynergEyes lens would have more movement than the regular scleral, and if I recall correctly it was a concern for you that it might move less.

Anyway, if you are still interested in pursuing a lens option, they have a contact form at http://www.synergeyes.com/consumer/contact-us/customer-care/ where you could describe your particular situation and ask if they think one of their lenses would be appropriate. Who knows, maybe we can convince them to start a clinical research study for facial paralysis patients.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on June 27, 2014, 03:07:54 pm
At my next Doctors appointment I am going  talk her about the Synergeyes, I think it is my last option. And I will contact Synergeyes first. Thanks Saralynn. Jim
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Kristena on June 28, 2014, 03:00:58 pm
I do have a "moisture chamber" from my hospital stay and thought maybe it was time to give it a try again. Well, I actually fell asleep watching TV with it on and woke up about 90 minutes later with a sore eye, and the eyelid felt like it was sticking to my eyeball. I guess I'm not ready for that step yet! I'll stick with the Press 'n Seal for now. And I have some wind resistant sunglasses (and clear glasses too) to wear outside when it's windy. They came in very handy during the cold, windy waits at the bus stop this winter. I actually cut out some of the padding on the good side, because that side kept fogging up. Now they seem to work pretty well. I need to try them out on my bike--soon!
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Lloyd-S on July 13, 2014, 07:47:20 pm
Hi All.
Thought I'd report on my initial experience. I've been trying Scleral lens in both eyes for the past ~6 weeks. They are 16.5 mm diameter "Maxim" scleral lens made by Acculens. Unfortunately it has not worked out as well as hoped. For the first ~ 10 mins of wearing them they feel comfortable. But after this short period, I've found them irritating and have required frequent use of eye drops to tolerate them. I've tried 5 different types of drops. Use of Systane gel drops is the only one which provides some lasting comfort for more than ~ 15 mins, but then my vision is blurred significantly, which defeats the purpose. I have managed to wear them for ~5 hours/day. Surprisingly, I experience similar irratation/discomfort in both my "bad" and "good" eyes.  My eyes are often very sore after wearing them. A few times my eyes remained sore for hours after removal.

For the past ~ 24 years, I have used Duolube eye ointment 24/7 in my "bad" dry left eye (tumor side). The ointment has provided convenient long lasting comfort at the expense of vision. I used to be able to wear a soft contac lens in my "good" R eye. But have experienced dry R. eye as well for the last ~ 4 years, forcing me to wear glasses majority of the time. It has certainly been satisfying to experience proper vision with both eyes and freedom from glasses. But unless I can reliably/comfortably/conveniently wear the Scleral lens for a majority of my working day (~ 12 hours), this is not practical.
 
The Eye Institute here in Ottawa, Canada is my only option and they only offer this Scleral lens manufacturer. During eye exams, I've been told the scleral lens fit me well and there is not much else that they can try. So trying a different Scleral model is not an option for me. The Scleral lens cost me 2x $700, not including fitting fees etc... If I return them within 6 months I get refunded 2 x $500. I wonder if any ANA members have had similar experience and/or ideas for me to try?
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on July 15, 2014, 06:08:05 am
I have a few thoughts for you, Lloyd. The first has to do with what type of saline solution you use in your lenses. I have found the best one to be plain sterile saline packaged for nebulizer use (http://www.vitalitymedical.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=20059&x=28&y=7). It's nothing but salt and water so there are no ingredients that you may be sensitive to.

Second, are you positive that there are no air bubbles in your lenses when you insert them? Any air in there will make the lens uncomfortable after a short period. It took me a while to get the hang of inserting my lens properly. I put a description of my technique in a weblog post at http://www.sarahartman.com/dry-eye-triumph/ - scroll down to sections titled Solutions, Tools and Tips.

My final thought is that even if your lenses are a good fit, moving to the next step "looser" may be a better fit for you. I had this experience in the opposite direction.

You might also check out a dry eye forum at http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/forum.php - there is a section there devoted to scleral lens users.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Lloyd-S on July 16, 2014, 07:40:48 pm
Saralynn,
Thanks for your thoughtful tips and informing me of the Dry Eye Zone website. That forum sure has an impressive scope of info.  That site gave me a few new ideas to consider. I've been using Unisol 4 solution in the lens, as recommended by the Ottawa clinic. Yes, I've learned (the hard way) to check for air bubbles and know what you mean about the resulting extra discomfort if bubbles are present. I had a follow up app't with the Ottawa eye clinic today. By the time I saw the technician I had been wearing the lens for 5.5 hours and had a moderate amount of discomfort, moreso in my L eye. I had put drops in every ~ 30 mins and thicker Systane Gel drops a few times in my bad left eye. By examination he said the outer lens surface of my bad left eye had deposits of a sticky secretion. He said the lens looked dry and lost its "wettability".  He suspects this is a reaction to extreme dryness and the incomplete blinking. Also friction between my left eyelid and dry surface of lens. The deposits also explained why the vision in my L eye is always more blurred than the R eye. He said there were no visible air bubbles. He said the fit was the best that could be done with the Maxim Scleral lens. He suggested I continue trying different drops and recommended I try "Hylo".  I'm not throwing in the towel yet, but it looks like it will be a challenge to reach my goal of ~ 12 hours of comfortable use.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: saralynn143 on July 18, 2014, 09:56:52 am
Lloyd, as an experiment I filled my lens with Unisol yesterday. It was better than most lubricating drops, but not as comfortable as the sterile saline marketed for nebulizer use. I highly recommend trying it if you are able to. I was not truly happy with my scleral lens until I started using it.

I had never heard of Hylo drops until now. Are they used to fill your lens or to use after? I have not searched for them in earnest, but they are really expensive at Amazon.

I am not surprised by the buildup on your left lens. Since we don't blink correctly, our eyelids are not distributing tears or drops over the surface of our eyes. When the vision in my left eye gets blurry, I moisten a q-tip with saline and squeegee the lens while it is still on my eye. It seems kinda gross the first few times, but now I can even do it without a mirror.

I'm glad you are going to keep trying and I hope you find a regimen that works for you.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: badyellowvette on September 13, 2014, 05:17:42 pm
Thought I would check in after a couple months. I gave up on a lens of any kind since every lens I tried made my vision blurry. I could get the same results using lube when my eye is bothering me.
But the last 2 1/2 months have been great. The high humidity has been wonderful. I hardly ever have to use natural tears, just a couple times a day when I think of it. Still use lube at night. Been riding the motorcycle with my goggles with no problem. But now it's getting colder and hardly any humidity and I am back in HELL. Happened over night when the weather changed. Don't really want to go back the the eye Doctor because I think she did everything she could and besides after Obama got done screwing me out of my excellent health insurance it would really cost me now. 
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Lloyd-S on September 21, 2014, 11:26:47 am
Sara-Lynn,
I tried the sterile saline packaged for nebulizer use that you recommended. Thank you. I was able to order and have it delivered to me in Canada. It seemed to work well and is conveniently packaged. However, my previously mentioned issues dominate over any benefit from this saline. I tried the Maxim scleral lens ~ 15 times over a 2 month period, but could not achieve lasting comfort. The eye institute here in Ottawa only offers this lens. Because I found the Scleral lens comfortable for the first ~ 20 mins, my opthamologist said that if we could find a different lens that is fit optimally, it may still be viable. So my opthamologist referred me to a specialist in Montreal that is supposed to have more experience with a variety of Scleral lens types. I will report back on that in a month or so. Not giving up yet...
Lloyd.
Title: Re: My initial impressions of my new Sclerals lens.
Post by: Kristena on September 21, 2014, 02:45:46 pm
I called my ophthalmologist’s office to inquire about scleral lenses. They do have experience with them, but required me to see the doctor first. It had been about 6 months since my last “dye test,” and he said the cornea of my affected eye was in really good shape and looked similar to my good eye. I thought to myself, “that’s because I put in drops 1-2x an hour!” He said he didn’t think I needed the scleral lens, but cleared me to get one if I still wanted.

So over the past month, I’ve been weaning myself off the drops. It was really hard, and I had to keep reminding myself that even though my eye felt dry, or hot, or painful, my eye was in good shape. I started setting time limits of 1 hour, then 2 hours, etc. I got myself to 4 hours without drops and went back to the doctor for a re-check. It still looks good, and I don’t have to go back for 6 months! So I’m now waiting at least 4 hours, then waiting until I feel the need—not automatically every 4 hours. I’m still taping at night, and I have a punctual plug, but I guess I’m doing better than I realized!