Contacts?

[Vladimir]

I recently got contacts and I'm having some issues. I've gone through two pairs in like 3 or 4 weeks because they always end up tearing. (They are monthlies). My only idea really is that they are in for too long and so get too dried out (I'll wear them for like 16 hours some days). So my question is this, did anyone have this problem and how did you solve it? I have eye drops for the contacts, maybe if I use those constantly? Or I figure I could always cycle out two pairs maybe (for when I want to wear them that long) or maybe I need a new solution (using Opti-Free Replenish). Any ideas? If that is indeed the issue I could always wear them less but thats no fun =(

[Vampy6997]

Try using the eyedrops every hour or two that they're in, and remove, rinse them in solution every 5-8 hours; don't sleep with them in, not even a nap. Could be the solution isn't made for the specific contacts, but your best bet there would be to contact the optometrist and ask what the best solution would be for the contacts.

[Hojo]

I wear my disposable contacts for months at a time, even sleeping in them. I'm supposed to change them out every two weeks but they end up lasting 3-6 months, so I don't think drying out is your problem. I'm not sure what could be causing them to tear; that's never happened to me before.

[Vladimir]

They suggested I put a drop in each contact before putting them in my eye. I think my eyes may also just be drier than average *shrug* they said if these rip fast they will order me some free trials to replace them so I am not as worried now.

[Tati]

Maybe when you're taking them out, you are cutting them with nails or something?
I have really dry eyes, so I need to rewet often so my eyes dont get scratchy when wearing contacts...

[clumsygrace]

I wear my disposable contacts for months at a time, even sleeping in them. I'm supposed to change them out every two weeks but they end up lasting 3-6 months, so I don't think drying out is your problem. I'm not sure what could be causing them to tear; that's never happened to me before.

That's exactly my contact routine. Abusing disposables, ftw.


I've been wearing contacts for 7 years now and I've never had a problem with tearing. Although, one time I ripped one when putting them in the case. I guess the contact was on the threads and when I screwed on the lid, it annihilated the contact.

[Vampy6997]

not sure how to cite stuff on here, specifically:

"Of course, central lens thickness will vary with lens power."

Look at table 2

this might explain why it's tearing so easily. Might be thinner/thicker to a degree that doesn't work for you (not flexible enough. Think of it like really thin hard plastic being bent, might break easier than something of the same sort that's bigger, but with more pressure, would break easily with the same bend movement.

in that table 2, you have a couple that are thicker than most, on avg...and a couple that are thinner than most, on avg.

Also, possibly your skin is too dry on your fingers, or your eyes are. Not all contacts handle well being slept in due to corneal damage (temporary though, goes away after you wake up) as mentioned toward the top of the study.

It's also entirely possible that there's a sort of reaction happening where the eye drops you may be using aren't able to comply with the specific brand of contacts...or maybe the brand/style you have isn't the best option for your eyes.

And lastly...if your eyes were measured improperly, or if you're just too rough with the contacts, they will tear.

And another supportive article...less science behind it though...

One last thing, on acuvue.com's site:

"If you wear contact lenses, make sure you pick the type of eye drops that can be used with contact lenses. Note that many kinds of eye drops, especially artificial tears, cannot be used while you are still wearing your lenses. Rewetting drops, specially formulated for contact lens wearers, is usually sufficient for temporary relief against mild cases of dry eyes."

ok, good luck

[Rani]

I recently got contacts and I'm having some issues. I've gone through two pairs in like 3 or 4 weeks because they always end up tearing. (They are monthlies). My only idea really is that they are in for too long and so get too dried out (I'll wear them for like 16 hours some days). So my question is this, did anyone have this problem and how did you solve it? I have eye drops for the contacts, maybe if I use those constantly? Or I figure I could always cycle out two pairs maybe (for when I want to wear them that long) or maybe I need a new solution (using Opti-Free Replenish). Any ideas? If that is indeed the issue I could always wear them less but thats no fun =(

Everyone's eyes are different. Mine tend to be very moist so I never have contact issues unless something gets under one of them. But I would suggest you start with wetting drops just before you remove them. I was taught a very interesting trick with eye drops. Most people drop them into their eyes, and it doesn't completely envelope the eye. So take your thumb and forefinger on your lower lid and push them together so the lower lid forms a little cup. Two drops in the cup, let go and blink a couple times and you'll refresh the lens enough it should be easily removable. I have inch long finger nails and rarely tear one, but you might also try sliding it with the pad of your finger down into the lower lid so it kind of tips out. Easier to remove that way and also lessens the chance of tearing one.

'Rani

[MechAnt]

Most of the problems you're encountering is what i consider normal for someone that has recently gotten contacts. I remember when i first got them. Your eyes will just eventually get used to them. Tearing as well

[smoke eater]

I just recently got some too! Been many years since I tried them last, way back in the days before disposables. They sure have changed a lot. I'm glad you posted this. I had one tear on me too, and I can only think it was from pulling them out dry, but never thought of it until now. I heard a "thock" sound on one when it broke suction, and it had a "bite" taken out of it. This was an Acuvue Advance.
Good luck!

[Vladimir]

Granted I have been on a new pair, and my rips took a minimum of a few days (and that was my first pair, second time took a couple weeks) but putting an eye drop in each contact before putting it in seems to be helping. My optometrist did warn me that some eye drops, even if made for soft contact lenses contain soaps that can actually degrade the contact itself. They recommended I buy some BLINK!, which I tried to after my first appointment but it was super expensive so I refused, they ended up giving me a free trial bottle of the RENU drops, they seem to be working well. Contacts are going on much more comfortably etc.

Thanks for all the responses!

[Tom1]

I used to wear contacts made specially for astigmatism, They were a pain in the ass but I never tore one.

[TiLLooR]

I wear daily disposables and only put them in when i feel 'awake'. If im in work to process delivery at like 6am (up at 4.30) I put my glasses on then quickly put them in @ 9 when the shop opens when my eyes are more awake, and always keep eye drops they are amazing.