Question for contac lens wearers
 

I wear a special brand of contact lens that is unfortunately not available in Australia (optometrist has checked with manufacturer) :(. I can have them shipped over from the UK or change to a different lens.

These three brands have been suggested to me by the local optometrist:

1. Air Optix,
2. PureVision
3. Proclear lenses

I wonder if people with experience of wearing these could give me some feedback? I should say that my lenses go in at 6 or 7am and stay in until 10 or 11pm, i.e. I wear them for about 17 hours a day every day.

Thanks

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

I haven't ever used those, but I will recommend a place online that sells lenses for cheap..

http://netoptical.com.au/

They're based on the Sunshine Coast and will of course deliver Australia wide.

Graham, the owner and an optometrist (I believe he is a pom) is very professional and friendly. You could email him on the site and ask for his advice... http://www.netoptical.com.au/catalog/contact_us.php

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

Will also recommend buying online. Hubby moved over to contacts several months ago and was told they were a lot cheaper online and this is proving to be the case. I know we normally know this in the UK but internet shopping here is not always that cheap due to shipping but contacts are nice and small!

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

Very funny!!! Yes, that's who I have been in contact with! He has done some investigating and confirmed that my lenses aren't available here. And he suggested the three brands, I mentioned above.

As per my original post: I would like some advice from people using one of these three brands: Air Optix, PureVision, Proclear lenses.

Re: Question for contact lens wearers
 

Before this thread goes off topic (and turns into a thread about buying cheap lenses online):

I do not need advice on where to buy contact lenses, cheaply, online, or in person, or whatever.

If there is anybody around who wears/has worn Air Optix and/or PureVision and/or Proclear lenses I would really like to hear how you got on (especially if you wear your lenses all day like I do).

Thanks.

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

Hi

I use Air Optix and get them mail order from eyecontacts.com.au who are also based up in QLD.

I was advised to use them by my UK opitician because I was putting them in at 6.30am and taking them out at bedtime. Apparently they let quite a bit of oxygen through. Anyway, have had no problems with them in the 4 years I've had them.

When ordering lenses by mail they do ask for your optician and that you have a current (2 years) eye test available, they probably have to cover themselves but I still was sent the lenses when I first moved over and put my UK one down.

So you'll still be able to see over here :D

KK

Re: Question for contact lens wearers
 

Sorry I only put this because I thought someone else might click on contact lenses and decide online might be worth a look.

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

Thanks, KK :). That's really good to know. I've had my previous lenses for 21 years (not the same pair, lol). Hence a bit worried about changing them.

Karma sent :).

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

I use Air Optix as well and have had no problems. Have been using them for about 3 years. :thumbup:

Re: Question for contact lens wearers
 

No need to be sorry. Your intentions, like mine were meant to be helpful. If the OP can't see that well that's his problem. He seems arrogant and unappreciative to me.

To think I actually went on to that site (which is my regular contact lense supplier who I have great service from) and made sure they sold the lenses he was enquiring about. I then took the time to write up a post and included 2 links for him to contact the owner, a professional on the topic. Pfft. Why do I bother? I won't be again. I'm done helping out Poms. Done!

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

Thanks. That's two votes for them :thumbsup:.

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

I use purevision as they are extended wear lenses - ie you put them in on day 1 and take them out on day 30 - so would be fine for 16 hour wear as they are actually designed for sleeping in. I do actually take them out and clean them during the month as my eyes can get a bit dry, but have worn these lenses successfully for many years. I order them online from lensway.co.uk. I use this brand particularly as they make a toric version that corrects an astygmatism I have in one eye.

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

i use ultravision silicone hydragel lenses, can actually wear them 24 hours as they are perforated and allow your eyes to breath!

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

Hey I know you asked specifically about lenses but considering how long you wear them for have you considered laser eye surgery before you move out?

I had surgery 4 months ago with Optimax (was a toric lens wearer for almost 20 years). Now have 20:20 vision and am really happy with not having to worry about sticking lenses in my eye and waking up being able to see the clock. I had mine done because I am moving back to Oz in September and knew I would be spending loads of time at the beach etc so figured I might be happier not having to worry bout lenses.

It is not for everyone but possibly something you may not have considered.

Re: Question for contac lens wearers
 

I am an optometrist (I was in the UK anyway, don't work over here) and also a contact lens wearer and my hubby is a dispensing optician who owns an optometrists office over here, so I know a little bit about contact lenses.

I have tried Proclears, but like you I tend to wear my lenses for most of the day (about 6am until 9 or 10pm), and I have to admit that I found them to be uncomfortable. I have fairly dry eyes, and I find that a silcone hydrogel lens is best. I can wear them for long periods of time without any dryness at all. I actually wear a lens called 'Night and Day' which are designed to be worn as extended wear lenses, for up to 30 days at a time (I don't though - I wouldn't dream of wearing my socks for more than one day, so why would I wear my contact lenses like that?!). The Air Optix are made by the same company, and are also silicone hydrogels, so those should be as comfortable. The PureVision contact lenses are also silicone hydrogel lenses, but are made by a different company.

To be honest, providing you are fitted correctly, you probably wouldn't notice much difference between the Air Optix and the PureVision. Your best bet is to go and have a trial of them.

Do you mind me asking which lenses you wear at the moment?