Among Friends

[Shanus]

I've worn glasses for many years and always have difficulty finding frames for a small face, high cheekbones and a low bridge. I can't stand even putting in eye drops so have stayed away from contacts, but now disgusted enough that I may try them.

Anyone have pointers? Are they OK putting them in and out and the care involved?

[amyb]

I wear both glasses and contacts. 

I just went from the weekly ones to the dailies last year, and while more expensive, I'll never go back to the ones you have to keep in the little containers. So much easier to be "in and out" in one day, and put a fresh pair in everyday. And through 1-800-Contacts, where I ordered them, it was easy, they gave me a first time buyer discount, so it was much better pricing than my eye doc's price. Worth it to me.

But I did weeklies for many years and did ok with those.

I never had a problem, once my eye doc showed me the best way to put them in, still do it this way. I think you either take to it or not. I have a friend, never did well with them, so only wears her glasses. But, @Shanus you can start with the less expensive weeklies, and just give it a shot to see how you do. You can always go back to glasses.

[Pecky]

I wore contacts for 30 + years.  I didn't want to have to deal with them when I got older so when I had my cataract surgery two years ago I had the permanent lenses done so I didn't need glasses or contacts.  When I did wear contacts, I didn't have any issues with putting them in or taking out. 

[We rescue cats]

I wore contacts for decades, got my first pair when I was 18 and gave them up about 6 years ago when I had cataract surgery that also corrected my vision (I'm 74).The newest lenses I ever wore were the soft lenses that had to replaced monthly. but I saw best with traditional hard and/or gas permeable lenses.

[PinkyPetunia]

I wore contacts for around 30 years with no difficulty.  When I approached age 50 I couldn't tolerate them anymore--dry eyes, plus my vision couldn't be corrected to my liking due to astigmatism in one eye.

I liked being able to wear fashion sunglasses with the contacts.  Give them a try.   You have to be super clean with the lenses and I found eye makeup sometimes got in the eye (flaking mascara, eyeliner) and causes discomfort.

Get used to eyedrops. You will need to use them.  Maybe you need a new technique.

[haddon9]

@Shanus Good luck with the contacts!

I wore them for decades!  Started when I was 15 (as soon as my parents were willing to pay for them then) and stopped somewhere in my mid 50s.

I started with traditional hard lenses, moved on the gas permeable contacts then disposable soft lenses.  I had too many problems over time with protein buildup and couldn't see clearly.  I gave up and now wear glasses.

I know what you mean about finding the right frames for your face.  I went though almost every pair of frames at my opticians (there were a lot!) and ended up going to another shop that had more of a selection.

[Estates]

I started with gas permables in 1986 and had no problems.The only time I had any problem if I rubbed my eye. My lens would sometimes pop out and that could be trouble trying to find it. 

I switched to soft contacts about 12 years ago when the gas perms started making my eyes dry. I find the soft comfortable and I can wear for hours.However,it's like putting a piece of saran wrap on your finger and putting it in your eye! That's my only complaint with wear.I have multi focal ones now for astigmatism and they cost a lot of $$.

[KailaS]

Wore multifocal contacts for years, starting at age 32 and ending two years ago when I had cataract surgery and was diagnosed with macular degeneration. I am miserable without my contacts, but my eye doctor was fired, and the newer one told me to "get over" myself.  I miss my contacts.  Getting used to contacts in my 30s took some time, but I loved them, and just made sure they were clean,and cared for, and my eyes had drops. Good luck.

[Snowpuppy]

I've worn contacs and glasses since I was 16.

You may notice a difference in your vision between glasses and contacts. My vision is far better with contacts. I wear readers with them when needed. I tried multi focals and nope, not for me but I know others love them.

Currently wearing monthlies, just don't want the cost of dailies.

[Travone]

I wore contacts for years, until my vision changed and could never get great vision from them.  I now just wear my glasses for distance/driving.

I wore the ciba daily soft lenses.  Never had any problems with them.