New lens

[Loopy-Lou]

I needed a refit for my 'seeing eye', the RGP had degraded and although it gave me really good sight [6/6] the fit was not good for my cornea.

I have a new lens, a Rose K2 and I'm a bit freaked out. I can't see my watch, type this, read letters, see labels on tubes/bottles, unless I wear my reading glasses [which were for small print for the one eye in addition to the the old lens], so the glasses are going on/off all the time because long distance the lens and glasses is no good but I need them for everything else.
Also with the lens alone I can't see my face as well in the mirror, not as much 'definition'. I don't understand why there is this much difference because in clinic the trial lens with the glass thingys on top gave me about 6/9 which is great why is there so much difference now?
I'm feeling swimmy with the glasses yo-yoing on/off but I don't know if that's visual or me panicking.

[Lia Williams]

Hi Lou,

I know exactly what you mean! It's a pain taking reading glasses on and off - especially when different powers are needed for reading and for using the PC.

I suspect what the problem is that the new lens is of a slightly more -ve power which improves distance vision, but makes close vision worse! If you can see more at a distance with your reading glasses over the new lens than the old lens this is probably the case. However I'm only guessing from my own experience - it's probably worth giving your clinic a call asking them.

Lia

[Loopy-Lou]

Hey Lia,

My old lens was better all round for both close/distance, only using reading glasses for small print, I didn't need them to see my watch/computer, but I can't use it any longer because the graft has changed shape, it's really hard to resist not putting the old one back in. My face being less clear with the new one I find difficult.
Where's the best magnified mirrors [which can be freestanding but not huge]?? Those little things like being able to see to squeeze a spot [sorry!].
I'm wondering whether I will need vari/bi-focal glasses on top of this lens to bridge the close/distance vision?
Lou

[Andrew MacLean]

Lou
I find life easier with two pairs of glasses (over my lens). One pair for distance (which I also use for my computer) and the other pair for reading.
All the best
Andrew

[Loopy-Lou]

That's useful to know Andrew thanks

[Loopy-Lou]

I've got some x 10 magnified mirrors now which help with doing any face stuff, but I'm still on/off with old reading glasses for looking at my watch/computer/dinner plate which doesn't work for mid/long distance and for small print I'm having to use a magnifying glass as well as lens/glasses.

I'm not sure what to do, my next clinic appt is in 4 weeks time, should I go to the opticians to get some glasses made up [whether that's 1 or 2 pairs] or should I wait till after the clinic appt to make sure they want to stick with this RGP? It's just that I've seen some rimless frames I like but they are expensive

[Lia Williams]

Hi Lou,

You are probably best waiting until you have your clinic appointment in case they want to tweak your RGP prescription. Also the local optician's may not be prepared to prescribe glasses to wear with your contact lenses without 'permission' from the clinic. The clinic may have a refraction department that can give you a prescription for reading and/or computer glasses.

Meanwhile you should be able to buy cheap ready readers over the counter. I have them in several different prescriptions to use to read and or use the computer. Not ideal - I'd like a pair of varifocals so I don't have to switch between different pairs of glasses. Actually what I would really like is a pair of multifocal contacts lenses - but I guess that is asking too much!

Lia

[Loopy-Lou]

That's good advice Lia.

Can you not have varifocals?

I'd like an implanted multifocal lens which changes with my graft and has inbuilt sunglasses, and makes me more attractive, and xray vision when required

[Lia Williams]

Lou,

Yes I'm hoping to get some varifocals to go over my lenses and the refraction department did measure my prescription - but then my contact lens for the left eye was changed. The material for the lens was changed but this seems to have affected the power of the lens as the distance vision of my left eye is now not as good as the right; but this has meant that the near vision of the left eye is now much better than the right so that (in good light) I can still read most things with the left eye if it's not too close.

Lia

[Loopy-Lou]

It's really difficult when a lens is changed and the vision is worse for it