UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi All

Just wanted some general advice on piggybacking - does anyone use this method? i currently wear one RGP on my good eye, seem to get very good vision that way, its relatively comfortable just the odd ache at times, wanted to increase the comfort levels by wearing a soft lens underneath the RGP.

How would i go about obtaining soft lens etc? i have a check up next monday

Thanks

Hi Kieran,

I've been piggybacking my right RGP lens for about a year and the left for about six months.

If your optometrist thinks that piggybacking will solve your comfort issues they would prescribe soft lenses at your next appointment. I was able to continue with my RGPs with -0.5 soft lenses prescribed to wear underneath the RGPs.

One of the disadvantages of piggybacking is that less oxygen gets to the cornea than with just an RGP, although I believe that this is less of an issue than it was as modern lenses (both RGPs and soft lenses) are more gas permeable these days. The other disadvantage is dealing with two sets of lenses as it will take longer take them in and out.

Lia

Hi Lia

Thanks, just want to try and improve the comfort, sometimes get a ache on the eye from constantly wearing the lens

Hiya,

I piggyback it's pretty good for me (RGPS were unwearable) but you can get them drying out through the day. You can't just decide to have a go at it yourself with a few soft lenses under your existing RGPs(which I think you were planning?). The two lenses need to work together. I use blank Silicone Hydrogels under my RGPs but saw research recently that using slightly - prescription ones work better. Either way you'll need to see a specialist for the fitting of them.

If you manage ok with your RGPs you might be better off just with them? Currently sitting out two months of contact wear in my piggyback eye due to stromal infiltrates (not common but annoying) lol.

Andrew

Comfort with RGP's are about 7/10, i only wear one lens, in my good eye, seems to provide me with good vision, just wanted to try and increase the comfort levels thanks for the replies