RGP swings & roundabouts

[Loopy-Lou]

The new RGP for my left eye shattered twice within weeks, I think because the steeper curvature doesn't withstand being cleaned as well as my flatter RGP in my right eye.
The optoms were really good at the last appt and understood the problems I'm having with it;

1] comfort - I never get past the 'lump of plastic on eye' sensation even after many weeks, and up/down/left/right movement has been ok, but not on the diagonal which has been uncomfortable and blurred.

2] distortion - at first this was quite unpleasant but I got used to it, however, if I had to rely on my left eye it wouldn't untenable because using my left eye alone the distortion is not nice, but with both eyes lensed up I cope.

3] visual acuity - before I had a lens in my left eye it was hand waving at 1 metre, all I saw was 'lumps of colour' that was it. With this lens in, I can watch the tv so that's a massive difference, but I can't read with it. With my right eye lensed up I can read 11 point size font on the computer screen [and use reading glasses on top for smaller]. With the left I've just found that I can read 18 point font size but there's still a distortion of the 'swimming pool' variety, therefore if I had to rely on it, it would make reading off putting.

The current replacement fits a bit better as the previous was lifting off the cornea a bit, however the larger size and steep curvature mean I have a tough time inserting it because size matters for me where lenses are concerned - the smaller the better. What I find difficult is that every day I have to work hard at swallowing the revulsion and panic in order to get it in which takes several attempts. I get quite distressed with it and although I am doing it, it never gets any easier, I feel same heart sink every day with it and find that quite hard to face.

So as you can see, it's neither a complete success or failure and in many ways I wish it was one or the other, this sits inbetween and I'm going to have to work how much compromise will I be prepared to make and can I face the daily distress with getting it in forevermore, at the moment I just view it in terms of X weeks till next appt.
If I ever had to rely on the left eye instead of the right it would give me usable vision but the distortion would be too distressing and unless the presciption can be altered or glasses added I still can't read text, but I'm not sure how much that is down to distortion or prescription.
It definately helps to read text in clinic with each eye seperately as well as together because reading text can be quite different to looking at 1-4 letters on the Snellen chart, does anyone else find that?

[Anne Klepacz]

Wow, Lou - how very brave to be trying an rgp after so many years of wearing nothing in that eye! I'm not surprised it's taking some getting used to. And it's a shame that it's not an unqualified success in terms of either vision or comfort. But maybe there's more tweaks that can be done to improve things? If not, then as you say, only you can decide whether the benefits are worth the aggro. Wishing you all the very best and plenty of perseverance!
Anne

[Ladyburd]

Hi

I have just skim read your post & you seem to be in the boat that I was - may be obvious to you & you may have tried already, so excuse me if you have:

I was having a nightmare with RPG & was discharged from the NHS clinic (to my disgust!) I have gone private & seen a fab optom in Boot in Glasgow. I'm now trying a daily disposable lens under my NHS RPG & its AMAZING! I can't believe the difference

I'm also taking a daily antihistamine, taking Vit A tablet along with loads of fresh fruit & veg drinks - I feel like I've just stumbled across the holy grail!

I really feel that a histolic approach is need for KC. Hope you can find a soloution for your RPG probs too

cx

[Loopy-Lou]

sounds like piggy backing Ladyburd?

[space_cadet]

proud of you for giving a lens a go hun *gentle hugs*

x

[Loopy-Lou]

thanks for support
x

[Loopy-Lou]

The replacement lens fits better but the wear time is reduced, 8 hrs is the limit [prickling at 6], as time goes by during the day it's as though a 'suction' occurs, so at the 6-8 hr mark it feels like it's glued on [I've tried hydrating drops]