Silicon Hydrogel Contacts: Good Alternative to Laser Eye Surgery

Lately, I realized that I was due for some new contacts. Since I fall into the "blind as a bat" category, I've been wearing soft contacts for 20 years now. (I'm one of those people who needs my glasses to find my glasses!) I'm a recent transplant to northern California, so I had to do the great eye doctor search to find a new guru to care for my "baby blues." (OK, so they're actually green, but that doesn't flow as well.) Either way, I had to endure some serious eyestrain to find a new professional for my peepers.

Although I'm now in California, I'm no surfer, so instead I waded through the web searching for a good (translation: cheap) source of vision. (No, not that kind, but you can find that on the web, too.) I happened across some articles and advertisements for a newer type of contact, touting 30 day continuous wear. WHAT? No surgery, no rubbing and rinsing, and no fumbling in the dark for my glasses so I don't trip over that darn dog doing his "fuzzy boulder" imitation?!? I was intrigued, to say the least, but definitely skeptical. I had tried "extended wear" contacts in the past, and ended up with eyes so bloodshot I looked like a stoner.

After some research, I uncovered the clues to this new miracle of vision. These new soft contacts are made of silicon hydrogel, a substance that purports to allow 6 times more oxygen to reach the cornea of the eye, allowing for longer, more comfortable wear, even while sleeping. The hyrdogel is also resistant to protein buildup, so there is no daily rinsing or soaking required. In fact, they are touted as an alternative to expensive laser surgery.

Still skeptical, I went to the eye doctor ("free trial pair" coupon in hand - see the "Night & Day" website below). After the usual amount of chitchat, he explained that these new contacts are made out of a new material, totally unlike any other soft contacts. We ran through the "lens 1 or lens 2" and "better or worse" until he came up with the official "blind as a bat" prescription, and handed me a pair of contacts to try out.

The first ones were Bausch & Lomb's version, called PureVision. They have a more beveled edge that fits better on many people (unfortunately, not me.) After popping in the CIBA's "Night & Day", I was surprised, to say the least. Not only were they crisp and clear, but I couldn't tell I had them in! (Other than being able to see, that is.) But.... Would they hold up for the full 30 days?

Day 1 Driving home from the eye doctors, the trees scare me. I forgot they had all those little branches and things. (It's been while since I had new contacts, sadly.) My only problem: Not being able to shut my brain off to go to sleep. (Can't sleep with my contacts in, can't sleep with my contacts in, etc.)

Day 2 I wake up and experience an moment of confusion when I realize I can see clearly. (Boy, he looks funny when he's sleeping!) I still can't feel the contacts and don't experience any of the blurriness or dry eye I figured I'd have. I throw in a couple drops of rewetting solution, mostly out of habit rather than need. Still have trouble sleeping, though, and look like an idiot trying to take off my glasses before bed (since I don't actually have them on!)

Day 3 By afternoon, my contacts are still comfortable, but seem a little less sharp than usual. After a quick rinse with solution, they are as clear as before. Take a delicious nap in front of the TV. How weird to be able to fall asleep without worrying about my contacts or glasses! Strange... Looking in the mirror, I realize there is something funny about my eyes. They're not RED! Can these contacts actually be good for my eyes?

Day 4 I still can't feel these things, and am starting to forget that I even wear contacts. Although they do seem to get a little cloudy in the afternoon, a quick rinse seems to do the trick and they're still very comfortable. My eyes look even whiter than yesterday, and the usual "dry eye" I get seems to be disappearing.

Days 5-30 I won't bore you with the details of days 5-30 since they pretty much continue in the same vein. I got a little bit of irritation around day 7, but soaking my lenses for about 4 hours brought them back to the same clear and comfortable state as before, so I soak them about once a week. (CIBA has a new 5-minute soaking solution that I plan to try. Hopefully, that will eliminate the need for my glasses most of the time.)

My experience with these new breed of contacts has been amazing. Not only do I have crisper, clearer vision, but these contacts are so comfortable that I forget I'm wearing them. Although I do need to soak them about once a week, they have mostly eliminated my need for glasses. And they are fairly inexpensive, too - about $60 for a box of six (3 months worth.) Plus, I find that my eyes seem to be in better shape than before - that chronic redness I had with traditional contacts has all but disappeared. Now I get compliments on my bright green eyes.

If you're considering laser surgery but can't afford the cost or are uncomfortable with the idea, these silicon hydrogel contacts are definitely a good alternative. Even if you haven't considered surgery and are just tired of the hassle of glasses or contacts, these are worth checking out. From my experience, they are definitely a life-changing purchase!