Contact lens advice

[Flossie]

I've been wearing contact lenses on the bike for a number of years and as my fitness/endurance has gradually increased so has the leingth of the rides I'm doing.
I'm ok upto about 150 miles but over that, my eyes are getting pretty sore.
I always ride wearing 'O' M Frames and realy don't want to resort to prescription eyeware if at all possible.

Any advice would be very welcome.

[Steve P]

I've been wearing contact lenses on the bike for a number of years and as my fitness/endurance has gradually increased so has the leingth of the rides I'm doing.
I'm ok upto about 150 miles but over that, my eyes are getting pretty sore.
I always ride wearing 'O' M Frames and realy don't want to resort to prescription eyeware if at all possible.

Any advice would be very welcome.

150 mile

[Flossie]

Yeah, long audax's. Did a couple of 300k's last year and fancy something longer.

... Don't ask!

[Steve P]

Ahh yes, I think nike do some

[TheBugMan]

You should see an optometrist. I wear contacts and have no problems over any distance UNLESS the contacts are damaged, too old, wrong lens solution, they are dirty or I have to keep my eyes open for more than 40 hrs.
My GF has all kinds of contact problems when she wears them over long periods. Her fix was to try every different kind of lens solution until she found the one that worked for her (wrong one would irritate her eyes throughout the day). She also has to use a specific brand of eye drop during the day.

[Mottsauce]

If corrective eye surgery is an option, it was the best move that I ever made. I had to have PRK due to a shallow cornea, but after the several week corrective period, I've never looked back. With Lasik, if you're a good candidate, it's almost instant.

It's not for everyone and it isn't cheap, but think about all you spend in contacts, solutions, glasses, etc...

[KB]

If corrective eye surgery is an option, it was the best move that I ever made. I had to have PRK due to a shallow cornea, but after the several week corrective period, I've never looked back. With Lasik, if you're a good candidate, it's almost instant.

It's not for everyone and it isn't cheap, but think about all you spend in contacts, solutions, glasses, etc...

Wore contact lenses from 23 to 50 and then got my eyes lasered. It cost me 2,200 pounds, but was money well spent. Within a couple of hours I could see 20/20 again. I had it done 5 years ago. Would recommend.

[Jaker]

Bausch and Lomb Pure Vision contacts (available in Toric for those of us with Astigmatism). I have been using these for about 3 years now. I was part of the clinical trial here in Canada. They are made to "WEAR" for 30 days straight without removal. I sleep in them, shower, etc... I might remove them once or twice during the 30 day period, but I have gone as much a 40 days without removal (call me lazy).

They are a new technology (I believe they are silicone) that breathes 600% more oxygen than conventional soft 30 day contacts.

I do occasionally get a bit of dry eye, but a few blinks and they're good to go.

[racyrich]

Try riding without the glasses if it's not too bright or too many flies. The wind will promote more tear production. Remember to clean the lenses well - that tear production will cause a protein build up.
Oh, and when I was racing seriously I'd be in contacts from 6 am to 9pm, with work in the middle. Plus plenty of 8 hour rides and a few 12 hour TTs.

[Flossie]

Thanks Gents, some good ideas to try.

[DocRay]

consider disposal contacts. one wear and toss.

As for Lasik. I wear glasses and will not do this, the risks are way too high and the procedure is not as reliable as it is being sold. There are many people who have been blinded or are in pain as the result of lasik. If contacts are not an option consider prescription glasses inserts.

http://www.lasikcomplications.com/

http://thelasikreport.com/TheLasikReport_April2008.pdf

(over 42 references of problems in that report)

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/04/25/la ... topstories

From the Head of the FDA, Jayne Weiss:

"I can read without my glasses and ... operate without my glasses, and I love that," she said. "The second aspect is I would not tolerate any risk for myself.

[beatnik]

Oakley M-Frame with the biggest lense. I´m wearing c.l. for years and that´s the final solution