Dangerous contact lens solutions!

Picked up some Opti-Free today. I'll let you guys know how it works out tomorrow, though I'm feeling pretty good about it since Complete worked just fine for me.

Laura Rodriguez48 said:The U.S. market is seeing a recall on several contact lens solutions from AMO, Germany GmbH—specifically Complete Moisture Plus, Complete Comfort Plus All-in-One Solution, and the Complete Starter Kits.

According to a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services, the manufacturer decided to issue this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure... there's a potential risk of users developing an eye infection caused by Acanthamoeba bacteria.

The manufacturer is advising anyone using Complete products to return any unused bottles to the pharmacy or specialized retailer where they were originally purchased so they can be disposed of properly.

The Department of Health and Human Services is urging all Complete users to follow these instructions closely.

I have some Oxysept Comfort and Lens Plus from that same manufacturer—AMO—sitting at home, and I use Pure solution now!!!! Does anyone know if those other brands are dangerous too?????????
Has anyone actually used those specific products???

I did... and it absolutely wrecked me. I ended up with a bacterial eye infection. It was incredibly painful... then it migrated from my left eye to my right one. Just awful...

Kate Cox2 said:is... honestly... after using monthly and quarterly lenses for years, compared to these bi-weeklies, those old ones feel like bricks. I don't think I could ever put them back in my eyes again....

I ended up having to wear my bi-weeklies for almost a month because they got stuck at customs, and since I have a pretty rare base curve, they weren't available anywhere in town, blah blah... Anyway, the Johnson & Johnson ones held up great, didn't irritate me at all, and now they're basically my favorite things ever. 🙂

Kate Cox2 said:Yeah, please, keep us posted on any changes... I'm just dying to see how this plays out...

So, I picked up some Opti-Free, popped in my new lenses, and people at work actually noticed I look better today. Maybe they'll last a while...

Btw., did anyone else actually have issues with Complete?

I tossed my Complete Moisture Plus straight into the trash the second I heard about those bacteria issues—even though I literally just bought a new bottle. Honestly, I tried Opti-Free Express instead and it’s actually pretty solid. My lenses are Acuvue, the 3x14 day packs, and they feel like nothing's even in my eyes.$67They're basically just like any other brand you'd pick up
wherever.

Michelle Kelly76 said:@Angela Reyes3/">@@Angela Reyes3: Wait, where on earth did you read that it kills that specific bacteria?

Well, I actually tossed the box already, so I can't give you the exact wording from the label, but if I recall correctly, right underneath the main product name, there was some fine print mentioning it’s for cleaning lenses, preserving them, and specifically noted that it kills that bacteria...

Hey everyone, I’ve got a quick question for you all... Where do you usually go to pick up your contact lenses? Do you head to those specialized eye boutiques like Verizon, or do you prefer going to a hospital clinic or somewhere else entirely? For years now, I’ve been going to Verizon, and I always end up with the exact same thing—B&L Verizon lenses—which makes me feel like I don't actually have any real options at all. Now, I'm starting to wonder, does Verizon only carry B&L products, or is it just that because my prescription is so high, I'm stuck with these annual B&L Verizon lenses regardless of what else is out there?

Angela Reyes3 said:Hey everyone, I have a quick question! Where do you all usually pick up your contact lenses? Do you head to specialized places like LensCrafters, go to an eye clinic, or somewhere else entirely? For years now, I’ve been going to LensCrafters and I always end up with the exact same thing—B&L Verizon lenses. It feels like I don't even have a choice! I'm starting to wonder if LensCrafters only carries B&L, or if my high prescription just means I'm stuck with those yearly Verizon lenses?

I've always gone to LensCrafters myself and grabbed the B&L ones too. They work fine for me! But now I'm thinking about switching from the yearly ones over to the three-month ones or something similar. Does anyone know if I need to schedule an eye exam first to figure out which ones will work, or can I just decide on my own?

Laura Barnes54 said:I’ve mostly been shopping at Ghetaldus, getting B&L lenses too, and I’ve always been pretty happy with them. Now, I’m thinking about switching from my annual prescription to something more like a three-month supply, or maybe something else entirely, but I’m stuck on one thing—do I really need to schedule a full eye exam first, or can I just decide which ones I want on my own?

Honestly, I don't think anyone can actually force you to get an exam if you don't want to... And when it comes to the money side of things, does it even matter? It's kind of like $33, where they might just deduct it from the price of the contact lenses anyway... I’ve been paying $187 for years now, and even back when the exam used to be free versus how it is now where they charge $33... From what I know, the doctors down there always flip through all the different lens types for me, so maybe you could actually talk it out with her and figure out which ones you want without needing a whole formal exam first?

silvergull10 said:Did anyone even ask about the money? I bought two bottles—both are open, but they’re basically full. That’s $57, plus $17 I had to shell out for a new case for my contact lens machine, which I’m definitely not getting back. Shouldn't they be refunding us when they issue a recall?

And they should be giving us new lenses too! This is a total disaster... 😠 Imagine buying a yearly supply and then—bam—nothing. Now you have to go buy more. Blah.

Angela Reyes3 said:Folks, I have a quick question for the group... Where on earth are you all getting your contact lenses? Do you stick to specialized places like Warby Parker, go to the eye clinic, or somewhere else entirely? I’ve been going to the same place for years and they always hand me the exact same thing—B&L Verizon lenses—and apparently, I don't even have an option. Now, I am genuinely wondering: does my local shop only carry B&L, or is it just because my prescription is so high that I am stuck with these yearly Verizon lenses regardless?

Honestly, please take a moment to surf through all those links we’ve tossed around in this contact lens discussion (www.warbyparker.com ; www.lensway.com ; these )
Look closely at the differences between the brands—check the water content, how much oxygen permeability they offer, the wear schedule, and, of course, the price point... then compare all that data against what you are wearing right now.
Once you find a pair that looks promising, head down to the optometrist and ask them to let you try them out. If they refuse or claim they simply "can't" order them for you... well, just find a different eye doctor. Or, frankly, just order them online yourself.
And please... do take the time to test which ones actually feel best on your eyes. I truly mean this, I had the exact same experience myself; goodness knows, I didn't even realize there were other brands besides B&L out there!
But now, I certainly do know... 😬

Angela Reyes3 said:Do you all tend to visit specialized optical boutiques like Ghetaldus, or perhaps a hospital, or somewhere else entirely?

Well, I used to go to my regular lens specialist... but once I realized my prescription had jumped, I called them up only to find out their next available appointment wasn't for another month and a half! And honestly, I can barely see well enough to drive, for heaven's sake.
So, what did I do? Nothing else! I just typed "opticians in Seattle" into Google, pulled up some phone numbers, and started calling them one by one. I made sure to ask which brands of lenses they carried (since this forum helped me figure out exactly which ones I wanted to try), how much an exam would cost, and whether the eye test was just done on a computer or if there would actually be a doctor present...
And that’s how it went... once I finally tracked down an optical shop that had a doctor on staff, offered free exams, and stocked the exact lenses I was looking for, I booked an appointment immediately. For the very next day!
I walked out with my new prescription lenses right then and there. Since I don't suffer from any major issues—no astigmatism or anything of the sort—I don't think I'll need to rush back to a specialist anytime soon. I'll likely just make sure to treat myself to a thorough checkup every two years or so to stay on top of things.

Kate Cox2 said:Why don't you take a quick look through all those links we mentioned during our chat about contact lenses? www.warbyparker.com ; www.lensway.com ; these ones here

Thanks, but I was really just asking out of curiosity since they always seem to hand me the exact same pair whenever I visit Ghetaldus. I did spend a little time browsing online just now, and it turns out that given my specific prescription, I don't actually have much of a selection—maybe two or three options at most? But honestly, it doesn't even matter anymore because I've already gone ahead and bought my supply for the year, and I'm planning on heading in for laser eye surgery this fall anyway...

I’ve been using Complete Moisture Plus and the only issue is my eyes have started crusting up over the last couple of months. I’ve used CMP before without any infections or anything, so this is new.
Anyway, I'm switching 😁

Angela Reyes3 said:Honestly, I don't think anyone can actually force you to get an exam... And regarding the cost, it doesn't matter much—it’s just like $33, they’ll probably just deduct it from the price of the lenses anyway... I’ve been paying $187 for years now, and even back when exams felt free, versus now that they charge $33... I know the doctor down there always flips through all the lens types for me, so you might be able to chat her into helping you pick the right ones even without a formal exam...

But you know what's really on my mind? Okay, fine, I'll go for the exam. But I have this feeling my prescription has jumped up a bit. How on earth are they supposed to figure out exactly how much it changed? If they take my measurements while my contacts are out, I won't be able to see a thing! My eyes are so used to the contacts now; before I started wearing them, I didn't wear anything at all, and even with my old -1.75 pair, I could see better than I can now that my eyes have adjusted to the contacts and everything changes once I take them out... if you know what I mean 🙂!

Kimberly Davis52 said:Honestly, they really need to give us better contact lenses! They’re such a disaster lately... 😠 I mean, imagine buying a yearly supply, and then—bam—they're useless and you have to buy more. Ugh, what a joke.

My money wasn't even refunded, and my wife actually laughed at me when I showed up holding that little bottle 👎

And as for those contacts, they definitely shouldn't be thrown away like that.

Laura Barnes54 said:But you know what I’m really wondering about? Fine, I’ll go get an eye exam. But I have this nagging feeling my prescription has actually gone up a bit. How on earth are they supposed to determine the exact number if they test me while my contacts are in? I won't be able to see a thing! My eyes have become so used to wearing lenses; before I started using them, I didn't wear anything at all, and back when I was at a -1.75, I actually saw better than I do now that my eyes have fully adapted to the lenses... so when I take them out... if you catch my drift 🙂 )

Look, I’m currently rocking a -9.5 and an -11 (those are just the contact lens prescriptions; my actual vision needs are even higher), so just imagine how much I struggle without them! Go ahead and book that appointment; they’ll try to check your vision while you have the lenses in, and if they realize your sight isn't quite right, they'll just have you pop them out and they'll measure your prescription properly... I totally get where you're coming from, but honestly, I think what you're worried about is almost impossible. Your prescription is what it is, and you should technically be able to see clearly with it regardless of the situation. They’ll just hand you a pair of glasses to test, and you can do a little reading... Trust me, those professionals know their stuff, so don't stress too much about it. Or, if you can manage to go a single day without your contacts, maybe skip them for a day and then head to the clinic the next morning—that way, the results will be much more accurate. Personally, I can't exactly afford to do that because I'm basically blind without my lenses. Anyway, I know that over at the eye clinic, they have full catalogs of different contact lens brands; why not flip through it with the doctor and pick out whatever feels like the best fit for your vision? With a prescription like yours, you actually have plenty of options to choose from, whereas I'm pretty much stuck 😢

Angela Reyes3 said:Look, I’m currently sitting at -9.5 and -11 (those are contacts, my actual prescription is even higher!), so just imagine me without them! Just go in for an exam. They’ll try to check how you see with your current lenses, and if they realize you aren't seeing clearly, they'll just have you pop them out and get a proper measurement... I totally get where you're coming from, but honestly, I think what you're worried about is pretty much impossible. Your prescription is what it is, and you should be seeing okay with it regardless. They'll put those test glasses on you and you'll be able to read just fine... Trust me, these professionals know their stuff, so don't sweat it! Or, if you can manage to go a day without contacts, just leave them out and head to the appointment the next day—that way the results will be super accurate. I personally can't do that because I'm basically blind without my contacts. Anyway, I know they have contact lens catalogs over at Ghetaldus; just flip through it with the doctor and pick whatever works best for your vision. With your prescription, you actually have plenty of options, whereas I really don't 😢

But look, this is what I meant! Back in the day, I wasn't wearing anything and I actually saw better with my nearly -2 prescription than my dad did with his -1. If he took his glasses off, he'd actually see worse than I did! It’s all about how your eyes adjust, you know? Does that make sense?
That's why I'm thinking if they measure my prescription without my contacts right now, it might come out looking way worse than it actually is.
Honestly, I have no clue how the whole process works, I just want whatever is best for my eyes! 👍

Laura Barnes54 said:Look, this is what I was trying to get at. Back when I wasn't wearing anything at all, my vision actually felt better with my near-sightedness of almost -2 compared to my dad, who's at a -1; if he took his glasses off, he’d see things clearer than I would, you know? It’s really just about how your eyes adapt to everything. Does that make sense?
That's why I feel like if they measured my prescription right now without any contacts in, the results would look way worse than they actually are.
Honestly, I don't really understand the science behind it; I just want whatever is going to be best for my eyes. 👍

I’m definitely no expert on all this, but isn't it true that your perception of vision shifts slightly in the short term depending on whether you're wearing contact lenses, glasses, or nothing at all, even though your actual prescription remains the same? To get an accurate reading, shouldn't you go in for an exam after not wearing contacts for at least two days? (I think it has something to do with the cornea, but I could never quite remember the specific medical details...) Of course, eye strain can mess with the results too, but in my opinion, those are just minor discrepancies... People with very mild prescriptions probably notice those shifts much more easily than I do, since I can't see a thing without some kind of help anyway...

Laura Barnes54 said:And you know what really puzzles me? Fine, I’ll go get an eye exam. But I have this nagging feeling that my prescription has actually gotten worse. How on earth are they supposed to determine the exact change? If they take my measurements while I don't have my contacts in, I won't be able to see a thing! My eyes have become so completely dependent on contact lenses; back before I ever wore them, I didn't deal with this, and even with my old -1.75 prescription, I honestly felt like I saw better than I do now that my eyes have fully adapted to the lenses... and then there's that moment when I finally take them out... if you catch my drift 🙂

In my experience, before I would head to the ophthalmologist—well, back before I "gained" the privilege of visiting the contact lens specialist—I absolutely HAD to spend two full days wearing nothing but glasses instead of contacts. It was strictly to let my eyes readjust. That was mostly back when I was establishing my baseline prescription. Nowadays, when I visit the clinic, they examine me specifically regarding my contact lens needs. Since I recently updated my contact lens prescription, I'm heading back in about a month to update my glasses prescription (which is actually different from the one for my contacts)... and even then, I still have to go without my contacts for two days and stick solely to my glasses just so the exam can be truly "objective."