Clear and Refreshing
Written: Jun 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clean, clear, fresh eyes every day
Cons: softer than my other lenses, so they rip sometimes
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| sgian's Full Review: Biocompatibles Proclear Compatibles |
For almost all the years I've been wearing contact lenses (19), I've had non-disposable soft contact lenses--until about 6 months ago when I got Proclear Compatibles. Those other contacts were fine for me, but one problem I had with them is that I tended to go too long between replacing lenses--that can be a problem.
My second-to-last appointment with my optometrist was just before my daughter was born three years ago. At that time, one of my lenses was new; the other was about 9 months old. I am quite gentle with my lenses, and have rarely torn or lost one, so they will last as long as I am not paying attention to their age. When I went in for my most recent appointment 6 months ago, my optometrist was horrified to learn I had the same lenses as my last appointment--so they were close to three years old. He explained about the buildup of proteins and debris that can accumulate despite the most meticulous care over that period of time.
And yes, thinking back, my eyes were often tired, irritated, and a bit sore by the end of the day. Enter Proclear Compatibles: these new lenses are "forcing" me to change lenses much more frequently, and my eyes feel fresher, more rested, and almost like I'm not wearing anything.
Proclear Compatibles are meant to be worn continually for a month, and then be thrown away. I personally don't like having contacts left in my eyes overnight, so I take them out just like I've done for years. I make a point of recording the date I get a fresh lens out of the package, and then try to check in about a month so I can throw it away. I HAVE nicked a few of these, torn one in half, and so I've had to use some new ones before my month is up--this is kind of a new experience for me, since I've rarely ripped one in the past. One thing to note about these is that they are a bit softer, thus flimsier, than my former lenses. That may be a concern to someone who has experienced this with other lenses; it's expensive to rip a few per week, which has happened to me!
The FDA has approved the following statement, made on the package: "May provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear." In my experience, that's true. I did not, however, have any real problems with my other lenses (until they got old and worn out), so I probably am not the perfect example of that statement.
The lenses come in a box with six individually sealed lenses--all for one eye or the other. Unless your prescription is identical for each eye, you will need to buy two boxes; I have one eye which is 20/200, and the other which is 20/350--there is no way I can see properly unless I use a separate prescription strength in each eye. Multiply the $49.95 by two eyes, lasting 6 months, and you're up to $200 for the year--that's a lot more than I was spending on my non-disposable lenses, but I feel the extra expense is worth is for me to have healthier eyes.
One side-note about the way I use my lenses (which I'm sure my doctor wouldn't enthusiastically endorse): since I take my lenses out each night, and thus have them in my eyes half the time they are designed for, I keep them longer than a month. I try not to go much beyond a month and a half so they won't deteriorate, but I feel that with a bit less use than others use them, they will theoretically last longer. This saves a bit of money over the year, and may be something others want to try--but remember, that's not what the directions call for, and so you should clear it with your eye-care provider yourself.
Overall, I am very pleased with the performance of these lenses--they are comfortable and easy on my eyes. And I have the added security of knowing with a fresh pair of lenses I won't get that icky buildup!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sgian
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Member: Suzanne
Location: Maine
Reviews written: 60
Trusted by: 58 members
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