dr@ski.UUCP (David Robins) (02/27/86)
>I have extended-wear contact lenses, and when I take them out, >my eyes have a "thick" feeling to them. This lasts for the >duration I have the contacts out (up to 2 weeks) and is discomforting. > >It's hard to describe the feeling--I guess it can be described as >a dry feeling also. Does anyone else have this feeling? Also, >I've noticed a desensitization of my eyes to particles in them when >my contacts are out--probably just due to being used to having things >in my eyes. > >Can anyone confirm that this "thick, dry" feeling in my eyes is normal? > >******************************** >I've noticed the same sort of dryness when I take out my extended wear >contacts. I've always just written it off to the fact that my eyes have >gotten used to having a high water content protective layer over them >(the contacts) and when they are removed, presto ... dryness. Several things may be going on. A common complication of CL wear is Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC). This is a field of small bumps on the back of the upper eyelid, caused by chemical sensitivity, reaction to proteins builtup on the lens, or a reaction to the plastic. When the lenses are removed, these bumps rub on the now-unprotected cornea, and can cause the feeling described. Medical treatment can reduce the symptoms, but real cure is aimed at finding the offending allergen, and getting rid of it. This is common with lens-care chemicals containing thimerosol, and with the extended-wear lenses. Because the lens is constantly in the ye, without any rest, proteins buildup more easily. Frequent enzyming may remove these deposits. Excess mucus may be produced also from the irritation, causing the thick feeling. Contact lens wear also reduces corneal sensitivity, and may make the eye feel almost anesthetised. Many people also have DRY EYE SYNDROME, a conditon where there is inadequate production of lubricating tears. The eyes may feel dry wither with lenses in or out, depending on the circumstances. Chronic lens wear may cause somewhat decreased tear production also. As to the mention above of the eye getting used to a high-water content layer on the eye--- the water in the lens comes from the tears. Persons with dry eye syndrome have lenses that change shape, due to the dryness- the lens quickly loses the water content, and equilibrates with the tears. High water content lenses therefore have the most fluctuation in fit and visual acuity. To test the dry eye theory, get some artifical tears in the drug store. They are over-the-counter; brands such as Hypotears, Liquifilm Tears, Tears Naturale, etc. There are all non-meidcated drops for dry eyes. Don't use Visine for this. If the eyes have this feeling, use one drop in each eye every 2 hours for a couple of days. If the eyes feel much better, then you may have dry eye syndrome. Don't use these with the lenses in, the preservatives can coat on the lenses- CLERZ-2 rewetting drops will do the same test with the contacts on. If there is no relief, other things have to be looked into. If there is relief, just use the tears whenever needed. -- ==================================================================== David Robins, M.D. Smith-Kettlewell Institute of Visual Sciences 2232 Webster St; San Francisco CA 94115 415/561-1705 {ihnp4,qantel,dual}!ptsfa!ski!dr The opinions expressed herein do not reflect the opinion of the Institute!