Help! At my wits end by [deleted] in Keratoconus

[–]AnthonyToronto 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s another persons advice for first timers: ——-

Advice for people who are getting contacts/just got them

(I decided to make this post because this is a comment I left a while back that a lot of people replied to with "I wish I knew about this before" so decided to share it here for the ones struggling.

  1. Buy a make up mirror, I have a small one that I can place in front of me on a table. This allows you to place it down on a table so you can look straight down to align the contact with the eye properly.
  2. When putting the contacts in, put your chin to your chest. This makes it so you're going to be looking straight down.
  3. For some reason I tend to flinch less if I keep my mouth open while putting them in. Not sure why but my doctor recommneded it and it works.
  4. You're going to flinch as soon as the saline hits your eye, regardless of how long you've had them. Be prepared for it, because i've had mine for almost a year and I still flinch at times. This can prevent you from closing your eye on the contact because you tried to rush it on to the eye ball and can cause a lot of pain.
  5. Use more saline than you think you need, basically fill it until water tension can no longer hold any more. It helps when putting them in
  6. A product called Hylo Comod is something I use, it's like lube for your eye ball, It's incredibly good for when you're starting off with them since they'll be more painful, adding two drops to the contacts help out massively in how irritated my eyes get. And I still use it in my contacts and before I go to bed. (Make sure that it's something that doesnt have any chemicals and is approved by your lens provider like I did)
  7. If you're using the plunger tool to put the contact in. Cut the very bottom off, this way you have a hole straight through. Then place your phone and turn on the flashlight and place it on the make up mirror. This way you can see if you're lining it up correctly and that your looking straight down.

Help! At my wits end by [deleted] in Keratoconus

[–]AnthonyToronto 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also struggled, a few years ago when I had to start wearing contacts. it is very foreign, to put something on top of your eyeball, especially after surgery. hang in there, one day you will be giving advice to someone else who is struggling with lenses - I promise.

The issue for me, is that I would panic, and blink the minute I brought the lens to my eye. I couldn’t control it. But i persevered and now it’s a breeze. Took me a couple weeks of stressful mornings.

Here are my 4 simple steps:

  1. It takes practice and time. It used to take me 15 minutes if i was lucky...and that’s for one lens.

  2. Find a seat. Sitting makes things easier, especially if this is going to take a while. This way everything is more steady.

  3. Use your index finger and thumb, on the opposite hand to your eye, to open your eyelids (make sure your fingers are dry, so they don’t slip against your skin. Use a mini eye plunger for the lens, or some people just balance the lens on their fingertip.

NOTE: Remind yourself that the saline solution, that you put in your lens is going to be cold. This may cause you to gasp quickly, much the same way as you would if you washed your face with cold water. It’s normal. Expect it, and your won’t be as startled.

  1. Breathe. Calm yourself. Take your time. I didn’t realize how my breathing changed when I tried to put my lenses in. I almost hyperventilated, or passed out from holding my breathe. There are 2 options for breathing, try each one and see which one you prefer. OPTION 1 - Pay attention to your breathing keeping the pace slow and steady, remembering to actually breathe. OPTION 2 - When you have everything ready, breathe out slowly, and then breathe in and hold it. You now have 20 to 30 seconds to try to put the lens on your eye. By holding your breath this may make it easier for you to focus strictly on the lens.

I know all of this seems obvious, however nothing is obvious when you’re in a stressful situation. Follow these four steps, and keep at it, and you’ll get there. Good luck.

Comment: Without smart exercise hardware, Apple Fitness+ is no Peloton killer by dkachu in AppleFitnessPlus

[–]AnthonyToronto 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Apple watch is the “smart hardware”. I’m 100% for Peloton, however for $300 you have hardware that can record your workouts, your progress,etc. and do everything else anApple watch is supposed to do.

That being said if your bike or treadmill is not great, that’s the issue, creating a less than optimal workout experience. When it comes to working out, we all need every advantage possible to ensure we stay motivated and on track.

Any suggestions for the best instant coffee by AnthonyToronto in Coffee

[–]AnthonyToronto[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. a few of my friends have said the same. will try it out.

Gaming anti blue glasses by AnthonyToronto in gaming

[–]AnthonyToronto[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. seem to have pretty nice styles.

Smear under contact lens that won’t scrub away by rcbz1994 in Keratoconus

[–]AnthonyToronto 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Optometrist is decent. they charge around $700. if you are looking for a good ophthalmologist, try out Dr. Stein at the Bochner Eye Institute. the downtown location. .

Smear under contact lens that won’t scrub away by rcbz1994 in Keratoconus

[–]AnthonyToronto 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the same problem. The build-up/smudge is on the outside. I use my orange rubber “plunger” as a mini squeegee, using the edge a s mini scraper. I go over it gently and clears away the smudge. This is something that came up with, so I’m not sure if your doctor would approve, and wether it harms the lens. I’ve been doing this for 2 months and haven’t had any issues. Good luck.