can't wear contacts

I have tried for several years to wear contacts for reading. My left eye is 1.50 and my right eye is normal.  Everytime I try a new type of contact, I have the same problem - my eyes start drying out after 1-2 hours. I have put eye drops in my eyes but the relief only lasts for an hour or so. What is wrong with my eyes??? Am I destined to never wear contacts???

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Not everyone can wear contacts. The reasons can be the same of the eye, the strength of the prescription, the same of the eye, dryness, allergy, extreme sensitivity of the cornea, poor wearing habits, poor handling habits and just plain bad luck.

You may never be able to wear contacts. Other options would be glasses or LASIK on the left eye.

JCH III MD

[JodieJ]

The two most comfortable contacts I've ever worn (and I've tried quite a few brands) are 1-Day Acuvue Moist and Extreme H20.  If you're highly motivated to try contact lenses again, I'd suggest that you consult a practitioner who specializes in fitting contacts on difficult-to-fit patients.  (Once when I was experiencing dry-eye problems, I drove 30+ miles to see a practitioner who claimed that if I couldn't wear his contacts, the consultation was free.  I left wearing Extreme H20 lenses, which turned out to be very comfortable, and I was happy to pay the fee for the exam.)  If there's an optometry school in your area, they might be able to provide you with a referral.  Best of luck.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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