Rigid gas permeable contact lenses in ballet class

[eunheejun]

Hi all:

 

I was wondering if those of you who wear rigid gas permeable contacts in class have experienced lenses popping out in the middle of high impact movements (e.g., jumps). I got these contacts (no other options available in my case) for an upcoming exam (I have a month to get used to them before the exam) and trying to wear them for classes from now on. But if popping out could be a problem I would have to go back to glasses. Thank you for sharing your information in advance.

 

Eun Hee

[airchild]

Hi Eun Hee,

 

I wear similar type contact lenses but have no problem whatsoever during jumps, etc. I assume they are soft contact lenses, right? If they are popping out, maybe you should see your optometrist and ask if another type or another curvature would suit you better. There are so many new types of lenses that allow more oxygen into the eyes, you should be able to find some alternatives (even online, with your eye doctor's prescriptions). Also, do you experience dryness during class? Maybe some rewetting solution would help.

 

Good luck with your exam!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

edited by moderator to remove unnecesary quoting of previous message

Edited March 15, 2008 by Redbookish

[eunheejun]

Hi Airchild:

 

Thank you for your reply. No, they are actually considered as hard lenses, thus the concern of popping out. I have just read online that it is very rare for them to pop out during athletic activities, but they do pop out more often than soft lenses which are not my option. I did inform my doctor that I would be wearing contacts for the purpose of doing ballet, so I hope that this was the best choice he could make for me. Do you wear rigid gas permeable or do you wear soft lenses? (there are soft lenses which do pass oxygen, but they are not conventionally called gas permeable lenses)

 

Thank you,

 

Eun Hee

[airchild]

Hi Eun Hee,

I see. Yes, I am aware that hard lenses do pop out more easily than soft ones. I wear soft lenses myself and therefore never have any problem with them popping out, unless my lenses are super dry and I'm trying to tinkle with them. I do hope that your doctor will be able to give you some advice regarding how to keep them in place during ballet. Good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by moderator to remove unnecessary quoting of previous post. Please use "Add Reply" at the bottom of the thread. Thanks

Edited March 15, 2008 by Redbookish

[Dance_Scholar_London]

I have hard lenses as well and I never had a problem with 'popping out'. Are you new to hard lenses? I might take you some time to get used to them (especially when you are used to soft lenses).

[Swiss_Chard]

I haven't worn hard lenses in a really long time, but I used to go running in them and didn't have a problem with them popping out. I have to agree that it will take some time to get used to them, though.

[balletgirl22sk]

I have worn gas permeable contacts for over 20 years and never had trouble in class or teaching with them popping out. If they do for you, maybe they don't fit correctly.

[Hamorah]

If you accidentally knock the side of your eye roughly, it could trigger the lens to slip off the cornea, but it's a very rare occurrence. I got hard lenses at age 17, and changed to gas permeable when they came out. I still wear them all the time, dancing and teaching in them and even performing with them in false eyelashes and full stage makeup.

 

It may take you longer to get used to them than soft lenses. When I first started I had them in for an hour and then added on an hour each day. When I could wear them for 8 hours at a stretch I wore them in class for the first time. It was a miracle!!!!! For the first time I could see people on the other side of the studio (I was vain and wouldn't wear glasses, which were ugly in those days) and when someone smiled at me, I actually smiled back! They are supposed to be healthier for the eye than soft lenses - less chance of infection - or so an optician told me. By the way, I have a student, who never learnt to pirouette properly, because she was afraid of losing her glasses. So do persevere - it's worth it - especially as a dancer.

[spingirl]

I've worn rigid gas perms for 30 years, and the only time I had them pop out was when they were new. Apparently the fit wasn't right because they should sort of "suction" to your eyeball (gently!) and not become dislodged that easily. Mine popped out because I blinked while I was looking up, and that definitely shouldn't happen.

 

So be sure to hurry back to your eye doctor and tell him or her. They shouldn't come out that easily. And, FWIW, I love mine and can't stand soft lenses, though softs are supposed to be better for your eyes. I couldn't see as clearly through soft lenses. I tried them for two weeks and went back and begged for gas perms again!

 

Lisa