I bought and wore contact lenses for the first time last March 26, 2013. Dr. Pajaro, the eye doctor from Ideal Vision (SM Mall of Asia), had patiently briefed me about the costs of different types of contact lenses including the solution to clean and maintain them. That day after work, I also visited the rest of the optical stores in MOA, namely George Optical, EO Executive Optical, Unique and Sarabia Optical, where I asked for suggestions from staff and compared prices to get the best buy.
Since Ideal Vision offered me the best service and gave me the most valuable information I’ve been wanting to receive, it was hard to decline. I got the Air Optix Aqua Contact Lenses, thanks to Dr. Pajaro’s recommendation. He checked my eye grade and confirmed that it still hasn’t changed (I have 120/120 vision). He didn’t give up on his many attempts of putting contact lenses on my eyes.
Whenever the contact lens touched my eye, the immediate effect was that my eye would start watering profusely. Then I had to pause and breathe, calm down and signal to resume. The doctor again would clean the lens with the liquid solution and try again.
As the saying goes, “Hard work pays off.” We believe that and we were done after an hour. π
When I reached home, I happily announced to my family that I got contacts on. I watched videos online to learn how to remove them, before going to sleep. The tutorials on YouTube showed simple procedures, yet I could do not them myself. Daddy quickly did it for me instead. And that went on for the next three weeks, until I learned how to wear and remove them on my own. π
Why I Started Wearing Eyeglasses
Flashback eight years ago, I was seated at the third row from the front of the classroom. Our high school math teacher was writing mathematical equations on the whiteboard for the day’s lecture. The distance was only about ten steps away, but I could hardly see clearly. I kept on squinting my eyes, wondering if his handwriting was just too small or if the whiteboard marker’s ink was just too light. So I would usually have to go nearer to copy notes for my review. My other classmates would do the same; I was not the only one. Maybe, then, my reasons were right. And I could have remained wondering forever.
One day, I took the courage to have my eyes checked. My mom and I visited the optometrist nearest our place. According to the eye test, both of my eyes had 50-50 degree.
Finally, an answer.
So it was my nearsightedness. I had to wear eyeglasses β eyeglasses which I didn’t want to wear for a lot of reasons.
Why I Hate Wearing Eyeglasses
I could not wear glasses while dancing or doing other sports because they will fall off, causing deterrent and distraction on my focus.
I could not wear glasses when it’s raining. They are not equipped with wipers to wipe away the raindrops on the lenses.
I could not wear glasses when there’s a big change in temperature (the lenses tend to fog very easily).
I could not wear glasses because I tend to constantly adjust the edge of the frame from the bridge of my nose upwards. They are super uncomfortable.
I don’t want to wear glasses because I don’t feel confident with how I look when they’re on.
The distance between my eyes and the lens creates distortion, adding only to my poor peripheral vision. This is why I prefer wearing large-frame glasses.
Few instances led me to see in perfect vision through those lenses: when something is being projected from a computer and when the professor’s handwriting is tiny. I had to remove my glasses after class and proceed with seeing the world with my imperfect vision. That went on through college, even when my eye degree went up double,Β to the time I had my first job when I only wore glasses during meetings and presentations.
I did not consider wearing contact lenses then because I thought they’re high maintenance. Besides, I could not dare to deliberately place my finger to insert and remove the lenses onto and from my eyes. My eyelids would involuntarily close my eyes, like repelling automatically from some alien.
Why I Started Wearing Contact Lenses
So here’s the big question: “Why made me decide to wear contact lenses?”
Apparently, my “hatred” to wearing eyeglasses had been raging for years – so much so that I felt that I’ve had enough reasons (as stated above) on why I need to try wearing contact lenses.
I’ve read several blogs and websites say that contact lenses cater for more natural vision, as there’s no distractions, no weight and resulting discomfort. Also, there’s no frame constantly slipping down the nose, no annoying obstructions or reflections in view, and no collections of precipitation and fog that blur vision. Contact lenses, unlike framed eyeglasses, can match everything I wear. There’s also no glare and reflection that detract people from seeing my eyes.
Review of Air Optix Aqua Contact Lenses
After over a month of wearing contact lenses consistently, now is a good time to share my “Air Optix Aqua contact lenses” review.
Comfort: Air Optix Aqua contact lenses, compared to regular contact lenses, have higher oxygen transmissibility, theΒ eye doctor says. The Air Optix Aqua contacts are designed for extended wear. Produced out of patented lens material, these contacts help minimize the rate of lens dehydration. This is why they can be even worn while asleep and up to 18 hours in a day and still retaining moisture. (But of course, I stillΒ limit the number of hours that I wear them.)
Its website claims that there’s “rich, nourishing oxygen flows continuously through the lenses – for white healthy looking eyes.” Oh,Β I was not aware that our eyes do “breathe” as well, so as far as that statement goes, I could probably relate to it to some extent. The contacts are pretty comfortable and I haven’t encountered any problem thus far.
Price for Value: At PHp 1350, the package I bought consists ofΒ six clear disposable soft lenses (three pairs, one pair per month). A normal pair of monthly disposable contacts (not hydrated ones) costs about PHp 150 only. Next time, I have to try wearing them also just to feel the difference and have a more meaningful judgment on whether or not the Air Optix contacts are worth the expense in every way.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I currently wear eyeglasses and haven’t tried to wear contacts … i am afraid that i might fell asleep with it which is dangerous to our eyes.. but hopefully soon i’ll get the courage to wear one on special occasion.
You can try the Air Optix contacts because they are safer than the regular ones, so you can take a nap while they are on — when you forget to remove them. π I wish you the courage to try wearing them soon! π
I share the same reasons why i hate wearing eye glasses. My eye grade is already on a 300+ mark and i started using contact lenses since college after my ex girlfriend had to convince me to finally get one. I was having hard time to but finally got used to it after a month. I got mine from EO and its colored, charcoal. Everyone says it looks natural on me and it fits me well since it got spanish-ish look. π
Oh wow. I would also love to try wearing colored contact lenses after I finish the last pair of Air Optix contacts. I wonder if I’d look more like a foreigner here. Haha π
It truly is a big discomfort to wear both glasses and contact lenses. Luckily for me, I have perfect vision so I don’t have to go through the hassle of wearing both. However, due to fashion reasons, I still resort to wearing no-grade glasses at times (when I have a pimple so that the focus would veer away from it) and no-grade colored contact lenses when needed in photo shoots.
Are you considering on getting your eyes laser-ed?
Wa-liao, yes you are lucky!
Nope, the doctor said I can’t have my eyes laser-ed because the grade is still too low. Besides, I had heard about the risks such that laser eye surgery may not result in perfect 20/20 vision and poor night vision among other side effects. What’s worse is that one could go blind. They fire scary lasers into your eyes. It will hurt! I’m okay with contacts. π
I’m using Air Optix too, very comfortable for the eyes. Use Solo Care as your solution. Started wearing contact lenses when I was in college, for vanity reasons, haha.
I have not seen Solocare in the optical shops. I’ve only used Alcon Opti-Free Express Multi-Purpose Solution and the cheapest off the racks (also multi-purpose) by EO. So far both are okay. I don’t notice the difference.
I am wearing contact lens since college due to my active lifestyle. I’ll try this brand the next time, I get contacts.
There are four types of Air Optix contact lenses: AquaComfortPlus, Night and Day, Astigmatism and Aqua Multi-focal. Talk to your eye care professional about the lens options that are right for you.
Mine’s Astigmatism which always makes it more expensive when having contacts.
I see. Acuvue’s astigmatism contacts can help leave behind the blurred or fluctuating vision you may get with ordinary astigmatism contacts. And yes, it’s more expensive.
I have a friend whose really annoyed wearing contact lenses. She wanted eyeglasses neither. But I agree with you, contact lenses are good. I’LL’ recommend her your post!
Then maybe she can try orthokeratology (ortho-k). It’s another substitute whereby the user would have to wear gas-permeable contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea to reduce myopia mostly while asleep. When she wakes up in the morning, she would remove the lenses and have perfect vision. The best way is to go see the eye doctor to know whether she can be a good candidate of this option.
I don’t think I’d ever be comfortable wearing contacts. I tried once (just for a play), and it was uncomfortable. It’s like I always want to rub it. Good thing I don’t have to wear contacts or even glasses! π
Haha yeah they are uncomfortable if you’re not used to wearing contacts. But once you do, it’s like no big deal. π
I love looking at people wearing contact lenses. It’s comfortable I guess because you don’t have to worry about dropping it or condensation. But still I can’t bring myself to wear one. I’m scared.
I think the initial reaction to be scared is just normal. If you are new to wearing contacts and afraid of touching your eye, your doctor can help you get used to putting them on. At first I was also afraid for it might mess with my eyesight further. Eventually through practicing, I am now getting it! π
This really made me think more than twice. I’m wearing glasses, but occasionally, since it is indeed an obstruction, specially in my photography. My daughter had several types of contacts in different colors and styles, but I still hesitated too. But after this I might re-consider.
Whoa is she into cosplaying or costumes? I would also want to try colored contact lenses pretty soon. Hey, yeah I think glasses tend to reflect light in photography. So take it from your daughter and try to get rid of the obstruction. π
It is good that you found the right product for your eyes since we can be more productive when we are comfortable with everything we use.
Yup. Sadly though there is no colored version of the Air Optix contact to date.
Same here. I blame my high school teacher why until now I am wearing eye glasses. Ang liliit ng sulat and the morning light is glimmering eh. I used to wear contact when I was picked to represent our city in the Intercity meet. Hayz, iniwan ko na rin, kapag nahulog, timeout muna at hanapin ang contact lenses.
Kapag nahulog where? Hehe you must be one of the guys who cannot find clear contact lenses when they drop to the floor. Some of my friends have the same problem so they are using colored ones.
I want to wear contact lenses too, not because I have a poor eyesight, but because I want to temporarily change the color of my iris! Haha =)
Nyahaha I knew it! Of course you’d want to look fashionable and contacts are great tool to aid for that.
Super! Contact lenses can make a person look more appealing, depending on the chosen color. =)
I just bought two pairs of colored contact lenses (Geolica) from The Optical Shop. Those are three-toned ones and I’m excited to finish my last pair of clear contacts at the end of this month to try the new!
I was advised to wear eyeglasses to correct my vision but I wanted to have contact lens instead. However, the optometrist said that wearing contact lens is not always advisable and it’s also case to case basis.
Yes, the optometrist is right. If your eyes are dry especially you can’t wear contact lenses or the plastic material would hurt your eyes even more. For now you can just wear fashionable frames of eyeglasses. Try to visit Quiapo for cheap finds.
I don’t know but there’s a certain appeal with girls who wear glasses (not sure about the others) but, it’s good that you’ve replaced your glasses with something comfortable.
Agree. Your statement is not only true with girls but also for guys. There are just some people who are fitted to wear glasses and there are those who don’t. I guess it depends on the shape of the face that matches with the frame of the glasses. Some people even look more intelligent when they wear eyeglasses. π
I want to wear contact lenses (the colored ones) because it looks nice, unfortunately I am afraid to touch and put something in my eyes, so wag na lang. I am glad that as of now I don’t have problems on my vision because I also don’t like to wear eyeglasses.
Haha I think in the beginning, all of us are afraid to touch our eyes, of course we regard its sensitivity. But every time I put the contacts on, I remember Dr. Pajaro said “You want this!” and his words keep repeating at the back of my head. “I want this and I can do this!” π Soon enough, I have realized that I’m not touching my eyes with my finger; only the lenses do touch the eyeball.
Yes, AirOptix is great! I’ve tried that before but since I have astigmatism, it was difficult to use the lenses when I work. In my previous work, it was fine but now that I have to face the PC most of the time, glasses are the best bet for me. Great that you are happy with your lenses but I just can’t imagine having your dad put it on for you for 3 weeks π You have a great dad π
Yup he’s really great. π Oh wait, glasses are your best bet when you face the computer screen most of the time? I asked the eye doctors and they said wearing contacts with your eyes “babad” to the computer is just fine.
i’m a near-sighted, and i’ve been wearing glasses for quite sometime now. i guess, i’m just not that comfortable to shift to contact lenses as of now. a good review though. Yahweh bless.
Thanks, Ralph! π Getting used to wearing contacts takes time.
Thanks for this post! I do have exactly the same sentiments on why I don’t like wearing eyeglasses. But because of my line of work (research) my eye grade is sky rocketing. Now I am considering wearing contacts, and my friend who studies Ophthalmology actually suggested Air Optix. May I know what solution are you using?
I’ve been using the all-in-one contact lens solution by EO (in-house brand) for three months now. So far I think it cleans and disinfects the lenses well as I am able to see clearly without experiencing irritations. π
Hanggang ilang months po ba pde magamit ang contact lense? Every mobth po ba? O mas may matagl?
Hi Kathleen! It depends on the contact lenses. There are different types. Mayroon pang one day lang. Mayroon for 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. Sa pagtagal ng soot, may recommended for max of 6 hours lang. Mayroon naman for 24 hours. You can visit eye clinics to know more. π
Hello. I just want to ask what is the best OPTICAL that you can recommend? I’ve been wearing clear contact lens from EO for 2 years and recently the last pir I have is giving me red eyes when I used them about 4 hours. I stopped using contact lens right now. Thinking of changing OPTICAL SHOP. Which would you recommend?
Hi Genorblitz! I recommend Air Optix! π Wearing these lenses will provide your eyes with more oxygen circulation. You can buy a pair from Ideal Vision. They have an ongoing promotion now so better check it out.
Where to buy this brand of contact lenses?
Many of the optical shops sell Air Optix. You can check it out in malls.
Hi,
You bought three pairs of Air Optix contact lenses from Ideal Vision MOA for 1350?? Really? Cause I bought a 3 piece (or 1.5 pair) box for 1800..
Hi Shalini! Yes, I did. They were having promotions that time and the eye doctor told me that it’s really 1800 for regular price. So I just got three pairs for a discounted price. It was my first time to wear contact lenses so I was also hesitant if I wanted three pairs right away. Now I know I made the right choice. π
[…] knew I had to begin my search for yet another pair of contact lenses, as the “life” of my last pair of clear Air Optix Aqua was nearing its end. Incidentally, The Optical Shop in SM Manila had a big tarpaulin promoting […]
I started using contact lenses last month for my prom (My parents signed a waiver because im still minor). Contacts are 99% better than eyeglasses. We have the same reason why we hate using them. The 1 problem i see in using contacts is the laborious way of wearing it. You must use a few drops of lubricant to avoid the dryness of the contacts and clean them after using. But lets just accept the fact that we need to endure all the necessary work to make it more comfortable in our eyes
Hello there, confused ako haha so for 1800 ilang pairs na po yun? and na bobother lang po kasi ako kung anong size ng contact lenses and anong color available, ayoko ko po kasi ng malaking contacts, natural looking po ba?
How do you know if you have dry eyes? I mean, is it literally dry? Did your eyes hurt a lot the first time you wore your contact lenses?