Aquatech 55 (Biomedics) Contact Lenses - A Great, Comfy First Lens
Written: Jan 21 '04 (Updated Jan 22 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comfortable, high water content, non-irritating, inexpensive, durable, visibility tint
Cons: Can dry out my eyes, DON'T buy the color Aquatech contacts!
The Bottom Line: I have loved these as my first contact lenses. They are extremely comfortable, and economical.
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| Javelina's Full Review: American Hydron Aquatech 55 Biomedics 55 Contact L... |
I recently just switched to contact lenses over my usual glasses. When I went to the optometrist, they recommended a contact lens for me, based on my eyes - the Aquatech 55 lenses. I have 20/40 vision, with the slightest astigmatism in my left eye. I am nearsighted (meaning I can see fine for things up close), with no other eye problems. These are apparently a very popular prescription, so they had lenses available immediately for me to try (in office).
When my actual eye exam was complete, I went to "contact lens school", as they call it. Needless to say, it took me a while to get my first lens in, but when I did, I was thrilled! I can see great, for once, and without my eye glasses!
After one week of gradually increasing the amount of time wearing the lenses, I had to go back for a checkup to make sure things were working out (obviously, the lenses were fine). Every year, of course, I go for a regular eye exam.
The Basic Info
These are two-week disposables, which means you can wear them for two weeks straight. (Don’t wear them when sleeping). You can also break up the days you wear them. So, let’s say I don't wear my contacts on weekends, I could almost make these last for about three weeks. But you want to make sure the contacts are in acceptable condition to do so.
The lenses are slightly tinted blue. This is so that you can have an easier time while handling them. They mostly allow you to be able to more clearly see the contact lens when it is in solution. I guess it is also supposed to help you find them if you lose one, but the slightest blue tinge isn't going to help me find one if it gets dropped somewhere other than a white backdrop!
The material content of these contact lenses are 45% Polymer (polymacon).
These contact lenses are also 55% water... hence the name, Aquatech 55.
These lenses are manufactured by Ocular Sciences. Depending on your eye care provider, these lenses are known as either the private label name, Aquatech 55 or Biomedics 55. They are identical, but it just depends where you get them.
I read that these contacts are designed for optimal comfort and visual clarity.
I order my contact lenses either through my optometrist or online, through Lens123.com, which is suggested through my health insurance. (You need your optometrist's information and your prescription information, which they will verify, to purchase contacts online). I get a box of 6 Aquatech 55 contact lenses for about $20. Each lens comes sealed in its own packet of solution, and then I transfer them over to my own plastic case.
Other Products I Use With My Lenses...
There are a bunch of other products and accessories I use with these contacts. Since I'm a new contact user, I simply use what is suggested to me by my optometrist. I was told that I shouldn't switch my lens solutions back and forth (stick with one solution per pair of lenses).
Contact Lens Case. (Of course).
Renu MultiPlus Contact Lens Solution. I use this every day to soak my contact lenses. When I take them out of the case, I rub them and rinse them. And then I also use a drop or two in each lens as I'm trying to put the lens on, because it will better adhere to the surface of your eye when wet.
Renu MultiPlus Lubricating & Rewetting Drops. I tend to use these drops a lot in the winter, when it's dry. I work indoors, so the office air tends to get dry and stale, not to mention I'm staring at a computer for lengths of time. It really only serves to temporarily rewet your eyes, so if it is dry, you’re pretty much going to have to deal with dry eyes.
My Thoughts
I have really enjoyed using these contacts. After getting over the initial hurdle of figuring out how to get them in, I had no problem. The first time I had them in my eyes, my fiancé asked if I could feel anything, and amazingly, my answer was "no". No discomfort or sensation at all.
I follow all the directions that I was given when I first went to the optometrist, as well as the directions and information that comes with the contact lenses, solution, and so on.
The only thing I sometimes have difficulty with is determining if the contact lens is inside out or not. You're supposed to be able to tell by the shape of the lens. Correctly turned, it should be sort of bowl shaped, whereas if it's inside out, it will look not as curved on the edges. Once in a while, I have to flip it a few times before I can make enough of a comparison to figure out which is the inside and out. The optometrist showed me a lens that has a "1 2 3" imprinted on it, so that you can tell which side goes out. I wish there were some sure way of telling, but I'm sure with time, I will become much more accustomed to identifying the correct side (and hopefully not turning them inside out!).
The only thing that is a downside to these lenses is that my eyes get dry, even with the high water content. This generally happens in dry weather and/or indoor air. The lenses are still comfortable, but they definitely get a little dry.
As a side note, I have dark blue, sometimes blue-gray eyes. I tried the Aquatech 55 Colors (color lenses), and they looked pretty awful. They ran $35 a box of 6, and the colors were pasty, and did absolutely nothing. I tried some test color lenses, and I wouldn’t recommend them.
Overall
I have really enjoyed these contacts, and they have made a great first contact lens. They were immediately comfortable, and I have had no problems with them. I have never had one rip or become damaged. With 55% water content, the Aquatech 55 lenses feel great.
Recommended:
Yes
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