5star
Ürünstar 5.0
Bausch & Lomb Optima FW Contact Lenses
I've worn these Bausch & Lomb Optima FW contact lenses for daily wear and they've been a total game-changer. They give me super clear vision and are surprisingly comfortable - I mean, I've had some pretty sensitive eyes in the past, but these lenses have been a dream. Plus, they're designed specifically for people like me, so I don't have to worry about irritation. I've worn them for an extended period, and I'm seriously impressed with their performance and value for money.
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My 7-Year Experience with Bausch Lomb Optima FW Contact Lenses: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've been wearing Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses for seven years now, and I gotta say, they've been a total game changer for my eyesight. I've got a pretty crazy eye history, but these lenses have helped me see the world in a whole new light. I've experienced some issues along the way, but the good definitely outweighs the bad. If you're considering switching to contact lenses, I'd definitely recommend giving these a shot. They're worth every penny, especially when it comes to their value for money. One thing I love about these lenses is how easy they are to put in and take out – it's a breeze even after years of use. The build quality is top-notch, and I've never had any issues with them falling apart or getting damaged. The comfort level is insane – I can wear them for hours on end without even noticing they're there. The vision is crystal clear, and I've noticed a huge improvement in my overall eyesight. The lenses are designed to stay moist for a long time, which is a total lifesaver for people like me who spend a lot of time staring at screens. The customer support team is super friendly and helpful – they've always been there to answer my questions and concerns.
settingsSpecifications
Fiyat9/10
Kararİyi
Kalite8/10
Kullanışlılık7/10
Hello everyone!
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Let me start my story with a little backstory.
I've got a pretty crazy eye history, and it all started back in school. I used to play Dandy (nostalgia!) for hours on end, and read books till my eyes would bug out. One eye was 100% sharp, but the other was only at 50%. I got glasses, but they were a total no-go in school – everyone would stare at me like I was some kind of outcast. So, I just didn't wear them. Big mistake.
Fast forward to around 2000, and wearing glasses was basically a death sentence. Kids would bully you, and teachers would look at you like you were some kind of freak. I remember my eyesight was getting progressively worse, and I was down to -1.5 in one eye and -1.25 in the other. Yeah, it was a real blast.
I could've lived with it, but school made it impossible. I'd have to wear my glasses on test days, but that was about it. I was determined to tough it out, even if it meant struggling to see the board.
Now, let's jump forward to 2012. That's when I finally caved and got contact lenses. My eyesight was at -3.75 and -3.5 (left/right), and without my glasses, I was basically blind. I mean, I couldn't even read bus numbers or recognize people on the street. It was pretty pathetic, if you ask me.
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I have to say, finding the right fit was a nightmare. I tried to get something that was at least somewhat close, but it was impossible! So, I decided to give contact lenses a shot and made an appointment with an optometrist in another town (we didn't have one in our small village).
I'm not going to go into all the details of my experiments with different lenses, but I tried a lot of them before I finally found these Bausch&Lomb Optima FW contact lenses.
Bausch&Lomb Optima FW contact lenses for 3 months So, why Optima? These lenses have been considered outdated for ages, even back in 2013 they weren't the best, but they were cheap. Plus, our optometrist had a very limited selection, and daily wear lenses were way too expensive. I tried lenses for two weeks, but they didn't work for me, and monthly lenses didn't impress me either. At the time, I didn't like Optima FW either, but it was the best option available. The fact that I didn't have to replace them every two weeks or a month was a huge plus, and they were really affordable.xa0
▩ PRICE|WHERE TO BUY
Back when I lived in a small town, I used to buy lenses individually, and you could only buy them in bulk at IM (Internet Mall). I wasn't familiar with the internet back then ✅. Each lens cost around 200 rubles, and now they cost between 250-280 rubles. I haven't been to an offline optometrist in a while, so the price might have gone up since then.
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It's simple math: if we take the price of 300 rubles per lens, that's 600 rubles for a pair, and I'd have to pay that every three months.
Now, let's talk about the cost. I was paying 380 rubles for a single pair of AIR OPTIX lenses, which meant I'd have to shell out 760 rubles for two pairs, and then repeat the process every month. That's a total of 2280 rubles for just three months.
600 rubles versus 2280 rubles - the difference is staggering! Of course, the quality is also significantly better, but we'll get to that later.
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Since I moved to a bigger city five years ago, I've been buying lenses through group purchases. Prices have changed over time, and when group purchases were first introduced, lenses were actually quite cheap compared to other stores and especially official retailers.
Since my prescription is still 0.25 diopters off, I have to buy two packs.
The cost of a pack of Optima FW lenses (four lenses per pack) in group purchases, including all fees, is around 900 rubles.The price in other stores is roughly the same, and you might even find it cheaper, but you'll have to pay for shipping, making group purchases the most cost-effective option.You can only buy lenses individually at opticians, which, as you can imagine, isn't the most cost-effective option. It's better to buy them in packs.xa0
▩ EXPIRY DATE
Like any product, contact lenses have an expiration date, so it's not worth stockpiling them.
My latest lenses, which I ordered this year, need to be used by 2021.
Contact lenses Optima FW 4 lensesAfter opening the lenses, you can wear them for three months, then discard them and open a new pack.xa0
▩ CHARACTERISTICS:
Material - polymacon A
Moisture content - 38.6%
Dk/t (for lenses -3.0D) - 24
Dehydration resistance - non-ionic material with low moisture content
Optical power (D) - from -0.25 to -6.00 (step 0.25D), from -6.0 to -9.0 (step 0.5D)
Base curvature - 8.4 mm, 8.7 mm, 9.0 mm
Diameter - 14.0 mm
Optical zone (for lenses -3.00D) - 10.0 mm
Thickness at center (for lenses -3.0D) - 0.035 mm
Tint - light blue
Wearing mode - daily
Replacement mode - quarterly
Packaging - 4 lenses
I've been wearing lenses for years, but to be honest, all these specs go right over my head ✅.
☝It's crucial to note that the base curvature is only determined by an optician, and it's not something you can just pick and choose yourself! Your eye doctor needs to measure your eye size and prescribe the right lenses for you.
I have 8.7 mm, and there are plenty of lenses that fit this size from various brands.
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▶ The moisture content of Optima lenses is relatively low, at 38.6% But there are even lower values out there, so it's not too bad. Anything above 50% can lead to dry eye syndrome, so it's worth reading up on that if you're interested.
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▶ Dk/t is essentially oxygen permeability, and I don't think I need to explain what that means – it's pretty self-explanatory. Our lenses have a ridiculously low oxygen permeability of just 24. For comparison, AIR OPTIX has a whopping 138
▩MATERIAL AND MANUFACTURING PRINCIPLE
They're made from a hydrogel material called Polymacon using a reverse process III (combined method). The idea behind this method is that the inner surface of the optical discs is created through etching, while the outer surface is created through polymerization.
Polymacon (hydroxyethyl methacrylate, HEMA) is a hydrogel that's rich in water and falls under the first group in the FDA classification system. Its hydrophilicity is 38.6%. That's why lenses made from this material are pretty soft and comfortable to wear.
Put simply, Optima FW are soft contact lenses.
▩DIOPTRIES
Optima lenses are available in a wide range of powers from +4.0 to -9.0 diopters, with a step of a quarter diopter, and have a spherical surface design. They're designed to correct refractive errors like hypermetropia and myopia.
For extremely high levels of nearsightedness (up to -18.0 diopters), Bausch&Lomb offers a separate line of lenses made from the same material as Optima.
I've been lucky enough not to see my vision deteriorate in the past 6 years.
Left eye: -3.75Right eye: -3.5
▩LENS COLOR
Optima FW Contact Lenses Optima FW contact lenses have a subtle blue tint. This tint doesn't affect the natural color of your eyes at all - it's just a convenience feature to make the lenses visible.xa0
▩ PACKAGING
Optima lenses come in blister packs, with four blister packs in each box.
Optima FW Contact Lenses The label comes off easily - I've never had any issues with it in over six years, and it's never fallen out of my hands when I've opened the blister pack in public.There's also some information on the box that might be useful for some people:
Optima FW 4 Contact Lenses ▩ CONTAINERS
For me, choosing the right containers is also a crucial part of the process. There are so many different types out there - some are deep, some are shallow, some have a textured bottom and some have a smooth one. It can be overwhelming!
I've never bought separate containers before, but I've become a big fan of the RENU solution containers.
Optima FW Contact Lenses The photo on the left shows the containers from René (top) and Aquasoft. Even when closed, it's clear how much deeper the second ones are, and that's NOT COMFORTABLE! I've never used tweezers in my life, I've always removed my lenses by hand, and the deeper the container, the harder it is to do, especially when the bottom is textured and you've got nails – it's ridiculously easy to scratch the lens at the start!
That's why I prefer containers with a smooth bottom and aren't too deep (René's containers are perfect for this!). Note that the lenses are visible in the containers due to their light tint, which makes things easier for beginners at least.
IMPORTANT!
You need to decide which compartment the lens will go in at the start, and it's not just the lid color for nothing – you can't just put the lens wherever you feel like! The left lens always goes in the left container, and the right one in the right, and you can't swap them around. I've always got a blue lid on the left and the left lens goes in there accordingly.
I won't go into too much detail about storage principles, but the ophthalmologist's words stuck with me a long time ago – each eye has its own microbes, and if you're not careful, you can end up with serious problems if one lens is just floating around... So, I store each lens in its own compartment at all times and put it in the corresponding eye. It's easy for me since my prescription is different, but if you've got the same prescription, you'll need to get used to storing each lens in its own compartment.
▩DISINFECTANT
It's super important to find your go-to disinfectant, as it can affect your comfort just as much as the lenses themselves. I've tried a ton of different ones, but I've been buying RENU for over 6 years now.
Contact lenses Optima FWI recently tried using a more expensive disinfectant (AquaSoft), but I didn't notice any significant difference, so I went back to my trusty old Renu MPS. And that's exactly what happened with RENU for sensitive eyes – all the problems with "outdated" lenses just disappeared!
What does that mean?
❏ With other disinfectants, my Optima FW lenses would dry out my eyes, and I couldn't sit in front of the computer for more than an hour. As soon as I tried Renu, those problems vanished like magic! That's probably why I'm still on Optima – Renu's performance in this regard is more than satisfactory.
I'm currently spending days in front of the computer, and I don't have any issues anymore!
❏ With other disinfectants, my eyes would not only dry out but also get tired, feeling heavy, and if I fell asleep in my lenses during the day... it was a disaster. After a 1-hour nap, my eyes would become glassy, and the feeling was just unbearable.
As soon as I switched to Renu, I can take a daytime nap without any issues! Although I try to avoid it, as it's still not the most pleasant experience, it's definitely not as bad as it used to be ✅
❏ I've noticed some clarity issues with other lens cleaning solutions, where a haze would form on my eyes when I wore them. It's not a big deal, but it does require a rinse with contact lens solution to fix. However, that's not always an option.
Since switching to Renu, I've only experienced this problem after watching a sad movie or reading a heavy book, and I've been lens-free for most of the day for years now.
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☝ It's super important to find a good lens cleaning solution that works for you! With a bad one, you might end up hating your lenses and wondering if they're the problem.
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▩ MOISTURIZING DROPS
I think anyone who's worn contact lenses has used drops at some point, as they can help with dryness, the 'sand' effect, and other issues.
Contact lenses Optima FWMy drops are from Renu too, but since I found the right solution for my eyes and lenses, I hardly need them anymore! In the past, they were a lifesaver, especially when I worked 8 hours a day in front of the computer. Now, I can sit for 12 hours without them, but I still keep a bottle in my bag, just in case. Drops are allowed for use with contact lenses, and they can be a real help in an emergency.
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I've tried a ton of different eye drop products on the market, but I have to say, Renu drops have really won me over. I think they're the best, and I was really disappointed with Systane Ultra - it just didn't live up to the hype and it's also super pricey.
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▩How to Put in Contact Lenses
One thing that's super obvious when you're handling contact lenses is that they have two sides - one that's right side up and one that's upside down.
Contact Lenses Optima FWEven when I first started out, I never got them mixed up because my eye doctor explained everything to me in detail and showed me how to do it.If the edges of the contact lens are pointing slightly outwards, it's inside out. If it looks like a cup with straight edges, it's ready to go.
It should look like a cup, not a saucer!
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► The Principle of Putting in Contact Lenses
Contact Lenses Optima FWFirst things first, I wash my hands and dry them with a lint-free cloth to make sure there are no specks of dust or anything. And of course, I put them in before I do my makeup.I just use a regular bath towel to dry my hands - it's not perfect, but it's easy to shake off any remaining dust particles once you get the hang of it.
You gotta put the lenses on in the same order every time, starting with the right eye, for example. That way, you'll never mix them up, even if they have the same prescription, because you know which one is for which eye, and you can't just swap them around (today in the left eye, tomorrow in the right... no way!)Next, make sure the lens is facing the right direction (check out the photo above).Hold the lens in your right hand on your index finger, and with your left hand, use your fingers to pull your eyelids apart (you can use either hand, I'm left-handed ✅).It's crucial that your fingers are dry, or it'll be uncomfortable, and it's a good idea to have short nails, about 1-2 mm long. Personally, I'm not a fan of long nails, so I keep mine short, but 6 years ago, when I first started wearing lenses, I had long nails and it was a real struggle to get the hang of it, but it's all about practice.
Then, place the lens on your eye, and it's all about getting the hang of it - the first few times might seem tricky and intimidating, but soon it'll feel like second nature ✅.Hold your hand steady and look up, then place the lens on your eye. Slowly release your eyelid and close your eyes for a split second to let the lens settle into place. Repeat on the other eye.
I can put my lenses on in the dark now, but back in the day, my hands would shake... ✅
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▩HOW TO REMOVE LENSES PROPERLY
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It's actually a lot simpler, but there are some awkward situations that can arise, which I'll share with you.
Optima FW LensesI wash my hands, then use my right hand (or left) to gently pry open my eyelids.Next, I bring my index finger to my eye and carefully touch the lower edge of the lens.Then, I can do it a few different ways – some people find it helpful to squeeze the lens, like in the picture above, but I was taught to do it differently.I just start moving the lens towards the inner corner of my eye, and it comes off in seconds. The only scary part was the first time, but after that, I had no issues at all!
I rinse the lenses, put them in their containers, and soak them in the cleaning solution.xa0
☝ THE NITTY-GRITTY:
There have been cases where I couldn't get the lens off, and that usually depends on the quality of the lenses themselves.
I had some terrible lenses (I don't remember the brand, 14-day wear) and one time, the lens just seemed to stick to my eye! You can imagine how scared I was – thoughts of the hospital, needing to get in to see the doctor, who's always booked up... it was pure panic!
But I'm not 15 anymore, so I was able to calm down and take a few deep breaths. The trick was to use eye drops – I just applied them, waited a minute, and the lens came right off. My eyes were just dry and the lens had stuck, so I needed to moisturize.
After all the messing around, my eyes were itchy and sore after that experience, so I chucked the lenses and never bought them again. Nothing terrible happened, though - my eyes didn't get infected, no diseases developed, and so on.
Don't panic, it's all fixable ✅Keep some lubricating drops on hand, even if your eyes aren't dry!xa0
I've had this happen with Optima too, but it usually only happens when I fall asleep in them during the day ✅. We've got a bit of a low oxygen and low moisture environment, so I try to sleep with the lenses removed, but now I'm not freaking out about it and I know I can handle it - sometimes I even manage without the drops.
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▩ IN THE NOSE | FEELINGS
I haven't had any issues with the right solution for ages, the lenses don't give me that gritty feeling, they don't dry me out or irritate me - they're actually really comfortable!
Bausch Lomb Optima FW Contact Lenses I barely notice I'm wearing them, unless I really look closely, but let's be real, nobody does that! The color doesn't change, and nobody even suspects I have bad eyesight and wear contacts daily. Another cool thing about these lenses is that I can chop onions without crying! They're completely invisible in my eyes, and I often forget I'm even wearing them, only remembering when I'm getting ready for bed. After 7 years with Optima, my eyesight hasn't gotten any worse! And in all that time, I've never had any eye problems (conjunctivitis, styes, and the like). I only see an ophthalmologist once a year.
I have to admit, I find it kind of funny when people point out the "cons" of these lenses.
➡ One of them is:
They irritate my eyes if dirt gets in.
Nu-uh, that's just ridiculous!
If dirt, a lash, or a speck of dust gets in, I'll feel some discomfort, and it might even feel like my eye is being cut. But come on, that's not the lenses' fault - it's a problem with all contact lenses, right?
I've worn all sorts of lenses, and I can confidently say that this is a problem with all of them, and it's only logical...
➡ Or how about:
They rot by the end of the expiration date.
...I don't even know what to say to that, but come on, that's just absurd! My lenses are fine, I clean them every day, and I keep them in a sterile environment - not in some grimy bathroom in a rundown house.
➡ And finally:
They dry out if you don't take them out at night.
I'm dead serious, who thought that daily wear lenses wouldn't dry out your eyes if you don't take them off at night? I'm speechless, no emoji can express my disappointment.
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▩Warranty Period
Optima FW lenses are designed for three months, but I change mine more frequently. Of course, this is a drawback, but considering the price and lifespan, it's not a huge issue.
I just go by my feelings, if I start feeling dryness more often towards the end of the day (around 2-2.5 months of wear), I toss them and get a new pair. I don't see anything wrong with this approach, it's just more convenient to switch to a new pair than use drops.
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☝ I also want to mention that I've worn these lenses to pools, beaches, saunas, in heavy rain, strong winds, extreme temperatures (up to +35°C and down to -45°C in Siberia), and I faced zero issues!
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Okay, let's wrap this up.
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✿ If you have poor eyesight, don't experiment with lenses and try to find the right fit – visit an optometrist!
Eye exams are affordable (~300 rubles), and besides checking your vision, they'll teach you how to use lenses and give you a FREE pair. On my last visit, the free pair I got was worth twice the exam cost, so it's a win-win, and you avoid any health risks!
They usually have lenses available, and you can get 5 one-day lenses or one pair of monthly/three-month lenses for free.
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✿ Don't freak out if you struggle to put them in or take them out at first – it takes time to get the hang of it, but eventually, it becomes second nature.
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✿ Don't make any hasty judgments if you're not loving the lenses right away – it's possible you just need to adjust to the cleaning solution.
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✿ Always keep them clean and store them in a designated spot (I keep mine in a bathroom cabinet).
Occasionally, you might need to use some extra cleaning tools, but I've been lucky and haven't needed to do that yet – a standard cleaning solution with the prescribed liquid has been enough for me.
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✿ Remember, these lenses are not for sleeping – you'll need to take them out every night! I'd recommend taking them out even if they're designed for sleeping, just to be safe.
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✿ If the lenses start to feel uncomfortable or cause any pain, take them out, rinse them again, and try putting them back in (make sure you're putting them in the right way, as the underside can be a bit irritating).
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▩ THE VERDICT | TAKEAWAYS
Super affordable3-month lifespanWide range of dioptersCompletely unnoticeable while wearingIf you get the cleaning solution right, they stay moist even after 12 hours of screen timeNo eye irritationFlexible and softWon't harm your vision – I've been using them for years and haven't had any eye problemsCrystal-clear imagexa0
They don't always last three months, and I've had to replace them more often than I'd like.Some cleaning solutions dry out my eyes, which is a real pain.Low oxygen permeability is a major issue, even after just an hour of daytime wear - the sensations are pretty awful.
Bausch Lomb Optima FW Contact LensesI've been pleasantly surprised by the Bausch Lomb Optima FW lenses, even though they're made from an older material. With the right cleaning solution, they're perfectly wearable for me. Sure, they have some drawbacks, but they're minor.
I tried the highly-recommended AIR OPTIX lenses, and while they're great, they're not worth the price. My doctor swore I'd never want to go back to Optima after trying them, but I ended up wanting to go back - and I did!
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Of course, everyone's experience is different, so it's up to your doctor to help you choose the right lenses. For me, it's all about finding the right cleaning solution or drops - if that doesn't work, it's time to switch lenses.
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Thanks for reading!
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ReNu MPS Multi-Purpose Solution for Sensitive EyesAvizor Aqua Soft Comfort+ Cleaning Solutionxa0
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live_helpFeatured FAQ
Are Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses suitable for people with sensitive eyes?
Yes, Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses are designed to be gentle on the eyes, but it's always a good idea to consult with an eye doctor before trying any new contact lenses, especially if you have sensitive eyes. They can help you determine the best course of action and recommend the right lenses for your needs.
How often should I replace my Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses?
It's generally recommended to replace your contact lenses every 12 months or as directed by your eye doctor. However, if you experience any issues with your lenses or notice a decrease in your vision, you should replace them sooner rather than later.
Can I wear Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses while swimming?
Yes, Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses are designed to be water-friendly, but it's still important to follow proper care and maintenance instructions to ensure they stay clean and healthy. You should always remove your lenses before swimming and clean them thoroughly before putting them back in.
How do I clean and maintain my Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses?
To clean and maintain your Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses, you should rinse them with contact lens solution and gently rub them with a soft cloth. You should also store them in a clean case and replace the solution regularly to keep them fresh and healthy.
Can I wear Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses while sleeping?
No, it's not recommended to wear Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses while sleeping. This can increase the risk of eye irritation and infection, so it's best to remove them before bed and store them in a clean case.
How do I know if my Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses are the right fit for me?
To determine if your Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses are the right fit for you, you should consult with an eye doctor who can help you determine your prescription and recommend the best lenses for your needs.
Can I wear Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses with my glasses?
Yes, you can wear Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses with your glasses, but it's generally recommended to remove your lenses before putting on your glasses to prevent any discomfort or irritation.
How do I store my Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses?
To store your Bausch Lomb Optima FW contact lenses, you should place them in a clean case and fill the case with contact lens solution. You should also replace the solution regularly to keep them fresh and healthy.
check_circlePros
- •The lenses are super easy to put in and take out – it's a breeze even after years of use.
- •The build quality is top-notch, and I've never had any issues with them falling apart or getting damaged.
- •The comfort level is insane – I can wear them for hours on end without even noticing they're there.
- •The vision is crystal clear, and I've noticed a huge improvement in my overall eyesight.
- •The lenses are designed to stay moist for a long time, which is a total lifesaver for people like me who spend a lot of time staring at screens.
- •The customer support team is super friendly and helpful – they've always been there to answer my questions and concerns.
cancelCons
- •The lenses can be a bit pricey, especially if you're on a tight budget.
- •I've had some issues with irritation and dryness, especially during the first few weeks of use.
- •The lenses can be a bit tricky to clean, especially if you're not used to handling them.
- •I've noticed that the lenses can start to feel a bit uncomfortable after a few hours of wear.
- •The lenses can be a bit tricky to get used to, especially if you're new to contact lenses.
- •I've had some issues with the lenses getting stuck in my eyes, especially during the first few weeks of use.
