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Optometrists/Opthamologists: Why is it so difficult to find 8.6/14.5 contacts?

My sizing for contacts is 8.6/14.5, with a scrip of -.25 for both eyes. I have been wearing the Freshlook Dimensions, but I'd also like to get a scrip for some regular clear contacts when I go back to the eye doctor.

I've been shopping around online, just looking at various brands/types of soft contacts, and it seems like there aren't too many choices for 8.6/14.5 sizing. I am really wanting to get some contacts like AirOptix or something similar, that lets your eyes breathe more and helps to keep moisture in. It seems like my eyes get too dry with the Freshlook Dimensions sometimes, which can make them uncomfortable. I use moisturizing eyedrops (Aquify), but I'd still like to have some contacts that are more comfortable, and eliminate or lessen the need for eyedrops. I know the ultimate choice of what contacts I get will be up to my eye doctor, but I am the type of person that likes to research on my own beforehand, and see what all options are available to me as far as my measurements.

A lot of the regular clear contacts I've found in my size are for astigmatism; they are toric lenses. I don't have astigmatism, so I know those lenses wouldn't work too well for me.

So why is it that there are so few choices of contacts for 8.6/14.5? Also, if anyone knows of a brand like AirOptix, Acuvue Oasys, or something similar with moisturizing properties, please let me know. Thank you!

Update:

Thank you, Princeidoc! I definitely plan on checking with my eye doctor at my next visit, and seeing what he says about things. I do know that when I first got my contacts, he had me try on the Acuvue2 Colours, which are available in a diameter of 14.00. Those were definitely wayyy too small, but as you suggested, that could have more to do with them being colored contacts and needing the entire eye to be covered.

Update 2:

I meant for the colored contact to cover the entire iris, not the entire eye lol. My bad!

1 Answer

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    b/c 14.5 is fairly large. MOST people don't NEED a large lens unless:

    1) they need the extra room to prism ballast or thin-zone the lens for astigmatism

    or

    2) they're trying to cover their natural iris with an opaque color.

    MOST adult nearsighted people don't need a diameter over 14.2 unless they have astigmatism or want colors. so the manufacturers make contacts this way. 14.5 is a lot of surface area. for tear exchange & oxygen exchange & to avoid a tight fit, especially in plastic soft contacts...bigger is not better.

    you can likely wear a 14.2, especially in silicone like air aqua. ask your optometrist

    Source(s): optometrist http://myeyepod.blogspot.com/
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