Any new developments for long term wearers of hard contact lenses? I am over 50. I have to wear hard lenses.?

Question

I am currently doing 'monovision' with one eye for reading, one for long distance. I like this very well. In last three years I am having to use a rubber plunger to remove my contacts from my eyes. My eyes hurt. I wish they'd finally develop some soft contacts for people like me. Does anyone know about this?

Also, what about eye health concerns for the over 50 hard contact lense crowd? I talked to one eye doctor and he said within 10 years I won't even be able to find a helpful doctor as hard contacts will be phased out as 'dangerous' to the eyes so the younger doctorts don't even learn about them. Darn. I love my hard contacts, even with the slight pain. And yes, I have them checked, refitted, etc. regularly. When I wear glasses they are so stong I feel like I'm living in a fish bowl. My eyesight is terrible in my glasses. Thanks for any and all leads.

Answer 1

It's impossible for me to say if you would be able to get out of hard contact lenses and into soft lenses without knowing more about your prescription, etc.  

But I have never heard of hard contact lenses being "dangerous" or "phased out".  Being a new graduate from optometry school, I assure you, we still learn about hard lenses and how to fit them.  

I wish I could provide you with a better answer about getting out of hard contact lenses but without more information it's impossible (and even then may be).