Contact Lenses: Myths and Misconceptions
Wearing contact lenses has become a popular option for vision correction among people with refractive errors due to their practical and aesthetic characteristics.
In fact, in the United States, up to 11% of all people who require vision correction are contact lens wearers.
However, just as with sunglasses and glasses, their widespread use didn’t stop myths and misconceptions from getting in the way of proper knowledge, leaving many hesitant to try them.
Here we’ll talk about these common misconceptions about contact lenses, and explain where they come from and what the truth is.
Myth #1: Contact lenses aren't suitable for any age
This comes from outdated information regarding their care and usage. Though that way has been the case in the past, many still believe this type of vision correction is only suitable for specific age brackets and not for children or seniors.
Fact
Contact lenses can be used by a wide range of ages, from children as young as 8 to seniors.
Nowadays, they are available to correct all types of prescriptions. As long as the user is mature enough to use and maintain contact lenses properly, they can be a great option.
Eye care professionals can recommend options based on an individual’s specific needs, eye health, and lifestyle. In fact, contact lenses can benefit children with certain eye conditions, such as myopia, by slowing its progression.
Myth #2: Contacts can get stuck behind the eyes
The idea that contact lenses can slip to the back of the eyeball and get stuck there is a common and rather disturbing fear, especially for first-time wearers. Thankfully, the idea is nothing more than an eye anatomy misconception.
Fact
The white part of the eyes is connected to the eyelids by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva. Thanks to how the eyes work, nothing can get to the back of the eye, making this myth physically impossible.
Myth #3: Contact lenses can damage the eyes
Some are hesitant to wear contact lenses because they think they can easily cause harm to the eyes, leading to more eye health problems.
Fact
If you follow the proper wear directions provided by an eye care professional, from how to insert them and how long to wear them to proper care and maintenance, there is no need to stress about any potential damage. Contact lenses are perfectly safe.
In addition, most modern contact lenses are made of materials that allow oxygen to reach the eyes, ensuring optimal comfort and safety.
However, neglecting proper usage, such as not following their replacement schedule, wearing them during sleep, and having an improper cleaning routine, can potentially lead to eye infections. Just like with any other medical treatment, it is crucial to use them properly.
Myth #4: Contact lenses can get stuck in the eyes
The fear of the lenses getting stuck to the eye can often deter people from trying contact lenses.
Fact
Lenses can occasionally feel like they’re stuck, especially when the eyes are dry. If this happens, rehydrating the eye with sterile saline or applying a few drops will loosen the lens for easy removal. In general, they can always be safely removed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Contacts are so safe that only 1 out of 500 people get a serious eye infection!
Myth #5: Wearing contact lenses is uncomfortable
A common concern is that wearing contacts might feel irritable and unnatural. After all, they are directly placed on the eyeballs.
Fact
Earlier contact lens materials, such as glass and hard plastic, tended to cause some discomfort.
However, modern contact lenses are made with high-tech, lightweight materials that adapt to the shape of your eye, like silicon hydrogel. These are designed to provide maximum comfort throughout the day.
When wearing them for the first time, there could be a short adjustment period where they may feel strange, but most users quickly adapt and even forget they’re wearing lenses.
Regularly replacing your lenses and using the proper contact lens solution can help prevent any discomfort.
Myth #6: Contact lenses can fall out easily
A common assumption is that contact lenses can unexpectedly fall out from the eyes, especially during physical activities, leaving users with sudden poor vision.
Fact
Adequately fitted contact lenses should never fall out. They are designed to stay in place even during vigorous activity.
For added security, some lenses, such as toric lenses for astigmatism, are specifically designed to stay aligned with the eye’s shape.
The only way they can move is by shifting to another part of the eyes, which is rare. However, by blinking a few times and lightly pressing the eyelids, the lens will quickly return to the correct location.
Myth #7: It's too much work to take care of them
Many perceive the care and storage of contact lenses as a hassle, discouraging them from trying them.
Fact
Taking care of contact lenses is easier than many may think.
Advances in lens technology have made care much simpler. Now you can find many different types of contact lenses.
Daily disposable contact lenses, for instance, are designed to be discarded after each use, making lens care irrelevant.
When it comes to reusable contact lens care, modern cleaning solutions streamline the process, allowing for quick and easy maintenance.
Choosing the correct type of contact lenses will ultimately depend on your lifestyle, needs, and commitment to the proper care.
What you should really know about contact lenses
Living with vision problems shouldn’t hold you back from embracing life to the fullest. By educating yourself on eye health and the available options for vision correction, you can make informed choices that fit your lifestyle and personal needs.
When learning about health, it is crucial to be aware of any existing common myth. Contact lenses are a safe, effective, and practical way of correcting your vision, offering a frameless alternative that many find functional and aesthetically appealing.
If you wear glasses and are thinking of switching to contact lenses, make sure you understand how they work to have the best experience.
If you have any lingering concerns, feel free to reach out to our opticians for clarity. They’re here to provide expert advice and help you find the best vision solution for you.
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