Myths and Facts of Contact Lenses
There are a few common myths and misconceptions about contact lenses that keep some people from giving them a try. We help you separate fact from fiction.
Getting to the bottom of contact lens myths
There are a few common misconceptions about contact lenses that keep some people from giving them a try. We’ll help you separate fact from fiction so that you can relax and enjoy all the ways contact lenses can improve your life.
ΜΥΤΗ: Contact lenses stuck behind your eye
Can contact lenses get lost behind your eye? That’s physically impossible. There is a membrane covering your eye that connects inside your eyelids, preventing anything from getting behind your eye, including a contact lens.
ΜΥΤΗ: Contact lenses can scratch your eyes
Contact lens related problems can occur, however this is very unlikely. Most common contact lens eye-health issues are related to poorly fitted lenses or not following your opticians recommended lens wear schedule. If you experience any unusual eye discomfort or changes to your vision while wearing your contact lenses, remove them immediately and call your optician.
ΜΥΤΗ: Contact lenses can get stuck to your eyes
Contact lenses are generally easy to remove using the method your Optician recommends. If they temporarily stick, use a few drops of lens solution to help loosen them up.
ΜΥΤΗ: Eye infections are common when wearing contacts
Contact lens related health problems are rare, and can be related to poor cleaning routines. Follow your eye care professional’s instructions and manufacturer instructions for use to help keep your eyes safe.
ΜΥΤΗ: Contact lenses are uncomfortable
Often people ask if contact lenses are uncomfortable, but unlike some of the early
contact lenses, most of the modern contact lenses are thin and soft, making them more comfortable to wear. Most contact lenses are made from moisture-rich materials that are breathable & you won’t even know you are wearing them.
ΜΥΤΗ: Contact lenses are difficult to look after
With daily disposable contact lenses, you simply discard them after use and start with a fresh pair the next day. If you have reusable daily wear contact lenses, the cleaning routine today with modern solutions is relatively simple, and with some practice as well as following instructions from your optician it quickly becomes second nature. Learn how to take care of your lenses with our practical guide
ΜΥΤΗ: Your eyes need a regular day off of contact lenses to ‘breathe’
Most of the modern, soft contact lenses are made from breathable materials. Unless your optician has instructed you otherwise, you should be able to wear your contact lenses every day.
ΜΥΤΗ: Contact lenses can’t correct for astigmatism
People with astigmatism can enjoy contact lenses. For ACUVUE®, this is thanks to our Eyelid Stabilized design which helps keep the contact lenses aligned as you blink for clear, stable vision1 ACUVUE® offers several contact lenses that correct for astigmatism
ΜΥΤΗ: Contact lenses are only for adults
There is no physical reason to prevent teenagers or even children from wearing contact lenses, and your optician will be able to advise if contact lenses are a suitable option. Successful use depends more on enthusiasm and maturity than age, as looking after lenses means taking on responsibility.
ΜΥΤΗ: Contact lenses are not for part time wearing
Even if you don’t wear glasses all the time, contact lenses can help with certain activities, like sports**.
ΜΥΤΗ: You can’t wear contact lenses with dry eyes.
There are contact lenses that contain technologies that may help people with dry eye symptoms to wear contact lenses. Also proper care can help reduce symptoms of dryness and discomfort.
ΜΥΤΗ: People over 40 shouldn’t wear contact lenses
People of all ages can wear contact lenses. If after the age of 40 you find yourself needing reading glasses, there is a suitable contact lens alternative for these too, meaning you don’t have the hassle of putting on glasses to read.
Can I wear contact lenses if I’ve had cataracts surgery?
Only your optician can tell for certain. If they feel that contact lenses are still an option, we believe that ACUVUE® is an excellent choice
If I’ve had LASIK or another refractive surgery, can I still wear contact lenses?
Only your optician can tell for certain. LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of your eye, but doesn’t prevent the development of presbyopia so you may still need vision correction at some point. Fortunately, we offer contact lenses specifically for presbyopia. Get started with ACUVUE® contact lenses.
