Contact lenses are a popular choice for vision correction, but there are many myths surrounding their use. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most common misconceptions to help you make informed decisions about wearing contact lenses.
1. Contact Lenses Are Uncomfortable
Many people believe that wearing contact lenses is uncomfortable. However, advancements in lens technology have made modern lenses highly comfortable for most wearers. With proper fitting and care, contact lenses can be a seamless part of your daily routine.
Today’s lenses are crafted from high-quality materials designed to maximize comfort and oxygen permeability. According to experts, the evolution of soft contact lenses, featuring breathable silicone hydrogel, is a game-changer in ensuring comfort for extended wear. These innovations allow the lens to mold to the eye’s surface, minimizing discomfort and providing a clear vision. With the accurate fitting, which can be obtained through a professional fitting session, irritation or the sensation of a foreign object in the eye is vastly reduced.
2. Lenses Can Easily Get Lost in Your Eye
This myth often causes unnecessary anxiety. The anatomy of your eye prevents a contact lens from getting lost behind it. At most, a lens might slide under your eyelid, but it’s easy to retrieve.
Understanding the structure of the eye can alleviate this fear. The conjunctiva, a thin membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball, forms a natural barrier preventing the lens from entering behind the eye. If a lens does become misaligned, it typically stays within the visible surface of the eye, making it straightforward to adjust or remove with your optometrist’s guidance or at home following their instructions.
3. Contact Lenses Can Cause Eye Infections
While improper handling can lead to infections, following good hygiene practices and replacing your lenses as recommended can help maintain eye health, making infections unlikely.
One of the critical steps is developing a meticulous cleaning routine fidelity to which can drastically reduce infection risks. Always ensure to properly clean your contact lenses using the recommended solutions without skipping disinfecting steps. Additionally, avoid sleeping in your lenses unless they are meant for overnight wear, as this reduces oxygen availability to the cornea and increases infection risk. Simple habits like washing your hands before handling your lenses contribute significantly to reducing microbial exposure.
4. They Are Hard to Maintain
The maintenance of contact lenses is simple with today’s solutions and products. Care is straightforward, whether you’re using daily disposables or monthly lenses with nightly cleansing routines.
Daily disposable lenses offer the ultimate convenience, requiring no maintenance as they are discarded after each use. For those using reusable lenses, proper lens care has been simplified with multipurpose solutions that clean, disinfect, and store lenses efficiently. The key is consistency and following the routine advised by your eye care professional, ensuring a hygienic experience every time.
5. Glasses Are Better for Eye Health
Contact lenses are generally as safe as glasses when prescribed and used correctly. The choice between glasses and contacts depends on personal preference and lifestyle needs.
Each option has its pros and cons. Glasses offer protection against environmental elements but can become inconvenient for active individuals. Contact lenses, when used responsibly, offer natural vision and freedom from frames, which many find liberating in daily activities. These benefits make contacts a fantastic companion for sports and other movement-oriented activities, which is reflected in their growing popularity across various demographics.
6. Lenses Can Melt onto Your Eyes
This myth likely stems from misunderstandings about heat exposure. Today’s contact lenses are made from heat-resistant materials, ensuring they remain safe even in warm environments.
Modern lenses, particularly those made from silicone hydrogel, are designed to withstand a range of temperatures without deforming. They will not melt on your eyes in everyday conditions, even with exposure to the sun or walking near a heat source, confirming the robust nature of contemporary lens material engineering.
7. Colored Contact Lenses Are Harmful
Colored contact lenses are as safe as regular ones when purchased from reputable sources. Always consult an eye care professional to ensure they’re suited for your eyes.
Authenticity and fit are key components in the safe use of colored lenses. Products verified through your optometrist or from well-established brands assure safety comparable to standard corrective lenses. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to avoid novelty lenses from unauthorized sellers, which may not comply with health regulations, posing a risk to eye health.
8. Contact Lenses Can Only Correct Myopia
Modern contact lenses can correct a range of vision issues, including hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Consult your optometrist to explore options suitable for your vision needs.
Advancements in lens technology have paved the way for specialized lenses like multifocal or toric lenses designed to accommodate various visual conditions. Their development represents a shift from typical lens usage, opening doors for improved vision correction methods tailored to unique optical challenges encountered by individuals with more complex prescriptions.
9. Everyone Can Wear the Same Type of Lenses
Contact lenses come in various types designed for different eye shapes and needs. A professional fitting ensures you get the best type for your specific eyes.
Factors such as the curvature of your cornea, the specific vision correction needed, and any eye dryness or sensitivity you may experience require personal consideration. By consulting with an eye care specialist, you can ensure a tailored solution that enhances comfort and effectiveness, enhancing your overall experience with lenses significantly.
10. Lenses Are Only for Young People
People of all ages wear contact lenses. With the right prescription and care, they’re suitable for teenagers, adults, and seniors alike.
Recent lens innovations cater to a diverse age range, including bifocal and multifocal options designed for presbyopia, a condition common in older adults. As lifestyles demand greater flexibility, lenses become an appealing option across generations, proving adaptable and beneficial for varying visual demands.
11. Swimming with Contact Lenses Is Risk-Free
Exposing your lenses to water, including swimming pools, can lead to eye infections. It’s advisable to use swimming goggles or remove lenses before swimming.
Contact with water, be it chlorinated pools or natural bodies, can carry pathogens like bacteria and fungi posing a risk. For those who prefer swimming with clear vision, prescription swimming goggles are an excellent alternative. These solutions provide vision clarity while safeguarding the delicate microbiome of your eyes.
12. You Can Sleep in Any Type of Contact Lenses
Unless specifically prescribed, most contact lenses are not designed for overnight wear. Sleeping in lenses can lead to decreased oxygen to the eyes and potential complications.
Extended wear lenses are available for those needing lens use during sleep. However, they require strict adherence to care routines, including regular check-ups with your eye care provider to monitor ocular health. Regular lenses should be removed before sleep to maintain optimal eye health, ensuring adequate oxygen reaches your cornea overnight, thus supporting overall eye well-being.