There are many myths about contact lenses. Here are some of the common ones set straight!
A contact lens can 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.
Contact lenses can scratch you eye
Contact lens related problems can occur, however this is very unlikely. Most common 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.
Contact lenses can get stuck to your eye
Contact lenses cannot get stuck to your eye if you follow your optician’s advice about wear, care and removal. Remember to remove your lenses before sleep, and if they feel dry try some rewetting drops before removing them.
Contact lenses can pop out of your eye
Properly fitted contact lenses should stay in place. In the rare event that a lens moves out of place, blinking a few times should move it back into position. Alternatively, you can gently massage your eyelid to help do this, or wash your hands and move the lens back in place with your finger.
Contact lenses are uncomfortable
Unlike some of the early contact lenses, most of the modern contact lenses are thin and soft, making them more comfortable to wear. Many are made from moisture-rich materials that are breathable, allowing oxygen to pass through them.
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 it quickly becomes second nature.
Contact lenses are more expensive than glasses
Contact lenses vary in cost, just like the cost of glasses varies depending on the brand selected, the type of frame and lenses chosen. The big cost difference is in replacement; replacing a lost or damaged contact lens will be a lot cheaper and easier than buying new glasses. With contact lenses, the lens and replacement schedule (daily disposable or reusable lenses) as well as how often you use them are all elements that allow you to manage how much you will spend. Remember that you will still need a pair of glasses as a backup.
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.
As long as you keep to the replacement schedule and cleaning instructions that your optician provides with, and go back for regular check-ups contact lenses can be a healthy vision correction option. Learn more about how to wear and care for your lenses here.
With new technologies people with astigmatism can enjoy contact lenses, For ACUVUE®, this is thanks to our Eyelid Stabilised design which helps keep the contact lenses aligned as you blink for clear, stable vision
There are contact lenses specifically designed for presbyopia, or age-related long sightedness. If you need glasses for reading newspapers, books or menus, then contact lenses might be an easier, hassle free option as they give you clear vision all day
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.
If you need vision correction to drive, you are likely to need vision correction to see at a distance all the time. Lenses also give you unobstructed all-round vision ideal for driving. With contact lenses, you can benefit from clear, crisp vision constantly without needing to put on your glasses
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. Find out more about contact lenses for young people.
†Please note professional eye examination and fitting fees may apply. UK residents 18 or over only. One trial per person. Eligibility subject to optician approval. Participating opticians only. See link for full terms and conditions.