Dispelling Myths: Common Misconceptions About Contact Lenses
Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer, or you’re considering ditching your glasses for contacts, there’s a good chance you’ve come across a handful of myths and misconceptions about contact lenses. Here at Compton Eye Associates, we encounter these misconceptions daily. Let’s dispel some of these myths and provide factual insights to help you make an informed decision about your eye health.
Misconception #1: Contact Lenses Can Get “Lost” in Your Eye
Many people fear that a contact lens can slip off the cornea and become lost somewhere in the back of the eye. Rest assured, it’s physically impossible. There’s a thin membrane called the conjunctiva that covers the white of your eye and connects to the inside of your eyelids, preventing anything from getting behind the eye. A lens might occasionally move or get displaced under the eyelid, but it can’t go far and can easily be repositioned.
Misconception #2: Contact Lenses are Uncomfortable
This misconception likely stems from the early days of contact lenses when materials and designs were not as advanced as they are today. At Compton Eye Associates, we ensure that the contact lenses we provide are designed with your comfort in mind, using breathable materials that allow oxygen to reach your cornea. We offer lenses in different sizes, and a professional fitting ensures that your lenses fit properly and comfortably.
Misconception #3: Contacts can Stick Permanently to Your Eyes
A contact lens can sometimes feel “stuck” to the eye, especially if your eye is dry or the lens is dehydrated. However, it can’t actually stick permanently to your eye. If a contact lens does dry out while you’re wearing it, we recommend using a few drops of lens rewetting drops to moisten it, making it easier to remove.
Misconception #4: Only Young People can Wear Contacts
Contact lenses can be used by people of nearly all ages, from children to seniors. Age is not a decisive factor when it comes to determining if you’re a good candidate for contact lenses. In fact, specialized lenses can even help manage age-related conditions like presbyopia. At our clinic, we make sure it all depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and the health of your eyes.
Misconception #5: Contact Lenses Require a Lot of Maintenance
While it’s true that some types of contact lenses require cleaning and disinfecting, daily disposable lenses require no maintenance at all. You simply wear them once and dispose of them. Even for lenses that do require cleaning, the process is straightforward and only requires a few minutes each day.
Misconception #6: Wearing Contact Lenses can Damage Your Eyes
Contact lenses themselves don’t harm your eyes. However, improper use of contacts can potentially lead to complications. For instance, wearing contacts for longer than recommended, not cleaning them properly, or sleeping with contacts in (unless they’re specifically designed for it) can increase the risk of eye infections.
In conclusion, understanding the realities about contact lenses can help you make the best decisions for your eye health. If you’re considering contact lenses, we highly recommend consulting with a professional eye care provider to discuss your options and find the solution that’s right for you.
Here at Compton Eye Associates, our goal is to ensure you have the right information and resources to make informed decisions about your eye health. We encourage you to book an appointment with us, whether you’re a contact lens veteran or a curious newcomer. We’re committed to providing personalized and professional eye care for all. Knowledge is power, so don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Contact lenses can be a comfortable and convenient choice for vision correction when used properly. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your eye health always comes first. We look forward to seeing you soon!