Contact Lenses: Common Myths Debunked

Many people may favor wearing eyewear over contact lenses because of fears that stem from things they’ve heard. Not all of these fears are warranted. We’re going to discuss the common myths people believe about contacts and clear up the confusion.

Contact Lenses Can’t Accommodate Advanced Prescriptions

Many people believe their prescriptions are too complicated for contact lenses. They think they may be the exception, and that they aren’t cut out for living a glasses-free life. With recent advances in the technology of contact lenses, there are many available options, even for complicated prescriptions. With bifocal contact lenses, contacts that improve astigmatism, and other custom lenses, there are more possibilities than ever.

Contacts Will Move Behind the Eye

Although it sounds like a possibility, there’s a thin membrane called the conjunctiva that extends over the whites of your eye and connects to the inside of the eyelids. This layer prevents any traveling of the contact behind the eye.

They Are Uncomfortable

Though it may be uncomfortable at first, while adapting to the contacts, the adjustment period for wearing contacts is quite brief. And for any ongoing contact lens discomfort, there are other remedies that can target the actual cause of discomfort. Environmental causes like age, medication usage, and humidity, are all reasons a contact lens may be uncomfortable. But these causes have solutions that can easily mitigate discomfort.

They Can Permanently Stick to the Eye

If a soft contact lens dries out, it can temporarily stick to the surface of the eye. However, moistening the lens with a saline or contact lens solution will be sure to make it mobile in no time.

Wearing Contacts Causes More Eye Issues

Wearing contact lenses may increase your risk of some eye problems, but only if you aren’t caring for them properly, wearing them for an appropriate amount of time, and replacing them frequently. Aside from that, contact lenses are safe and there’s no cause for concern.

They Can Pop Out of Your Eyes

In years past, hard contact lenses might have popped out of someone’s eyes when playing sports or engaging in physical activity. These days, contacts are mostly silicone hydrogel, and they fit very close to the eye and rarely pop out unexpectedly.

They Are Too Expensive

Perhaps because they require replacement and frequent changing, people may think that contacts exceed the cost of eyeglasses, but this isn’t the case. Compared with a good pair of eyeglasses, daily contacts no longer remain the most expensive option. Some daily contacts cost as little as one dollar per day.

They Are Too Difficult to Take Care Of

There are care systems for contact lenses that now make cleaning and disinfecting them a breeze. You don’t even have to maintain your contacts if you opt for the daily disposable ones. There are more options for your lifestyle than ever before.

Whether you have dry eyes, discomfort, a smaller budget, or concerns about maintenance, there’s a contact lens solution for you. Don’t let these myths deter you from asking your doctor if you’re a good candidate for contacts.

Book an Appointment Today!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .