There are many myths about contact lenses. Here we answer some common questions on contact lens myths.
Can contact lenses get lost behind the 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.
Can contact lenses scratch your 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.
Can contact lenses be difficult to remove, or disappear behind my eye?
You will be shown how to remove contact lenses – it gets easier, the more you practice. A lens can not disappear behind your eye as there’s a membrane that stops dust, eyelashes (and lenses) from going to the back of your eye. Remember to remove your lenses before sleep, and if they feel dry, try some rewetting drops before removing them.
Other Contact Lens Myths
Contact lenses can pop out of your eye
Properly fitted contact lenses should generally stay in place until you remove them. Putting on your lenses the wrong way around, with the edges flaring out, can cause them to fall. That's why most ACUVUE® contact lenses feature a 123 indicator, so you can easily tell when they are inside out. If the numbers are the right way around, so is the lens.
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.
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.
One common contact lens question is whether or not contact lenses are bad for your eyes. As long as you keep to the replacement schedule and cleaning instructions that your optician provides you 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 vision1
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 option as they give you clear vision near, far and in between2.
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 and children.
†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.
1.JJV Data on File 2021. ACUVUE® Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM - Overall Fitting Success, Orientation Position, Rotational Stability, and Vision Performance.
2.JJV Data on File 2022. Subjective Stand-Alone Claims for ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL Contact Lenses - Exploratory Meta-analysis.