Getting to the bottom of contact lens myths

There are a few common misconceptions about contact lenses that stop some people from giving them a try. We'll help you separate fact from fiction so that you can relax and enjoy all the ways contacts can improve your life.

ACUVUE Illustration Myths Lost Behind Eye

Myth: Contact lenses can move behind your eye

It's impossible for contact lenses to move behind your eye, as there is a membrane called the conjunctiva that covers the white part of the eye and connects to the inside of the eyelid.

Myths about how contact lenses can affect your eyes

ACUVUE Illustration Myth Scratch Eye

Myth: Contact lenses can scratch your eyes

As long as you care for your contact lenses properly and wear them as a qualified eyecare professional prescribes, the chances of such problems are extremely rare.
ACUVUE Illustration Myth Stuck in Eye Alt

Myth: Contact lenses can get stuck to your eyes

Contact lenses are generally easy to remove using the method your optometrist recommends. If they temporarily stick, use a few drops of lens solution to loosen them.

An illustration of an infected eye.

Myth: Eye infections are common when wearing contact lenses

Contact lens-related health problems are rare, and usually related to poor cleaning routines. Follow your optometrist's care instructions to keep your eyes safe.

More myths about contact lenses

Young woman holding her cell phone up to take a selfie.

Myth: Contact lenses cost more than glasses

While contact lenses may be more expensive up front, in the long run, they can be more cost-effective than glasses.
31301072_UKCA_Triumph_AVO_MAX_1D_30P_RX_Minus_OL_FRONT_NO_UV

Myth: Contact lenses are difficult to care for

Advances in technology make contacts easy to use. For the most convenience, consider daily disposable contacts. Just wear them for the day, then throw them away.
Black woman with natural hair inserting contact lens in bathroom mirror

Myth: Your eyes need a day off of contact lenses

Contact lenses are safe to wear daily. If your eyes become irritated, however, your optometrist may tell you to wear glasses until the irritation goes away.

Myths about who can wear contact lenses

Smiling woman with thick wavy hair, dressed in a maroon blouse, holding a tablet

Myth: Contact lenses are only for adults

Lots of teens and even some preteens wear contact lenses. It's less about age and more about being responsible enough to properly wear and care for contacts.
A Young man doing sports with a gray t-shirt, looking to his right side in the middle of the neighborhood.

Myth: Contact lenses are not for part-time wearing

Even if you don't wear glasses all the time, contacts can help with certain activities, like sports.
A woman touching her eye while exercising outside on a running trail

Myth: You can't wear contact lenses with dry eyes

There are contact lenses designed to reduce complications for people with dry eyes like like ACUVUE® MOIST, and proper care can also help reduce symptoms of dryness and discomfort.

Other frequently asked questions

Can I wear contact lenses if I've had cataract surgery?

Only your optometrist can tell for certain. If your optometrist feels that contact lenses are still an option, your optometrist will be able to advise if contact lenses may still be a suitable option for you.

If I've had LASIK or another type of refractive surgery, can I still wear contact lenses?

LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of your eye, but doesn't prevent the development of presbyopia, so you may still need vision correction in the future. Your eye care professional will be able to advise if contact lenses may still be a suitable option for you prior to and at this time.

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Footnotes

¶The names and optometrist profiles on this site are provided for informational purposes only and do not represent an endorsement of any particular healthcare professional. The choice of optometrist and particular treatment options belongs to you.

‖MyACUVUE® is subject to Terms of Use which can be viewed upon downloading the app. Alternatively, you may email [email protected] for a copy. MyACUVUE® is only available at selected Optical Practices which you can find in the above Practice Locator.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE

#Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.

WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your optometrist. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, contact your optometrist immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your optometrist and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide or call the ACUVUE® Support Team on 1800 736 912.

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®Registered trademark © , Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (Australia) Pty Ltd. This site is published by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (Australia) Pty Ltd., which is solely responsible for its content. It is intended for use by residents of Australia. ACUVUE OASYS®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST, HYDRACLEAR®, LACREON®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE®, EYELID STABILISED® DESIGN and PUPIL OPTIMISED DESIGN are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.