Getting to the bottom of contact lens myths

There are a few common misconceptions about contact lenses that keep 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.

An illustration of the myth that contact lenses can get lost behind your eye.

Myth: Contact lenses can go behind your eye

It's impossible for contact lenses to get 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.

See Basic Eye Anatomy

Myths about how contact lenses can affect your eyes

An illustration of the myth that contact lenses can scratch your eye.

Myth: Contacts 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.

See Caring for Contacts

An illustration of the myth that contact lenses can get stuck to your eye.

Myth: Contacts can get stuck to your eyes

Contacts are generally easy to remove using the method your eye doctor recommends. If they temporarily stick, use a few drops of lens solution to loosen them up.

Myth: Eye infections are common when wearing contacts

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

More myths about contact lenses

Myth: Contacts 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.

Learn More

ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day contact lenses 30-Pack.

Myth: Contacts 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.

See Daily Disposable Contacts

Black woman with brown eyes and natural hair inserting contact lens.

Myth: Your eyes need a day off of contacts

Contacts are safe to wear daily. If your eyes become irritated, however, your eye doctor may tell you to wear glasses until the irritation goes away.

Myth: Contacts can't correct for astigmatism

Astigmatism is no longer a barrier to wearing contact lenses. ACUVUE offers several contact lenses that correct for astigmatism.

Myths about who can wear contact lenses

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

Myth: Contacts 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.

See Info for Teens and Parents

Young man doing sports with a gray t-shirt, looking to his right side. A young man doing sports with a gray t-shirt, looking to his right side in the middle of the neighborhood.

Myth: Contacts 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. A woman touching her eye while exercising outside on a running trail.

Myth: You can't wear contacts with dry eyes

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

See ACUVUE MOIST

Footnotes

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE 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 eye doctor. 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, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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