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 contact lenses can improve your life.
Myths about how contact lenses can affect your eyes
Myth: Contact lenses can scratch your eyes
Contact lens related problems can occur, however this is very unlikely. Most common contact lens eye-health issues are related to poorly fitted lenses or not following your Eye Care Professional's 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 Eye Care Professional.
Myth: Contact lenses can get stuck to your eyes
Contact lenses are generally easy to remove using the method your Eye Care Professional recommends. If they temporarily stick, use a few drops of lens solution to help loosen them up.
Myth: 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're breathable & you won't even know you're wearing them.
Myth: Contact lenses are difficult to look after
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 with modern solutions is fairly simple, and with some practice as well as following instructions from your eye care professional, it quickly becomes second nature. Learn how to take care of your lenses with our practical guide.
Myth: Your eyes need a regular day off of contact lenses to 'breathe'
Most of the modern, soft contact lenses are made from breathable materials. Unless your eye care professional has instructed you otherwise, you should be able to wear your contact lenses every day.
Myth: Contact lenses can't correct for astigmatism
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 ACUVUE® offers several contact lenses that correct for astigmatism.
Myths about who can wear contact lenses
Myth: Contact lenses are only for adults
There is no physical reason to prevent teenagers or even children from wearing contact lenses, and your eye care professional 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.
Other frequently asked questions
People over 40 shouldn’t wear contact lenses
Can I wear contacts if I've had cataracts surgery?
If I've had LASIK or another refractive surgery, can I still wear contact lenses?
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Footnotes
° Lens colour and design pattern were inspired by nature. ** Study involves Asian subjects * Please note professional eye examination and fitting fees may apply. GCC residents 18 or over only. One trial per person. Eligibility subject to Eye Care Professional approval. Participating Eye Care Professionals only. See link for full terms and conditions. # All ACUVUE® contact lenses have UV Blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. 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 by your Eye Care Professional. ^ For full details on moneyback guarantee, see the Terms and Conditions. 1. JJV Data on File 2021. Material Properties of 1-DAY ACUVUE DEFINE Brand Contact Lenses with LACREON – Core Variants and Fresh Collection Range Variants, including AFM and SEM Testing. 2. Chalmers RL, Hickson-Curran SB, Keay L et al. Rates of adverse events with hydrogel and silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses in a large post-market surveillance registry: the TEMPO registry. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci.2015;56:654–663. doi: 10.1167/iovs.14-15582. 3. JJV Data on File, 2021. Lens Fit and Overall Visual Performance with 1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE® Brand Contact Lenses, and Wearer Reported Symptoms with 1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE® Brand Contact Lenses with LACREON® Fresh Collection. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your Eye Care Professional and read the Instructions for Use. 2024PP20167