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.

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

Myth: Contact lenses can go behind your 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.

Myths about how contact lenses can affect your eyes

Illustration of a weeping eye due to a damaged contact lens

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 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.

Illustration of a contact lens getting stuck to an eyeball

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.

Illustration of a an eyeball crying due to an eye infection

Myth: Eye infections are common when wearing contact lenses

Contact lens related health problems are rare, and can be related to poor cleaning routines. Follow your eye care professional's instructions and manufacturer Instructions for Use to help keep your eyes safe.

contact lens comfort promise

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.

Icon of a contact lens with a timer in the top left to illustrate they need to be taken out regularly

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.

Icon of a hand holding a digital device with wavy grey lines across it illustrating blurry vision

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

A Young man doing sports with a gray t-shirt, looking to his right side wearing white headphones in his ears

Myth: Contacts are not for part-time wearing

Even if you don't wear glasses all the time, contact lenses 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 that contain technologies that may help people with dry eye symptoms to wear contact lenses. Also proper care can help reduce symptoms of dryness and discomfort.

Other frequently asked questions

People over 40 shouldn’t wear contact lenses

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.

Can I wear contacts if I've had cataracts surgery?

Only your eye care professional can tell for certain. If they feel that contact lenses are still an option, we believe that ACUVUE® is an excellent choice.

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

Only your Eye care professional can tell for certain. LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of your eye, but doesn’t prevent the development of presbyopia, so you may still need vision correction at some point. Fortunately, we offer contact lenses specifically for presbyopia.

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Footnotes

#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. **While contact lenses are perfect for an active lifestyle, it is not advised to expose your contact lenses to water, and as such swimming with contact lenses should be avoided. This includes avoiding wearing contact lenses not just while swimming, but also showering, bathing and using a hot tub.

1.JJV Data on File 2021. ACUVUE® Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM - Overall Fitting Success, Orientation Position, Rotational Stability, and Vision Performance.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE® Contact Lenses can be used 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 instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease, that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For more information, including warnings and precautions, carefully read the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website.

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© Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd. 2024. All rights reserved. This site is published by Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd., which is solely responsible for its content. It is intended for use by residents of South Africa.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care is part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd. ACUVUE®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST Brand Contact Lenses with LACREON® Technology, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM, ACUVUE OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology, ACUVUE OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd.
Last updated 19/02/2024.