Contact Lenses Myths Debunked

There’s a surprising number of myths related to contact lenses and their use. From strange urban legends to simple misinformation about how the product works, there are stories out there that might lead you to believe wrong things about contact lenses. Are you thinking of getting some for yourself?

Then you better know how to differentiate fact from fiction, and to help, we’re here to debunk some of the most common myths.

Contact lenses can melt into your eyes

A story that has been circulating since the early 2000s claims that a young woman who went to a BBQ party stood too close to the barbecue and had her contact lenses melt into her eyes, thus rendering her permanently blind.

Same as most urban legends, this story is false, and there’s really no reason for you to worry about exposing your lenses to heat.

Why?

Because the basic laws of physics don’t suddenly change to suit a viral Facebook story. If you’re standing next to something that’s hot enough to actually dry out the fluids in your eyes and melt your contact lenses, it probably means you’re on fire. In which case, we daresay you’ve got bigger problems.

I’m too old/young to wear contact lenses

Well, apply the same logic to your glasses. Is someone ever too young or old to wear glasses? No, not really. Anyone can wear contacts if they like. All you need to do is pay attention to hygiene and storage. If you think you can do that, then you’re perfectly able to wear contacts.

They will “fix” my eyes

Glasses and contact lenses are there to help you have clear, sharp vision and suffer no consequences of visual impairment, but only when you wear them. If you want to get rid of your bad eyesight, then laser surgery, or new PRIMA technology is probably your best option. Always talk to your optometrist about any concerns you might have, and they’ll tell you all about your specific eye issue and what you can do to resolve it.

They will fall out all the time

Old, hard lenses did have a habit of falling out occasionally, but the technology today is so advanced that there’s just no chance of this happening right now. The materials used today are soft and pliant, so good, quality contact lenses will mold to the shape of your eyes and settle into place with no fuss, and no budging until you want to take them off.

You can get them lost inside your eyelids

This is genuinely impossible. Your eyes are surrounded by a thin membrane that covers the white part of your eyes and connects it to your eyelids. Your lenses can’t get lost somewhere and go to the back of your eye, and if you feel like they’ve slid a little to the side or upward, you can just blink repeatedly until they settle back into place.

Contact lenses are uncomfortable

Nope! Today’s lenses are generally so soft that after a period of adjustment you’ll forget that you’ve even put them on. If you suffer from very dry eyes, then you might wish to invest in a bottle of artificial tears that will lubricate the eyes and make it even easier to wear lenses. Don’t worry, lenses are perfectly comfortable and easy to wear.

Contact lenses cause infections

No, contact lenses will not, on their own, cause an infection. What can cause an infection is poor hygiene. You need to pay attention to proper steps when it comes to storing and cleaning your contacts, and if you do, you’ll have no problems. Make sure to never go to sleep with your lenses on, and never keep using them past their expiration date.

Inserting them is difficult

It definitely requires some practice, but it’s not at all difficult. You will need to make sure your hands are clean before touching the lens. Simply put it on your finger, open your eye, and pull the lower eyelid down with your other hand. Look up, and then gently press the lens onto the white of your eye.

Close your eye, blink, and the lens should come into place. Do the same process with your other eye, and you’re done! If you have any difficulties, you can always ask your optometrist to help you out. Don’t worry, after doing this a few times you’ll pick up the skill and won’t have any issues putting them in.

Whether you want corrective lenses to wear instead of your glasses or just an opportunity to change your eye color temporary, contact lenses are a great option. They’re safe and easy to use, and can be worn both for medical or purely aesthetic purposes. See an ophthalmologist for an eye checkup, grab a pair of lenses that suit your needs, and enjoy them!

About the author:

Scarlet is a passionate writer and regular contributor at highstylife.com interested in fashion, lifestyle, and health. She loves traveling, you could say that she is a real travel addict, especially when she has a chance to visit some exotic destinations. She would tell you that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.