Debunking common myths about contact lenses

Written by : PEERPULLE VIDANALAGEDARA ZAAKIYA GANEM ZAMZAM, CLASS OF 2024.

Being in medical school most of us spend ample amount of time in front of our laptops, screens & books and less outdoor activities which is significantly associated with myopia (shortsightedness). In such case we opt for various options to improve our eyesight. These options most commonly include eyeglasses, contact lenses, & laser surgery. Deciding the best correction method for you depends on your eyes, lifestyle, and budget. Furthermore, it should be discussed with your ophthalmologist.

However, if you have been wondering whether or not to wear contact lenses, let’s discuss some common myths you should already be aware of:

Myth no. 1: Contact lenses getting trapped/ lost behind the eye.

This is one of the most common myths and here is the good news; that’s impossible. The inner lining of the eyelids, the conjunctiva folds back and becomes the outer covering of the sclera (the white of the eye). This continuation of the conjunctiva from the eyelids to the sclera makes it impossible for anything including contact lenses to dislodge and get lost behind your eye.

Myth no. 2: Children can’t wear contact lenses.

This is a complete myth and eye contacts can be worn by anyone over the age of 8. Admirably today we have contact lenses being fitted even for infants who have eye defects and various other vision impairments, where the parents help in putting in and taking the lenses out. Fruitful use of lenses depends more on enthusiasm and understanding than age. Therefore, there is no physical reason preventing children from using contact lenses.

Myth no. 3: You can’t wear contact lenses if you have astigmatism

This is not true. With the advancement of technology now we do have specialized contact lenses for vision correction in people with astigmatism (Example; Toric contact lenses). In fact, you can even get custom made soft lenses if you have higher amount of astigmatism.

Myth no. 4: In the present days you can sleep with your contact lenses on.

Even though there are some FDA approved, breathable overnight contact lenses still in general there is a higher risk of ulcerations and infections in people who sleep in their contacts. So as a rule of thumb, avoid sleeping with your contacts on.

Myth no. 5: Contacts causes further impairment of your vision.

Once prescribed with contact lenses we tend to attend routine examinations only to discover that our short-sightedness has worsened, which leads to the natural assumption that the contact lenses are responsible. However, myopia worsens during childhood and adolescence and even into adulthood, this not only affects people who wear contact lenses but also those who do not. Accordingly, there is no connection between the deteriorating eyesight and the wearing of contact lenses.

Myth no. 6 : Contact lenses are more expensive than glasses.

Similar to the costs of eyeglasses, the prices of contact lenses too vary depending on the brand, lens and frame chosen. The significant cost difference is observed upon replacement; replacing a lost or damaged contact lens will be much cheaper than buying new pair of glasses. Speaking of contact lenses, the lens,replacement schedule, as well as how often you use them are all elements that allow you to decide how much you will spend.

Myth no. 7 : You can wear contact lenses while in the shower or swimming.

Having contact lenses while swimming or showering, you’re more likely to get an eye infection as tap water and pools are abundant with microbes and they can lodge in your contacts. For example, Acanthamoeba parasite can infect your eye causing severe pain and, in the worst-case scenario, can even necessitate a corneal transplant. Hence swimming and bathing with contact lenses should be avoided.

Myth no. 8: Using contact lenses cause eye diseases.

Wearing contact lenses do not directly cause eye infections but, if you don’t clean them properly or don’t use them as directed it will increase your risk of infections. However as long as you clean and care for your lenses appropriately and use them as per instructions, wearing contact lenses is very safe.

Myth no. 9: Contact lenses can fall out of your eyes.

For a fact, properly fitted lenses will never pop out of your eye. Anyways, wearing your lenses inside out can cause them to fall, yet most contact lenses feature an indicator where you can easily identify the correct sides and wear them properly so that they never remove off.