Using contact lenses is an easier and convenient alternative to spectacles. But people often shy away from wearing them due to some misconceptions.
The history of contact lenses dates back many centuries. Over the years, they have become much more advanced and are well accepted by consumers, because they are easy to use, offer a great alternative to spectacles and are also very convenient.
Despite its many positive attributes, certain misconceptions and myths have prevented first-time wearers from trying them.
So let’s try to set the record straight about these misconceptions.
- I can’t take part in sports wearing contact lenses:
Contact lenses provide stable, sharp vision that sportspeople need, as they do not fog up like spectacles do. They offer clear, glare-free vision and improve a wearer’s peripheral vision, which may help better their performance. However, it is recommended to wear appropriate goggles or masks while playing specific sports such as skiing or hockey.
- I’m afraid to put on my makeup with contact lenses
As a contact lens wearer, one need not give up wearing eye makeup. In fact, contact lenses help a person see clearly while applying makeup. Ideally, makeup should be applied after inserting the contact lens and these lenses should be removed before removing makeup. One just needs to be careful to ensure that makeup such as powdered compact, hand creams, sunscreens, deodorants and nail polish removers do come in direct contact with lenses.
- Contact lenses could get lost behind the eye
This is one of the most common myths, and is just not possible! A thin, but strong, membrane called the conjunctiva, lines the inside of the eyelids and curls back on itself to cover the white part of the eye. Contact lenses cannot pass through this and will tend to center automatically on the cornea.
- I can’t sleep while wearing contact lenses
Contact lens technology has significantly advanced over the years, and products like Alcon’s Air Optix Aqua monthly contact lenses can be worn continuously, even while sleeping. Lenses like these are US Food and Drug Administration approved for both, daily wear as well as extended wear.
- Contact lenses are not safe
Global lens manufacturing companies invest a lot on contact lens research and development. They are a safe option, provided a wearer always follows an eye care practitioner’s advice and does not overuse the lenses beyond the prescribed limits. There are many types of contact lenses available for a wide variety of customers to choose from. One can opt for daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly contact lenses,
Then there are bifocal contact lenses for people with presbyopia, or toric soft lenses for patients with astigmatism. So, there are contact lenses to suit everyone and they have been proven to be medically safe.
- I’m too old to wear contact lenses
Not true! Contact lenses can help treat a variety of eye conditions, including age-related presbyopia. Contact lenses are safe for eyes at any age. However, if a person decides to use contact lenses as they get older, it is crucial that they undergo regular eye check-ups.
- Contact lenses are expensive
Prices of contact lenses have reduced significantly over the years. For about the same price as a pair of good-quality spectacles, one can get a year’s supply of disposable-type contact lenses.
So there you have it! There is no reason why a person should not consider contact lenses as a good alternative to spectacles, given its various advantages. Hopefully, we will see a lot more people opting for it, as the awareness about its benefits grows.
