Contact lenses provide individuals with vision problems a great alternative to glasses. They do not get in the way when you are trying to play sports, do not fog up in cold weather, and offer a more aesthetically pleasing appearance—all while correcting your vision.
However, some myths prevent people from using contact lenses. Some people think that contact lenses are more dangerous and irritating than wearing glasses. Some have even been told that contact lenses can make people go blind.
To put your mind at ease (and tell you the truth), we have busted the top 5 myths about contact lenses.
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What Are Contact Lenses?
Millions of people all around the world are wearers of contact lenses, though you might not be able to tell just by looking at them. Contacts are thin, clear, plastic lenses that are placed over the corneas of the eyes. They help correct refractive errors by adding or subtracting focusing power to the eye's cornea and lens. Contact lenses are capable of correcting the same vision problems that eyeglasses do, such as:
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
At our Calgary eye clinic in Market Mall, our team of highly experienced eye doctors can assess your lifestyle, eye health, and other factors to determine which type of contact lens is right for you. To learn more about contacts and if you are a good candidate for them, contact Market Mall Optometry by calling (403) 286-4884 or filling out our online contact form.
5 Myths About Contact Lenses
There are many myths about contact lenses that drive people away from wearing them. Due to improper research and wrongheaded hearsay, people are missing out on the amazing benefits that come with wearing contact lenses.
If you want to enjoy clear vision without having to wear glasses but are afraid that they might cause harm to your eyes, these debunked myths should help you ease your mind:
Myth #1: Contact Lenses Can Get Lost Behind My Eye
No, it is impossible for your contact lenses to get stuck behind your eye. A thin membrane called the conjunctiva lines the inner eyelid and folds back on itself to cover the sclera (white part of the eye). This membrane prevents anything from entering the eye, including a dislodged contact lens.
Myth #2: Contact Lenses Will Scratch My Eye
There is a very slight chance that your contact lenses will scratch your eye. However, proper fitting contact lenses should not cause you any discomfort or pose the risk of scratching your eye. If you care for your contact lenses incorrectly or do not clean them as often as you should, the risk of your contact lens scratching your eye will increase. Contact your optometrist right away if you experience discomfort or any changes in your vision.
Myth #3: Contact Lenses Can Get Stuck To My Eye
Contact lenses cannot get stuck to your eye if you follow the proper care instructions outlined by your optometrist. It is possible for a soft contact lens to get stuck to the eye, but only if it has dried completely. By adding saline or sterile solution to your eye, the lens will be ready to be removed.
Myth #4: Contact Lenses Are Uncomfortable
Advancements in technology have allowed for more comfortable contact lens solutions. After a brief adaptation period, most people do not even realize that they are wearing contact lenses. If you experience contact lens discomfort, contact your optometrist so they can provide you with a better contact lens option.
Myth #5: Contact Lenses Are Bad For Your Eyes
As long as you keep up with your regular cleaning schedule, go for regular eye exams, and follow your optometrist's care instructions, contact lenses can be a very healthy vision correction option.
However, if you do not clean them, you will be at risk for developing eye infections. Similarly, you may deprive your cornea of oxygen if you wear your daily lenses for too long.
Contact Us Today!
Typically, contact lens myths come from individuals who have had bad experiences or from misleading information. Many myths are based on what contact lenses used to be over 50 years ago instead of their current design. Talk to your optometrist about the concerns you may be having about wearing contact lenses and to know whether or not you are a good candidate for them.
At our Calgary eye clinic in Market Mall, our team of experienced optometrists can offer a comprehensive contact lens fitting and address any concerns you may have about wearing them. During the contact lens fitting, they can advise on how to put in and take out your lenses and how to take care of them, lowering your risk of developing any infections and ensuring your vision always stays clear. Contact us today by calling (403) 286-4884 or by filling out our online contact form.
FAQs
Q: What types of contact lenses are there?
A: There are 2 types of lenses: soft lens and hard lens. Soft lenses are by far the most popular among contact lens wearers because they allow for more oxygen to reach the cornea. Hard lens options provide an exceptional vision for patients with astigmatism. Talk to your optometrist to see which option is right for you.
Q: Do you still have to wear glasses if you have contacts?
A: You should always keep a pair of glasses handy even if you wear contacts regularly. Glasses will give your eyes a break from wearing contact lenses all day and will come in handy if allergens attack and you have an itchy eye.
Q: Will my contact lens prescription be any different from my eyeglasses prescription?
A: Yes, the adjustment method is different for contact lenses and glasses. In order to correctly adjust your personal contact lenses, it is necessary to know the measurements of the eye, which will determine the diameter and curvature of the lenses. Because the distance between your eye and your glasses is different from the distance between your contact lens and eye, your prescription may also differ.
