Contact lenses offer a great solution to many vision problems, but people often hear inaccurate information about how to care for their lenses properly. Everyone has heard contact lens myths, and it can be hard to sort out the truth from the falsehoods.
Myth 1: Contacts Can Get Lost behind Your Eyes
Sometimes, a contact lens will get folded over and stuck under the eyelid. This leads people to believe that the lens is actually stuck behind the eye, but that is impossible. As MedlinePlus notes, the conjunctiva is a continuous membrane that covers the white (sclera) of the eye, then loops back to cover the inside of the eyelid. This fold in the membrane creates a seal that prevents anything from getting behind the eye.
If you feel like a lens is behind your eye, it is most likely just tucked under your eyelid and can be removed easily by gently massaging the eyelid and looking up and down. If a contact feels seriously stuck or is causing pain, talk to your eye doctor.
Myth 2: You Can Use Water or Saliva as Lens Solution in a Pinch
The Mayo Clinic recommends only using sterile contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses. Anything else increases the risk of eye infection. A lens is an ideal environment for bacterial growth because it creates a moist, anaerobic environment.
Myth 3: It's OK to Swim While Wearing Contacts
Swimming in contacts exposes your eye to the same risks as using anything other than sterile saline solution to clean or store your contacts. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is best to remove lenses before swimming.
Myth 4: Contact Lenses Are Painful or Uncomfortable
This myth used to be true: early contacts were made from hard materials and were not breathable. These lenses were comfortable for some people, but usually they were painful until the eye adapted to the lens (rigid lenses are still available, though rare, but they're now made from gas-permeable materials). Modern soft contacts are immediately comfortable for most people. A wide range of options is now available, meaning that most patients will be able to find a lens that is comfortable for them.
Myth 5: You Can Sleep in Contacts
This is one of the contact lens myths that is based on a shred of truth—there are special lenses designed to be worn during sleep. However, most are not. Sleeping in lenses designed only for daytime wear can increase your risk of developing eye problems, including conjunctivitis, keratitis, and corneal neovascularization.
It is always important to wear your lenses and take proper care of them according to your doctor's instructions.
For questions and comments, contact Woodhams Eye Clinic.
