Debunking Common Contact Lens Myths

By Dr. Patricia Fulmer
Legacy Vision Center

For many patients, contact lenses are a part of daily life. For others, the idea of putting something in the eye is terrifying…but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s look at some of the myths surrounding contact lenses to help ensure safe and proper lens wear and hopefully relieve some apprehensions.

Myth: I can wear my contacts until they feel uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, this common school of thought is simply untrue and can lead to sight threatening conditions. Contact lens overwear is one of the leading causes of medical office visits at my office each year. Each contact lens has an approved replacement schedule (usually daily or monthly, though some lenses are biweekly or quarterly) and very few are approved to sleep in. When the replacement schedule is not followed or lenses are not removed before sleep, the risk of infection and hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the front of the eye) can result. In some cases, these complications can lead to irreversible vision loss. When worn correctly, however, today’s prescribed contact lenses are very safe for patients.

Myth: All contacts are the same. It doesn’t matter what brand I order.

The overwhelming number of online contact lens vendors and subsequent marketing has significantly contributed to this belief, and it has resulted in poor fitting, high risk lenses being worn by many patients. Contact lenses are medical devices. They are regulated by state and federal laws and should be fitted, evaluated, and prescribed by your optometrist yearly. Each contact lens has its own curvature, diameter, water content, and breathability and is chosen for the patient by his or her doctor based upon the shape of the eye, the health of the eye, and the patient’s lifestyle needs. For instance, a patient that is on the computer for hours out of the day might be prescribed a lens that has blue light protection built in, but if the patient then purchases a lens different from that listed on the contact lens prescription, that benefit would be lost. Another more serious example is a patient that has overworn contacts in the past and presents with scarring or blood vessel growth in the cornea. His or her optometrist intentionally moves the patient into daily replacement lenses to minimize the risk of furthering these sight-threatening complications. If the patient were to go outside of the prescription and purchase a monthly or two-week contact lens, particularly if he or she then overwears that lens, blindness could result. This is why it is so important to only purchase the lenses prescribed for your eyes.

Note: This advice holds true for costume contact lenses, often seen at Halloween, as well. Good news, though! Your optometrist can prescribe costume lenses and care regimens that will be safe for you so you can still enjoy those fun fashion accessories!

Myth: I can swim in my contact lenses (or I can clean them with water from the sink).

Many people do not realize how much bacteria and other contaminants are in water, be it tap, pool, lake, or ocean, and due to their permeable and moisturized surface, contact lenses are wonderful breeding grounds for these microorganisms to set up home. When this happens, serious infections such as corneal ulcers can occur. The best practice is to ALWAYS clean lenses with prescribed contact lens solution, and if you do have to swim in your lenses, make sure to immediately discard them after getting out of the water and replace with a new pair.

While there are complications that can arise from contact lens misuse, proper training, care, and wear can relieve those apprehensions and make sure contacts can be worn safely for all patients. If you are interested in learning more, please call or visit Legacy Vision Center today!