Myth 1. Lenses can injure the eye
This is not the case if you put them on and off correctly. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly before any procedure.
To put on the lens, place it on your finger, slightly pull the lower eyelid, and look up. Install the lens and blink. If everything is done correctly, there will be no discomfort.
To remove the lens, pull back the lower eyelid and use your finger to slide the lens sideways or downward. Take it with your index finger and thumb and remove it from the eye.
If you've never worn lenses and are afraid to put them on yourself, ask your ophthalmologist for help. The specialist will explain everything in detail and show you.
Myth 2. Lenses are not suitable for children and the elderly
In fact, both children and adults wear lenses. There is no age limit. For example, according to the survey data Analysis of the Russian market of contact lenses in 2018 according to the results of a survey conducted by the journal "Bulletin of Optometry" in 2018, more than 20% of people who use contact lenses in Russia are children under 17 years old. And the oldest fans of this method of vision correction are over 60 years old.
The main thing is that a person can put on and remove the lenses himself. And also properly take care of them.
Myth 3. Lenses are inconvenient
It was once true. The first contact lenses were made from glass. They were not breathable at all and were really uncomfortable.
In 1971, Bausch + Lomb released the first soft contact lenses¹ - and that changed. Today, lenses are made from high-tech materials such as silicone hydrogel or hypergel. Due to this, they retain moisture well and allow oxygen to pass through.
Myth 4. The lens can get lost in the eye
The eyeball is protected by a thin membrane - the conjunctiva. It protects the eyes from dust, dirt and prevents the lens from penetrating too far. Even if the product moves to the side, it will simply end up under the eyelid and will not be able to get deeper.
Myth 5. Lenses may accidentally fall out
Not true. In the lenses, you can play sports, apply makeup, jump on a trampoline. If the products are selected correctly, they will not fall out.
Although there are situations in which it is better not to wear lenses. This applies to going to the bathhouse and sauna, washing your hair, swimming and grilling when there is smoke. Also, lenses should not be used during a cold: if dangerous bacteria or viruses remain on your hands, an infection can get into the eye when you remove or put on the lenses.
Myth 6. Lenses are difficult to care for
Not at all. Daily care only takes a couple of minutes. Wash your hands, remove the lenses, put them on your palm, drip a little special solution and wipe the surface of the lenses with your little finger, then rinse them well with the solution. Then pour the solution into a clean container and place the lenses there.
If you don't want to waste time on special care, you can use daily lenses. At the end of the day, you just throw them away and put on new ones in the morning.
Myth 7. It is difficult to see in the lenses
You can see better in lenses than with glasses. The picture is sharper, more contrasty and the viewing angle is much wider: the world does not become blurry when you look to the side or up.
Myth 8. You don't need to wear sunglasses with lenses
Some lenses do protectTransparent nanostructured photochromic UV ‑ blocking soft contact lenses cornea from ultraviolet rays. But they are not yet able to completely protect the eyes from solar radiation due to their size: the lenses cover only part of the eyeball. Therefore, glasses are still needed.
Myth 9. Contact lenses are expensive
It used to be that way. Today, materials are being improved, and lenses are no longer a luxury item. Well-chosen glasses with reliable frames will cost many times more.
Myth 10. Lenses impair vision
Eye problems can occur only if lenses are incorrectly selected, worn for longer than the permitted period, or poorly looked after. Perhaps the myth arose because lenses make vision truly clear and contrasting. When we take them off, we again see everything blurry. From such a difference, there may be a feeling that vision has deteriorated even more.
Issue a certificate
1. McMahon TT, Back K. Contact lenses are 25 years old. Effects on the cornea and ophthalmic practice. Cornea 19 (5): 730-740, 2000. Information provided by Bausch + Lomb. Book 3, 2011, pp. 11. Rochester, New York 14 609-3596.
2. Rajendra Akaria U., Tang W., Yun W. L., etc. The human eye. Rajendra Akaria U., Ng EIK, Suri J. S., editors. Simulation of the image of the human eye. Norwood, MA: Artek House; 2008:5.
3. US patent 8 377 464. February 19, 2013. Linhardt JG, Ammon DM Jr, Salamone JC, Hook DJ, inventors; Bausch & Lomb Inc., assignee. Polymerizable surfactants and their use as device forming comonomers. The uniqueness of the surface properties lies in the presence of a high concentration and activity of surfactants (poloxamer, pluronic and tetronic) on the lens surface.
4. Steffen R., Schaffer J. Comparison of dehydration of two types of contact lenses. Poster presented at the Global Optical Symposium for Professionals. 25.01.2014 Las Vegas, Nevada. Biotrue® ONEday loses less than 2% moisture in 16 hours of wear.
5. Reindel W., Steffen R., Moshauer G. Digital device users with signs of dry eye are evaluating the new silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Bulletin of Optometry, 2017, No. 3, p. 36−40.
There are contraindications. Read the instructions before use.