Are you concerned about wearing contact lenses? You’re not alone! Many people are hesitant to try them because they’re often uninformed about contact lenses. We’ll answer 9 questions that eyecare professionals are frequently asked to provide some clarity for you.
Can contact lenses get lost behind my eyes or permanently stick to them?
These are two myths that persist to this day! It’s physically impossible to lose your contact lenses behind your eyes. In fact, there’s a membrane that connects your eyeballs to your eyelids. This prevents the lenses from slipping through.
Contact lenses also cannot fuse with your eyes. At IRIS, all our lenses are made of very high-quality materials. They’re specially designed to stay on the surface of the eye. These lenses are very easy to remove if you follow the recommended method.
Can contact lenses scratch my eyes?
This type of problem is quite rare. For the most part, issues are usually related to an inadequate adjustment of the lenses. Not following the optometrist’s prescriptions can cause irritation. It’s essential to follow the recommendations concerning the frequency you should change your lenses. If you experience any discomfort while wearing your contact lenses, remove them as soon as possible and consult your optometrist.
Do contact lenses fall out easily?
With a proper fit performed by your optometrist, your lenses will stay in place. If a lens moves, it will usually remain in the eye until it returns to its proper place.
Why do I need a prescription to get contact lenses?
Contact lenses are visual orthoses. Only an optometrist can tell you if there’s a contraindication for you to wear contacts. By examining you, your vision care professional will ensure that it’s safe for you to wear lenses. Your optometrist or optician will then help you determine the type of lenses that will suit you and your lifestyle, the shape of your eyes and your prescription.
Will my contact lens prescription be different from the prescription for my glasses?
Yes, the fitting method is different for glasses and contact lenses. For the latter, the specific measurements of your eyes need to be known. This is what determines the diameter and curvature of the lenses.
In addition, your eyeglasses prescription takes into account the distance between your eyes and the corrective lenses. This distance is not the same for contact lenses; therefore, the prescription may vary. It’s therefore essential to try them out before buying them, especially if you have presbyopia or astigmatism.
Is it difficult to take care of your contact lenses?
Lens technologies have evolved a lot, so there are now options that require very little maintenance. The easiest lenses to use are daily lenses. As a new pair is used every day, just throw them away at the end of the day.
Reusable lenses must be disinfected every day with easy-to-use solutions. A new pair should be used every two weeks or every month, depending on the type of lens. You’ll soon find out that maintaining your lenses will quickly become part of your daily routine!
As of what age can my child wear contact lenses?
There’s no ideal age to start wearing contact lenses. Many children start wearing them in their teens and even in their pre-teens. As a parent, you’re in the best position to determine if your child is mature and responsible enough to take care of their contact lenses. And also to know if they have the necessary motivation to wear them.
Whether for aesthetic reasons or sports activities, there are several reasons why your child may want to wear contact lenses. Your optometrist or optician will help you choose the type of contact lenses that are best suited for them.
Can I continue to wear glasses if I get contact lenses?
It’s recommended to give your eyes a break by alternating your glasses with your contact lenses. For example, many people remove their contact lenses on their way home from work or school. Others get into the habit of resting their eyes on weekends by wearing their glasses.
It’s also possible to get contact lenses and wear them occasionally. Do you ever participate in sports activities or special events? You should know that contact lenses are ideal for sports in general! They provide better peripheral vision, don’t fog up and prevent damaging your glasses.
Would you like to learn more about contact lenses and whether they’re right for you? Make an appointment with your optometrist to try some out at an IRIS store near you!
