Revealing the Truth Behind Common Contact Lens Myths

Having vision errors affects not only your eye health, but also your safety and daily efficiency. Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry offers reliable vision correction options as a solution. Contact lenses remain a popular choice because of the many benefits they provide. False information about them, however, may cloud your judgment about using them.

Here are some common myths about contact lenses and the truth behind each one:

They Are Complicated to Use

Contact lenses may seem tricky and intimidating to use. With constant practice and patience, however, you’ll eventually get the hang of it. Rest assured, we’ll give you detailed instructions on how to properly place them on your eyes and remove them. We will also demonstrate how to clean and store your contacts.

They Are Uncomfortable

Being naturally sensitive, your eyes may require some time to adjust to contact lenses. With the discoveries in lens technologies, contact lenses are now available in different materials that can help maintain your visual comfort. Some are made of gas-permeable plastics to allow optimum oxygen entry while others have a built-in water reservoir to keep your eyes moisturized all day long. We can help you find a pair that best addresses your eye care needs during your eye exam.

They May Become Permanently Stuck in My Eyes

This sensation is common when your eyes have gone dry. This is why we advise applying our prescribed eye drops at regular intervals. It’s also important to blink and rest your eyes regularly, especially when using devices like your phone or a computer. This way, you can maintain lubrication in your eyes and prevent discomfort.

They Lead to Eye Infections

Contact lens-related eye infections may happen when you fail to observe proper hygiene when handling them. This is why one of the first things your optometrist will tell you is to always wash your hands before touching your contact lenses. Doing so reduces the risk of hand-eye transmission of infection-causing microorganisms.

If you have other questions about common contact lens myths, feel free to reach us at (703) 413-1400. You may also fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We proudly serve residents in Crystal City and the surrounding Virginia communities.