Contact lenses are an alternative to grade glasses, however as their use leads to the emergence of many doubts as it involves putting something directly in contact with the eye.
Contact lenses have advantages when compared to grade glasses because they do not break, do not weigh, or slip on the face, and are especially appreciated by those who do not like wearing glasses or play sports. However, if not used correctly, lens use increases the risk of stye, red eyes or dry eyes, and more serious problems such as corneal ulcers, for example.
So, to clarify some of the most common questions, here are a few myths and truths related to the use of contact lenses:
1. Does wearing contact lenses cause harm and cause eye infections?
Wear contact lenses does not harm the eyes, as long as they are used responsibly, respecting the maximum use time of 8 hours a day and the necessary hygiene care. Only misuse and failure to meet the necessary hygiene precautions increase the risk of eye infections caused by the use of lenses. See how care should be taken and how lens cleaning should be done at Learn About Contact Lenses.
2. Lenses may get lost or stuck in the eye
The fear of losing the contact lens in the eye itself is a common fear, but this is physically impossible because there is a membrane that prevents this from happening. Rarely, what can happen is that the lens folds and gets caught in the inside of the eyelid (in the upper part of the eye), which can be easily removed at home.
3. Is wearing lenses uncomfortable?
In most cases and if the eye is healthy the contact lenses are not uncomfortable. The choice of lenses to use is one of the factors that contributes most to comfort during use, as each type of eye can adapt differently to the various types of existing materials. Generally, the choice of lens should be assisted by an ophthalmologist or a skilled technician.
The discomfort only appears when there are signs of tiredness, itching, redness, tearing or discomfort in the eye and in these cases the most recommended is to interrupt the use of the lenses for 1 or 2 days or consult the ophthalmologist if necessary.
4. Going on the beach spoils the lens?
The beach can end up by ruining the lenses faster, which is due to the effect salt water can have on the lenses, making them dry more easily. This can happen even when closing the eyes well when diving, and the same happens in the swimming pools, due to the chlorine and disinfectants that are added in this type of waters.
However, when necessary, the lenses can be used on the beach or in the pool, provided you always close your eyes when diving.
5. Can Child Wear Contact Lens?
Both children and teenagers can wear contact lenses as long as they are mature and responsible enough to take care of the lenses and make the necessary hygiene. Often this can be a good option as it can help in raising the child's self-esteem, which is no longer forced to wear glasses at school, for example.
In addition, contact lenses do not worsen the lack of sight of either children or adults, as it is proven that they are not responsible for worsening myopia.
6. Can I sleep on glasses?
Only lenses for day and night periods can be used for sleeping as they are suitable for this purpose.
The most common types of lenses are only suitable for use during the day, and it is recommended to remove them at night or after 8 hours of use.
7. Are there colored lenses
There are different colors like green, blue, brown, caramel color, black or red, which can be used on a daily basis to change eye color. The vast majority of colored lenses have no degree, that is, they are sold as grade 0, but some brands like Bausch & Lomb sell this type of graduated lenses.
8. Can I clean the lenses with saline solution?
The lenses should never be cleaned with saline solution, water or other unsuitable solutions, as these will eventually ruin the lens and will not allow for the necessary moisturizing, cleaning and disinfection. Therefore, for cleaning only disinfectant solutions suitable for contact lens should be used. See the step-by-step instructions for inserting and removing contact lenses in Care for placing and removing contact lenses.
9. If I buy lenses I do not need to buy glasses.
Even if you buy contact lenses, it is recommended to always have 1 pair of glasses with the updated graduation, which should be used during the rest hours of the lenses.
In addition, it is also important to wear glasses on days when the eyes are more sensitive, red or dry, for example, because in these cases the lenses can make the situation worse.
10. Are there any glass contact lenses?
Currently contact lenses are no longer made of glass, being made of rigid or semi-rigid materials, which best fit the eye, providing greater comfort and stability.
