Contact Lenses: 7 Myths versus Facts

Woman With Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be a good vision correction solution for many people and may wear them successfully for years. But, contact lens users must commit to a daily routine of cleaning and disinfecting them to prevent eye infections and irritation. This is why many people concerned about contact lens maintenance and infection risks turn to LASIK laser vision correction surgery.  In addition to reducing or eliminating the need for lenses once you’ve had the procedure, one of the benefits of laser vision correction is a lower risk of eye infections.

“In a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology a few years ago, sight-threatening infections from contact lens use occur in one in 2,000 contact lenses wearers, but only one in 10,000 patients risk significant vision loss due to complications from LASIK,” says Dr. Kerry Solomon, past president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and a member of the Refractive Surgery Council.

New research of 1,232 contact lens wearers and 3,502 LASIK patients shows LASIK delivers better vision than contacts in the long run.  The study results show 20/16 achieved by 81% of daily wear contact lens wearers with best correction versus 96% of LASIK patients without correction at 1 month after the procedure. In addition, according to Dr. Solomon, it’s a myth that contact lenses are convenient with a low risk of infection. In fact, they’re just the opposite. Here are some other myths versus facts about contact lenses:

Myth: Contact lenses are 100 percent safe.

Fact: A recent study showed that in one year alone (2010) approximately 19,000 visited the emergency room with contact lens-related issues, including bacterial infections, sometimes known as microbial keratitis.  This infection can lead to a loss of vision. People who abuse contacts by wearing them overnight or improperly caring for them have an even greater risk.

Myth: It’s normal for your eyes to feel dry sometimes while wearing contacts

Fact:  Any eye irritation – whether or not you wear contact lenses – should be discussed with your eye doctor.  Dry eye symptoms can lead to damage and reduced vision.  Your eye doctor may recommend changing out of your lenses, starting a dry eye therapy regimen, and may discuss laser vision correction as a better option for you.  Recent data from the FDA shows the majority of LASIK patients who had dry eye symptoms prior to the procedure reported their symptoms improved and even disappeared after the procedure.

Myth: You can sleep in your contacts.

Fact: Despite improvements in extended wear contact lenses, wearing them during sleep still carries a greater risk of complications than removing lenses daily. Exposure to smoke, wearing your contacts when swimming and previous eye irritations or infections are additional risk factors for extended wear contact lens complications.

Myth: Contact lenses are the right solution for active lifestyles.

Fact: Contacts are vulnerable to the environment, making them problematic for activities and sports that involve sand, snow, or dirt.  Sunscreen and sweat also pose a contamination risk as the natural reflex is to rub the eye (probably with unwashed hands). Getting anything stuck under a contact can lead to eye damage or even an infection.

Myth: It’s OK to wear contact lenses for water sports.

Fact: The FDA has not approved contact lenses for use in swimming, surfing, or water sports, and in fact, warns people to avoid exposing their contacts to any water. Bacteria in oceans, lakes, rivers, and pools – even in the shower – can contaminate contact lenses.  The chlorine used in pools doesn’t completely disinfect the water and it can damage the lens material.

Myth: Contact lenses are fine for sports on land.

Fact: Contact lenses can cause problems with many sports, not just water sports. Skiers and snowboarders suffer from glare when wearing contacts. Hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers need to be concerned about dirt and dust contaminating their contacts – not to mention the need to carry contact lens products along with their other gear. Plus, in rugged outdoor environments, it is difficult to properly sanitize hands before dealing with a contact lens problem.

Myth: If I don’t have an active lifestyle, I’ll be fine with contacts.

Fact: There are many kinds of active lifestyles and not all of them involve sports. For example, mothers of young children are usually very active – and they may not have time to take proper care of their contacts.

Vision needs change over time and with age, leading some people to consider their vision correction options. Many eye doctors will tell you that, at some point, eyes need a break from constant, consistent contact lens wear. Being diligent about your contact lens hygiene practice and having routine annual eye exams is important to protect the health of the surface of the eye and for overall safe contact lens use.

Contact lenses are an extremely popular vision correction choice for many obvious reasons. However, if you find your contacts are no longer comfortable or no longer support your lifestyle it may be time to think about your options in vision correction.  Discussing your needs with your ophthalmologist, along with a thorough evaluation of your eye, can help you decide if LASIK could be a better option for your vision.

Published July 14, 2016
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