There’s what you hear about contacts and then there’s the truth.
CAN CONTACTS GET LOST BEHIND MY EYE?
Not a chance. It’s physically impossible. A membrane covers your eye and connects to the inside of your eyelids, so there’s no chance that it could happen.
CAN CONTACT LENSES SCRATCH MY EYE?
Such contact lens-related problems can occur, but they’re unlikely. Most common eye health issues are caused by poorly fitted lenses, or by not taking care of the lenses like you should.
CAN CONTACT LENSES GET STUCK TO MY EYE?
Not likely. Contact lenses can be easily removed using the method your eye doctor recommended. All it takes is practice and patience.
CAN CONTACT LENSES POP OUT OF MY EYE?
Not likely. With proper fitting, contacts should stay in place almost all the time. Even on that rare occasion when a contact lens moves out of place, it usually stays in your eye until you move it back.
ARE EYE INFECTIONS COMMON WHEN WEARING CONTACT LENSES?
Contact lens-related health problems can occur, but they’re rare. Infections are most commonly related to poor cleaning routines or other lens care-related issues. If you follow your eye doctor’s directions for proper wear and care, you should be fine.
ARE CONTACT LENSES MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GLASSES?
Contacts can be surprisingly affordable. And with vision insurance, out-of-pocket costs may be even less. Plus, replacing a lost contact lens can be cheap and easy compared to replacing lost or damaged glasses.
CAN YOU ONLY WEAR CONTACTS IF YOU NEED GLASSES ALL THE TIME?
If your need for vision correction isn’t that great, contact lenses are an easy, always-there alternative to wear when you need them for certain activities, such as sports. And, unlike glasses, contacts won’t smudge, steam up, fall off or break, and you won’t lose any peripheral vision. Learn more about Glasses & Contacts >.
IF YOU WEAR CONTACTS, IS IT OKAY TO SHARE THEM WITH SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T?
No. Your contact lenses have been specially fit to your unique vision needs and the unique shape of your eye. Friends don’t let friends share contacts.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE AN ADULT TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES?
Lots of teens, and even some preteens, wear contact lenses. The average age people usually get contacts is 13, but it has been shown that some younger children are mature enough to wear and care for contact lenses. Sometimes it’s more about responsibility and attitude than about age. Learn more about Talking to Your Parents >
DO MY EYES NEED A REST FROM CONTACTS TO “BREATHE”?
In general, no. Unless your eye doctor has instructed you otherwise, you can safely wear your lenses every day.
ARE CONTACTS BAD FOR YOUR EYES?
Contact lenses are safe. Be sure to stick to the replacement schedule and cleaning instructions that your doctor provides and you’re good to go.