1) It is OK to swim with contact lenses in.

False. In general, it is not a good idea to swim in a pool or a hot tub with contact lenses on. There are many organisms living in water that can cause serious infections. If you do swim with them on, it is advisable to throw them away soon after swimming.

2) Contacts can get stuck in the back of your eye.

False. It is physically impossible for a contact lens to get stuck behind your eye. That’s because there is a membrane that
covers your eye and connects to the inside of your eyelid. They can get stuck at the top of the eye, but not behind it.

3) Your contact lenses can freeze/melt.

False, at least not while they’re on your eyes. While you’re wearing your contact lenses they will be the same temperature as your body.

4) Sleeping in contacts can be dangerous.

True. All contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the cornea; this in turn increases the likelihood of infections. Contacts that are slept in let the least amount of oxygen to the eye, making them the most dangerous.

5) Contact lenses are medical devices.

True. All contact lenses, even if they are just for cosmetic purposes, should be fitted to your eyes by a medical professional. In fact, the risk of severe corneal infection (related to contact lens wear) is 12.5 X higher with cosmetic lenses over those that correct vision.

6) Contact lenses will make my eyes get worse.
False. That is an old wives tale; wearing contact lenses or glasses will make your eyes get worse. Contact lens ABUSE can cause eye problems, and that is why contact lens wearers need to listen to their eye doctor’s instructions and call their local Optometrist if they are having problems.

7) I’m too old to wear contact lenses.
False, with the advent of bifocal contact lenses, and contacts that are specially designed for dry eyes, advancing age is no longer the barrier to successful contact lens wear it once was. Ask your eye doctor if you’re a good candidate for contacts
— the answer might surprise you.

8) All disinfecting solutions are the same.
False. Not all solutions are compatible with all types of contact lenses. Do not “top off” solution; use fresh solution in your case each time you store your lenses since solutions lose their disinfecting properties after a single use.

9). It is not OK trying a friend’s contact lenses?
True. Not even if the lenses have no vision correction in them. Dangerous microorganisms that cause serious eye infections can be passed along that way. Many doctors will provide a free trial pair so you can see how lenses feel or look.

10) Wearing contacts while chopping onions will prevent the tears.

This one is still out for debate.
The action of cutting an onion releases a fine spray of droplets. Recent Japanese research has shown that these droplets contain an enzyme called lachrymatory-factor synthase and sulphur-containing compounds, which react to produce a powerful irritant called Syn-propanethial-S-oxide. When a droplet strikes your eye, you respond by producing a copious flow of tears to try and wash the irritant away.

Debate:

1.Wear contact lenses if you have them, the theory is that they’ll protect your
eyes from the droplets.

2. Others say no, no, no…the contacts will only trap the droplets between your eyes and the contacts.