Misconceptions & Myths
Many half-truths and persistent myths circulate about the topic of wearing contact lenses, which can be unsettling.
We clear up the most common misconceptions and show you what's really true – so you're fully informed and can reach for your lens with complete peace of mind.
"Contact lenses can slip behind the eye."
No, that's physically impossible. A contact lens cannot disappear behind the eyeball.
The visible part of the eye is completely enclosed by connective tissue. This conjunctiva is firmly attached to the eyelid and the edge of the cornea – so there is no opening through which a lens could enter the eye.
However, a contact lens can slip and "hide" under the upper or lower eyelid. This feels uncomfortable, but is harmless.
In most cases, gently massaging the closed eyelid or putting a few drops of saline or rewetting solution into the eye helps – often the lens will then slip back into place on its own. Even if a lens remains under the eyelid for several hours, the eye is usually not harmed. With a little patience and care, this can be quickly remedied.
"Contact lenses are unhealthy and dry out the eyes."
No, not necessarily. Many people suffer from dry eyes without realizing it.
Wearing contact lenses does not automatically lead to dry eyes, even though lenses affect the tear film and metabolism on the surface of the eye.
Contact lens wearers do not experience dry eyes more frequently than eyeglass wearers or people with normal vision.
Dry eyes are, in fact, a widespread disease of civilization, exacerbated by personal susceptibility and environmental factors such as dry air or screen work.
Those who suffer from insufficient tear film don't have to forgo contact lenses. There are special lenses suitable for dry eyes, as well as products and eye drops that help moisturize the eyes and stabilize the tear film.
More information on the topic of "dry eyes" and how best to prevent them can be found HERE.
"Contact lenses fall out of the eyes and are often lost."
No, that happens very rarely and only under abnormal circumstances.
Most people today wear soft contact lenses, which are larger and have their edges positioned under the eyelids. This allows them to adhere particularly well and cover the entire cornea. They conform perfectly to the surface of the eye. Rigid gas-permeable lenses also rarely slip out of place when fitted correctly.
Should a lens happen to fall out during insertion, it's worth taking a look at your clothing or the (precautionarily plugged!) sink.
Thanks to their light tint, modern contact lenses are easily visible. And even if a lens is lost, replacements are now significantly cheaper than before – often cheaper than a damaged pair of glasses.
"Contact lenses can stick to the cornea, requiring a doctor to surgically remove them."
No, if handled correctly, there is absolutely no risk that a contact lens will need to be surgically removed.
Sometimes a lens sits very tightly on the eye - as if suctioned on - this happens, for example, if the wearing time has been greatly exceeded, if you sleep with the lens on your eye (even short naps), if it dries out or the conjunctiva swells.
Then the lens can temporarily sit immobile on the eye.
This sounds more dramatic than it actually is: Modern contact lenses are highly oxygen-permeable, and many wearers initially notice nothing unusual. It's important that you never try to remove the lens by force, as this could damage the cornea.
Instead, it helps to put a few drops of saline solution or eye drops into the eye, blink several times and gently move the closed eyelid – in most cases the lens will detach itself.
"Contact lenses are unsuitable for children and teenagers."
There are many misconceptions that children might have difficulty inserting contact lenses or maintaining good hygiene. Few people know that even newborns are fitted with contact lenses in certain cases. Ophthalmologists have found that infants and children often adapt to wearing contact lenses particularly quickly.
According to a study by Ohio State University, even young people can handle the material well.
If children and teenagers are motivated, well-informed, and the lenses are professionally fitted, it usually goes smoothly. With a little support and practice, inserting the lenses becomes as natural as brushing one's teeth.
Furthermore, contact lenses offer many advantages: they are less prone to damage than glasses during sports or roughhousing. For teenagers and young adults between 18 and 27 years old, emotional aspects also play a role – many feel more attractive and confident wearing contact lenses.
Another important aspect: the rapidly increasing prevalence of nearsightedness can often be effectively controlled with specially designed lenses.
"Inserting contact lenses is difficult."
Initially, inserting a contact lens may feel a little unusual, as you are touching your eye directly.
But don't worry – with a little practice, it will become second nature after just a few days. Many newcomers are surprised at how quickly they get used to it and how confident they become.
It's important that you take your time, always have clean hands, and work in a quiet environment. Step-by-step instructions or a short training session with your contact lens fitter can also be helpful.
And remember: Millions of people use their contact lenses without any problems every day – you can too!
