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Myths surrounding contact lenses |
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Filtering out the myths surrounding contact lenses When it comes to eye care, there are more myths than truthes floating around. Most of the myths are learned in childhood and are all too often assumed as truth. It is necessary for all of us to know the actual truth behind these myths to take better care of our eyes and the eyes of our children. Below are the most common myths that ophthalmologists hear on a daily basis:
Myth: Eating carrots improves my eyesight
This is a very popular and as well as an ancient myth of eye care. This myth influences us in such a range that we often eat carrot without cooking it and think it as the best eye care. lot of beta-carotene in carrots is indeed very good for eyes, but it hardly improve eye sight.
Myth: UV protected glass is not necessary for me
False. Everyone needs UV protection. Most of our glasses and sunglasses have the UV protection — and some have UVB protection to filter out rays from the sun that can cause cataracts. It is highly recommended even if you are a contact lens user. Be wary when buying cheap knock off sunglasses as many do not have any UV protection at all – and may actually amplify the UV rays
Myth: Can I use my disposable contact lenses for much longer than the recommended duration
Contact lens wearers who overextend their lens’ recommended lifetime are prone to infections, corneal ulcers and swelling in the cornea, and ultimately they starve the eye of oxygen. Eventually, the lenses break down and stretch to the point they no longer fit the eye properly. Hygiene and replacing of the lenses offer the best opportunity for eyes to do well and see well.
Myth: Only those who need glasses require to go for their eye check up regularly
Sometime we think that as we do not have glasses our eye is perfect and their is no need of regular eye checkup. But these check up not only can indicate whether you need glasses or contacts, they also screen for retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and other potentially harmful conditions. Many other illnesses show up in the eyes first, including high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Even when a person’s vision isn’t impaired, these conditions can be detected in the retina.
Myth: Contact lenses are not meant for children
Use of contact lenses does not depend upon the age factor. Your child can use lenses for correcting the vision if he/ she is responsible enough to take care of them. In fact maturity factor is important for determining the ability of wearing the contact lenses.
Myth: Use of contact lenses may lead to infection
Some infections or health problems related to lens do occur but only when you have a poor cleaning routine or are careless about taking care of your lenses. To avoid infections or any other disease, always follow your doctor's directions and keep your lenses clean.
Myth: Contacts can get lost behind your eye
This statement is 100 percent wrong as it is physically impossible for the contacts to get lost behind your eye. Your lens cannot go beyond the front surface of the eye.
Myth: Contact lens Contact lenses often fall out of eye
This is only possible in hard lenses but in case of soft lenses, the contacts are tucked under the eyelids which makes it impossible for them to move or fall out of the eye. They are also more stable.
Myth: It is not safe to wear contact lenses during sports
Contact lenses have made a deep impression in the hearts of sports oriented people as it provides a peripheral and wider field of vision without any obstruction. However contact lenses are not safe only for water sports. |
