Contact lenses as we know them have been around for over 80 years, but there are still many misconceptions surrounding their use and maintenance. There are many horror stories surrounding contact lenses, which might deter some from this truly useful option in Singapore. We're here to bust some of these myths!
1. Lenses Can Get Lost Behind the Eye
This is probably one of the most common fears regarding contact lenses. It will be a huge relief, then, to know that this is an impossible situation. Our eyes have a structure called the conjunctiva, a continuous membrane that covers the white (sclera) of the eye, and loops back to cover the inside of the eyelid. This membrane prevents anything from getting in "behind" your eye, so you’ll never have to worry about that! In cases where the contact lens moves out of position, adding some eye drops and blinking repeatedly should do the trick.
2. Contact Lenses Are Only Suitable For Adults
In Singapore, we tend to get contact lenses in our mid-teens, but this does not have to be the case. Healthy and successful contact lens wear depends mainly on the responsibility and attitude of the individual rather than age. Children from as young as eight years old can start wearing contacts, as long as they are able to handle lens cleaning and practise good hygiene.
If you are considering contact lenses for your child, don't fret! With a proper course on contact lens care and habits, and some adult supervision, your child will be perfectly capable of using contact lenses!
3. Contact Lenses Are Uncomfortable
Back in the 1800s, the first contact lenses were made from heavy blown glass, which must’ve been rather uncomfortable. But technology has vastly improved since they were first designed. Modern contact lenses are made of high tech-materials like silicone hydrogel, a breathable material that does not impede any physical movements of the eye. After a brief adjustment period, most people report that they don't even feel their contacts on their eyes! If you’re feeling uncomfortable about inserting contact lenses, check out our blog on how to overcome contact lens fears.
4. Contact Lenses Are Expensive
Contact lenses come in a range of costs, just like any pair of eyeglasses you could get on the market. In fact, contact lenses can be considered a cheaper investment, as they are easier to replace than a pair of glasses. Nowadays, you could even get daily contact lenses (once considered a luxury) for as little as a dollar a day! There is indeed a wide range of affordable contact lenses available in Singapore, such as our daily disposable Clear 1-Day lenses.
5. Contact Lenses Can Fall Out
This might have been true years ago, when the old-fashioned, harder contact lenses could pop out of a wearer's eye during vigorous activities like sports, but it is hardly true now. Well-fitted lenses should never pop out of your eye — they might move around on your eye, but that's easily remedied by blinking a few times. If that doesn't work, try closing your eyelid and gently massaging the contact lens back into place.
6. Contact Lenses Need Too Much Maintenance
It's true that contact lenses do take some amount of discipline, but caring for your contact lenses is not as difficult as it seems. Modern lenses are easy to clean — with one-bottle care systems and disposable contact lenses, a daily routine to clean your contact lenses takes hardly any time and trouble. There are several available methods of cleaning, but the main tenets are to clean (with the contact lens solution and some gentle rubbing), rinse the solution off, and disinfect. Remember to rinse the case and fill it with fresh solution too!
Visit Clearlab for High-Quality Contact Lenses in Singapore
Contact lenses are truly a revolutionary and convenient method of correcting eyesight. And now that we've busted these common myths, you can try them out for yourself! With a range of lens types — from the convenient daily contacts to the high-tech UV blocking lenses— Clearlab has all sorts of contact lenses that will fit your personal needs.
New to lenses, or need a new prescription? Visit our online shop to browse our range, or book a free eye exam at our CentrePoint outlet in Singapore for a consultation with our professionals to see what best suits you!