The truth about contact lenses

It’s time to bust some contact lens myths as we sort the fact from fiction, so you can find the right pair for you

 

Don’t let common misconceptions about contact lenses put you off trying them. Our contact lenses cheat sheet helps you bust the myths and get to grips with the facts, once and for all.

 

You can wear contact lenses, even if your eyesight starts to change

Heard from a friend that you can’t wear contact lenses past the age of 40? They’re having you on. If you’ve started noticing changes to your eyesight and are struggling to focus up close, give our multifocal contact lenses a try.

 

Contact lenses aren’t uncomfortable

If you’re worrying about contact lens discomfort, don’t. Most contact lenses are made from materials that are extremely soft and flexible. With the correct lens choice, many people can’t even feel them once they’re in. And they’re really not that hard to put in, once you get the hang of it.

 

You don’t have to actually touch your eye

This is a very common myth, but when put in and taken out correctly, it’s only ever the lens itself that you’ll touch.

 

Contact lenses can’t get lost behind your eye

Heard the one about contact lenses getting lost? Haven’t we all. In actual fact, a membrane connects your eye to your eyelids, preventing anything from getting behind your eye. So it’s impossible for a contact lens to get lost back there.

 

Contact lenses are suitable for most people

Even children. And most eyesight prescriptions can be corrected with contact lenses. So whether you think you’re too young, too old, or have got eyesight that can’t be corrected with contact lenses, you could be pleasantly surprised.

 

You can still wear contact lenses if you have astigmatism

There are contact lenses available that have been specifically designed for people with astigmatism. They’ve got a slightly oval shape for a perfect fit.

 

Contact lenses won’t harm your eyes

As long as you follow a proper usage and care routine as recommended by your optometrist, you shouldn’t have any problems wearing your contact lenses.

 

You don’t have to wear contact lenses every day

Contact lenses offer great flexibility and can be worn every day or just occasionally, even if only for a few hours at a time. Many people find a combination of both glasses and contact lenses is the best solution for them.

 

Contact lenses don’t have to be expensive

There are lots of options available with lenses to suit all lifestyles and budgets. At Boots we have daily contact lenses which start from as little as £1 per day.*

 

You can wear glasses & contact lenses at the same time

For some prescriptions, a combination of glasses and contact lenses at the same time could work well. For example, if you need help with close-up vision like reading, as well as far-sightedness.

 

You can wear eye make-up with contact lenses

Strange but true alert – many people find it easier to apply their make-up once they start wearing contact lenses because they can see what they're doing! For hygiene reasons, it's better to insert your lenses before putting make-up on, and take them out before removing make-up.

 

Contact lenses are recyclable

Putting off getting contacts because you’re worried they’re not eco-friendly? While you can’t recycle contact lenses as part of your household waste, at Boots Opticians we have recycling drop off points for your contact lenses and packaging.

 

Contact lenses can be worn for the day

You can wear your contact lenses for hours at a time, so long as you don’t wear them for longer than prescribed, and don’t wear them for 24 hours or while sleeping. Remember to replace monthly lenses after one month and daily lenses after one day!

 

Contact lenses are very safe

So long as you don’t wear them for too long, make sure you clean them properly and replace them as advised by your optician, contact lenses are quite safe. Remember, you should never use tap water to clean lenses, and never wear expired contacts.


Fancy giving contact lenses a try?

Now you know the truth about contact lenses, maybe it’s time to give them a go. If you don't currently wear contact lenses and want to go frameless, try our free contact lens trial.**

 

If you have a prescription dated within the last 12 months, use our store locator to find your nearest Boots Opticians who can book you in for your free contact lens trial. If you haven’t had an eye test in the last year, we’ll need to check your eyes before your contact lens trial. An eye test at Boots costs £25. †

 

Book your eye test and free contact lens trial today in store, online or by calling 0345 125 3752.††

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