Getting to the bottom of contact lens myths

There are a few common misconceptions about contact lenses that keep some people from giving them a try. We'll help you separate fact from fiction so that you can relax and enjoy all the ways contacts can improve your life.

An illustration of the myth that contact lenses can get lost behind your eye.

Myth: Contact lenses can go behind your eye

It's impossible for contact lenses to get behind your eye, as there is a membrane called the conjunctiva that covers the white part of the eye and connects to the inside of the eyelid.

Myths about how contact lenses can affect your eyes

An illustration of the myth that contact lenses can scratch your eye.

Myth: Contacts can scratch your eyes

As long as you care for your contact lenses properly and wear them as a qualified eyecare professional prescribes, the chances of such problems are extremely rare.

An illustration of the myth that contact lenses can get stuck to your eye.

Myth: Contacts can get stuck to your eyes

Contacts are generally easy to remove using the method your eye doctor recommends. If they temporarily stick, use a few drops of lens solution to loosen them up.

An illustration of an infected eye.

Myth: Eye infections are common when wearing contacts

Contact-related health problems are rare, and usually related to poor cleaning routines. Follow your eye doctor's care instructions to keep your eyes safe.

100% satisfaction or your money back. ACUVUE Comfort Promise.

Myth: Contact lenses are uncomfortable

Wearing contact lenses can feel strange at first, but eventually most people hardly notice them anymore. We're so confident you'll love ours, we created our Comfort Promise^.

More myths about contact lenses

Young woman holding her cell phone up to take a selfie.

Myth: Contacts cost more than glasses

While contact lenses may be more expensive up front, in the long run, they can be more cost-effective than glasses.

ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day contact lenses 30-Pack.

Myth: Contacts are difficult to care for

Advances in technology make contacts easy to use. For the most convenience, consider daily disposable contacts. Just wear them for the day, then throw them away.

Black woman with brown eyes and natural hair inserting contact lens.

Myth: Your eyes need a day off of contacts

Contacts are safe to wear daily. If your eyes become irritated, however, your eye doctor may tell you to wear glasses until the irritation goes away.

An illustration that demonstrates astigmatism.

Myth: Contacts can't correct for astigmatism

Astigmatism is no longer a barrier to wearing contact lenses. ACUVUE offers several contact lenses that correct for astigmatism.

Myths about who can wear contact lenses

Joyful woman with wavy hair in maroon blouse, holding a tablet. Smiling woman with thick wavy hair, dressed in a maroon blouse, holding a tablet.

Myth: Contacts lenses are only for adults

Lots of teens and even some preteens wear contact lenses. It's less about age and more about being responsible enough to properly wear and care for contacts.

Young man doing sports with a gray t-shirt, looking to his right side. A young man doing sports with a gray t-shirt, looking to his right side in the middle of the neighborhood.

Myth: Contacts are not for
part-time wearing

Even if you don't wear glasses all the time, contacts can help with certain activities, like sports.

A woman touching her eye while exercising. A woman touching her eye while exercising outside on a running trail.

Myth: You can't wear contacts with dry eyes

There are contact lenses designed specifically for people with dry eyes like ACUVUE MOIST, and proper care can also help reduce dryness and discomfort.

Other frequently asked questions

Can I wear contacts if I've had cataracts surgery?

Only your eye doctor can tell for certain. If your eye doctor feels that contacts are still an option, we believe that ACUVUE is an excellent choice.

If I've had LASIK or another refractive surgery, can I still wear contact lenses?

Only your eye doctor can tell for certain. LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of your eye, but doesn’t prevent the development of presbyopia, so you may still need vision correction at some point. Fortunately, we offer contacts specifically for presbyopia.

Get started with ACUVUE contact lenses

Try ACUVUE for free*

Provide some basic information and get a certificate for a free* trial pair

Find an eye doctor

Use our locator tool to find a doctor who can fit you with ACUVUE contact lenses

Earn rewards

Become a MyACUVUE® member and get access to exclusive offers

Stay in touch

With your consent, we will use your email to send you information about our products and services tailored to your interests. You may withdraw you consent at any time. Please read our Privacy Policy.

Required fields are marked with an asterisk *

*

*

*

Experience with lenses

*

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Footnotes

^Available on up to two opened boxes of contacts. Copy of purchase and fitting fee receipt required. Refund by mail within 4 to 6 weeks. Cannot be combined with rebate. For additional terms and conditions and for complete instructions download the claim form. Offer valid until December 31, 2023.

*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.

Reward amount dependent on ACUVUE product and quantity purchased and if you are a new wearer. Must get an eye exam and purchase from participating provider. Original receipt required. Valid thru 06/30/24.
Rewards paid in the form of an ACUVUE brand Prepaid Mastercard. Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted in the U.S. issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Your use of the prepaid card is governed by the Cardholder Agreement, and some fees may apply. This is not a gift card. Please note that prepaid cards are subject to expiration, so pay close attention to the expiration date of the card.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

PP2023AMB5129

ACUVUE

We support the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on interacting with Healthcare Professionals.

Advamed Logo

©Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. 1996 - 2023. All rights reserved. This site is published by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., which is solely responsible for its content. It is intended for use by residents of the United States.

ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® OASYS, 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST, 1-DAY ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® ADVANCE, ACUVUE® 2, HYDRACLEAR®, LACREON®, BLINK STABILIZED® DESIGN and PUPIL OPTIMIZED DESIGN are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.