Contact Lenses: A Love-Hate Relationship

For many people, contact lenses offer a world of benefits that glasses simply cannot match; clearer vision, freedom from frames, and the ability to participate in activities without worrying about breaking or losing glasses. However, as with all good things, there are downsides to wearing contact lenses. In this article, we’ll explore some of the awful moments that contact lens wearers have probably experienced.

1. You have to spend an extra 30 minutes getting dressed

One of the most significant drawbacks of wearing contact lenses can be the time it takes to get ready. While putting on glasses is as simple as slipping them on your face, putting in your contact lenses is a much more time-consuming process. When they’re being fickle, it can take 15 to 20 minutes extra to put in your contact lenses. You really need to set it right, and this can really test your patience. Planning ahead and giving yourself more time before leaving the house is key.

2. You know that getting invaders out of your eye can be a pain

While wearing lenses, it’s nearly impossible to get anything out of your eye when something gets in. It can be frustrating and uncomfortable, and it’s not easy to remove it. The best solution is to avoid getting anything in your eye in the first place, but this is not always possible.

3. You go through hell wearing those contact lenses inside out

There are times you’ll put in your contact lenses inside out, and this can be excruciating. You’ll feel a sharp pain in your eye, and it can take some time to remove the lens. The good news is that you only make this mistake once or twice, and you’ll learn to spot any mistakes before putting in your contact lenses.

4. You feel nervous when you can’t find those transparent dots

Contact lenses may be small, but they’re easy to spot due to the small, transparent dots located on each lens. Losing or misplacing one of these dots can be unsettling, as the lens can disappear right before your eyes. Sometimes, it can be particularly worrying if you cannot find the lens itself, and you begin to wonder if it has fallen out or if has settled somewhere in your eye.

5. You start looking different with your specs on

People often get used to seeing you without your glasses, and when you wear them, they tend to express surprise or are surprised by how different you look. Suddenly, you are a new unfamiliar version of yourself, and some people might not recognize you immediately. This can be particularly bad when you wear glasses often, and you meet someone who only knows you for how you look with contact lenses.

6. You start losing interest in swimming

While swimming can be fun, it can be a horrible activity for contact lens wearers. There’s the constant worry of losing the lenses, and water can cause the lenses to move around or fall out, which can be incredibly uncomfortable. It’s best to wear goggles if you want to go swimming with your contact lenses on.

7. You have to cry sometimes

Contacts may be a solution to better vision, but they are not a barrier to tears. When something makes you cry, it’s inevitable that the tears will eventually interfere, causing the contact lenses to become foggy or causing you to face blurry vision.

8. You have to adjust your lenses sometimes

Without realizing it, contact lens wearers sometimes find themselves adjusting their lenses slightly in public. This is especially true when lenses don’t seat properly or when you’ve spent a long time staring at a screen, causing your eyes to dry out. People around you might judge you for sticking your fingers in your eyes, but sometimes, you have no other option.

9. You know your eyes are shielded with something

Even though contact lenses can be comfortable, you’ll always feel a slight difference in your eye compared to when you’re not wearing any lenses. The awareness of an additional layer over your eye can be a difficult sensation to forget.

10. You feel terrible because you forgot to take out your contacts before going to bed

It’s easy to forget that you’re wearing contact lenses, especially when they’re comfortable. However, going to bed without removing your contact lenses can be a painful experience. It’s essential to remove them before going to sleep, and if you’re too tired, to keep a reminder nearby.

11. You are often reminded of how injurious lenses can be

It’s common knowledge that wearing contact lenses can be dangerous if not taken care of properly. People around you may decide to inform you of this, even if you know it already. Sometimes, it’s best to politely remind them that you already know the risks of wearing contact lenses.

12. You have something extra to carry

Contact lenses require some additional maintenance compared to glasses. It means you’ll need to carry lens solution, a contact case, and your glasses — just in case. Carrying a spare set of contact lenses can also prove helpful in case you need to change them during the day.

13. You have to be careful with your nails

Contact lenses and nails don’t go well together. Once you start wearing contact lenses, you may have to say goodbye to those long, sharp nails you’ve grown accustomed to. It’s always best to keep your nails trimmed short to prevent any unintentional scratches.

14. You have to deal with the dry eyes

Staying up late at night, especially when the air conditioning and smoke machines are turned on, can cause dry eyes, which increases the discomfort of wearing contacts. You should always carry eye drops to artificial tears when you’re out and about.

15. You know how tough it is to fix a contact that has folded in half

Sometimes, your contact lenses will fold in half, causing some discomfort or unease in your eye. Trying to fix it is not easy, but you’ll need to move and blink carefully to ensure the fit feels right again. It may take a couple of tries to get the contact to sit correctly again.

To conclude, contact lenses provide numerous advantages over glasses, but they aren’t without their fair share of drawbacks. Whether it’s fumbling with the lenses, adjusting them in public, or dealing with dry eyes, there’s a lot that comes with wearing contacts. This love-hate relationship may feel frustrating sometimes, but contact lenses remain a vital accessory for people who want to lead an engaging and active life to the fullest extent possible.