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 is from £29.50***.
Book your eye test and free contact lens trial today in store, online or by calling 0345 125 3752†.
*Pricing based on price of Premium Plus daily contact lenses.
**A trial consists of up to 5 pairs of daily disposable lenses or a month’s supply of selected daily reusable lenses. This trial excludes quarterly replacement, annual replacement and coloured contact lenses. You will need to have a valid glasses prescription. If you do not have a prescription, a sight test is required and is chargeable at the current price, please ask a member of staff for details. Excludes current Boots Contact Lens Reward Plan customers.
***Price may vary across regional stores. Certain groups of people are eligible for free NHS funded eye tests. More information is available at NHS eye care information. Eye tests are free for everyone in Scotland funded by NHS Scotland.
† Local rates apply from BT landlines in the UK and other providers' charges may vary. All calls will be recorded or monitored for quality and training purposes.
‡Contact Lens Rewards Plan
Save £285 on average with our plan
Based on average contact lens reward scheme customer saving for transactions between 03/07/2022 to 03/07/2023. Saving amount is based on discount achieved in relation to eye tests (non-NHS customers), contact lens checks, glasses purchases, Boots Advantage Card points awarded on monthly reward scheme subscription charges and purchases of Boots brand products as part of the scheme. For full terms and conditions see here.
50% discount
50% discount is part of your Contact Lens Rewards Plan benefits and is only available to plan members. Discount will be applied when you purchase a complete pair of glasses, prescription sunglasses or non-prescription sunglasses. You will need a valid prescription for complete glasses and prescription sunglasses. Valid on 1st pair only and can be used with our second pairs half price offer when purchasing complete glasses or prescription sunglasses but not in conjunction with any other offer or discount on glasses or sunglasses. Offer excludes ready-made reading glasses and safety eyewear. Boots Opticians reserve the right to cancel this offer without notice.
