Contact Lenses for High Myopia: Myths and Facts - Ophthalmology

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Understanding contact lenses, especially for individuals with high myopia (such as 800 degrees), involves addressing several myths and facts that can significantly impact eye health and vision correction.

Myths and Facts about Contact Lenses for High Myopia
1. Myth: Hard contact lenses can prevent myopia progression.
- Fact: While some studies suggest that certain types of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses may help slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, the evidence is not definitive for adults. The primary purpose of contact lenses, whether soft or hard, is to correct vision, not to prevent myopia from worsening. However, the use of orthokeratology (a specific type of RGP lens worn overnight) has shown some promise in controlling myopia progression in younger patients.

2. Myth: You only need to achieve a vision of 0.8 (20/25) to wear contact lenses.
- Fact: The ability to wear contact lenses is not solely determined by achieving a specific visual acuity. The fitting of contact lenses involves several factors, including the curvature of your cornea, the size of your eye, and your overall eye health. While achieving good vision is important, the fitting process must ensure that the lenses are comfortable and provide adequate oxygen to the cornea.

3. Myth: Wearing contact lenses will always make your vision clearer than glasses.
- Fact: While many people find that contact lenses provide a wider field of vision and eliminate the distortion that can occur with glasses, this is not universally true. Some individuals may experience better vision with glasses, especially if they have astigmatism or other refractive errors. It’s essential to have a thorough eye exam and fitting to determine which option is best for you.


Why Do People Look Different Without Glasses?
When individuals who have worn glasses for a long time remove them, they often feel that they look "off" or different. This perception can be attributed to several factors:
1. Facial Framing: Glasses can change the way a person's face is perceived. They can highlight certain features or create a frame that balances the face. Without glasses, the face may appear different because the visual framing is removed.

2. Visual Adaptation: The brain adapts to the visual input it receives. When someone has been wearing glasses for an extended period, their brain becomes accustomed to that specific visual input. Removing the glasses can create a sense of disorientation or unfamiliarity, leading to the feeling of looking different.

3. Eye Appearance: Glasses can also affect the appearance of the eyes themselves. For instance, they can make the eyes appear larger or change the way light reflects off the eyes. When glasses are removed, the natural appearance of the eyes may seem more pronounced or different.


Conclusion
For individuals with high myopia, the choice between glasses and contact lenses should be made based on personal comfort, lifestyle, and professional advice from an eye care provider. While contact lenses can offer certain advantages, they are not a cure for myopia progression. Regular eye exams and discussions with an optometrist or ophthalmologist are crucial for maintaining eye health and ensuring that the chosen vision correction method is appropriate for your specific needs.
If you have concerns about your vision or the effects of wearing contact lenses, it is advisable to consult with an eye care professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your eye health and visual requirements.