My neighbor is 75 years old and never complains—except about one thing. He hates wearing glasses and thinks that they make him look like a “geezer.”

So I suggested that he consider contact lenses.

But he brushed off the idea, saying that he had tried contacts years ago and found them uncomfortable. Besides, he added, “My eyes are too old for those now.”

Well, I have good news for my neighbor and other older adults who dislike wearing eyeglasses but think that contacts aren’t an option for them.

Robert Maiolo, OD, an optometrist based in Stamford, Connecticut, recently told me about how much contacts have improved over the years—and why you shouldn’t let age and/or previous unsatisfactory experiences with contacts deter you from trying them now.

PUT YOUR CONCERNS BEHIND YOU

Adults who shy away from contacts typically do so for reasons that simply don’t hold up, Dr. Maiolo said. For instance…

Invalid reason #1: “Contacts won’t let me focus at all distances.” Reality: Many older adults currently wear eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive lenses that help them see well in two or three zones of focus—near, intermediate (such as for computer work) and/or distance. But such multifocal options are now available in contact lenses, too. Another alternative is monovision—in which the contact lens in one eye is selected for optimal close-up vision, while the lens in the other eye is selected for optimal distance vision. Your eye doctor may recommend trying both options to see which one works best for you. (For instance, I see better using monovision than I did with multifocals—but for my husband, multifocal contacts work great.)

Invalid reason #2: “I tried contacts years ago and found them very uncomfortable.” Reality: People who say this probably used the old-fashioned kinds of contacts—the “hard” lenses that were popular decades ago and/or the early-generation “soft” lenses that were still quite thick. Rest assured that today’s soft lenses are much thinner, lighter and more comfortable than the contacts of yesteryear.

Invalid reason #3: “I have dry eyes, and contacts would make the problem worse.” Reality: This used to be a valid concern, because when contact lenses are worn over the course of days or weeks, they absorb “debris” (mostly natural oils, mucus and proteins). This accumulation of debris generally doesn’t bother younger eyes. But in older people, who are naturally more prone to dry eyes, the debris can cause irritation that increases the discomfort that goes along with dryness. Nowadays, though, there’s a simple solution—daily disposable soft contacts, which you wear for just one day and then throw away. By using brand-new lenses every day, you avoid the problem of uncomfortable debris buildup. New: Multifocal daily disposal lenses are now available.

In fact, daily disposable lenses may help relieve dry eyes for some people. Eyelid elasticity weakens with age, causing many older people to develop “incomplete blinks”—they fail to shut their lids completely when blinking, and the constant exposure to air robs the eyes of moisture. Contacts help seal in moisture, thus keeping the eyes from drying out.

Also helpful: With your doctor’s OK, consider taking four grams of fish oil every day (two grams in the morning and two grams at night), Dr. Maiolo suggested. Try this for a month to see whether the fish oil’s omega-3 fatty acids relieve your dry eyes—and if so, continue indefinitely. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider flaxseed oil.

Invalid reason #4: “I could never learn to touch my eyeballs.” Reality: This is a stumbling block for many older adults, because touching your eyeballs is unnatural and may indeed feel strange at first. But with practice, patience and professional assistance, Dr. Maiolo said, nearly everyone can get the hang of it. In his office, for instance, patients watch a video that demonstrates the correct insertion and removal of contacts…then they work one-on-one with a contact lens professional to master the techniques.

Invalid reason #5: “Contacts are too expensive.” Reality: Prices vary greatly depending on your prescription and where you buy—but generally contact lenses are quite affordable. For instance, for a year’s supply, you can expect to pay as little as $150 for single-focus soft lenses that are worn for two weeks before being discarded. You might pay two to three times more for daily disposable lenses or for multifocal lenses. If your health insurance includes vision care, it may cover a portion of the cost. Don’t assume that contacts cost less if purchased from an online discount Web site—ask your optometrist’s office for its price and compare. Some doctors offices are very competitive.

Invalid reason #6: “Cleaning contacts is a nuisance.” Reality: In the old days, cleaning contacts often did require the use of several different solutions, plus sterilizing overnight in a little machine. But now most reusable contacts require only a daily rinse with saline solution—and if you use daily disposable lenses, there is no cleaning or maintenance at all.

Compare this to the hassles of hunting for misplaced eyeglasses…having glasses bounce up and down on your nose when you exercise…wiping your glasses free of smudges or raindrops…or sitting down only to realize that your glasses were in your back pocket and you just broke them. These are nuisances you can say good riddance to when you switch to contact lenses.

So what do you say? Will you give contacts a shot now? Please comment below!