Are Colored Contact Lenses Safe?
People choose to wear contacts for many reasons. Besides their normal corrective function, many people wear contacts for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons. Colored contacts, in particular, have become very popular in recent years because of their immediate ability to change appearances drastically.
Plano vs. prescription contacts
Typically, colored contacts, also known as decorative contact lenses, are available in both prescription and plano forms:
- Colored contact lenses with a prescription: Changes your eye color and corrects your vision whether you are nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatism.
- Plano color contacts: Changes your eye color with no alternation for vision correction. This type of lens is also known as non prescription colored contacts.
Read on to discover the benefits of wearing colored contacts, as well as some risks you should be aware of before purchasing prescription colored contacts.
DID YOU KNOW?
Colored contacts types
Worn for cosmetic purposes, most colored contact lenses you will find are designed to mimic the natural look of the colored part of the eye, called the iris.
In general, colored contacts come in three kinds of tints:
- Visibility tint lens: These lenses come with a light blue or light green tint that does not affect your natural eye color. Their primary purpose is vision correction.
- Enhancement tint: These lenses come with a solid but translucent tint that is a little bit darker than a visibility tint. They are worn to enhance your natural eye color. These are best suited for wearers with light-colored eyes who want to make their natural eye color more intense.
- Opaque tint: These lenses are non-transparent and can change your eye color completely. You will need this tint to change your eye appearance if you have dark-colored eyes.
What are the most naturally colored contacts?
From the lens collection available at SmartBuyGlasses, Solotica offers a natural look. Combining groundbreaking technology and exceptional color opacity, their lenses can transform dark eyes into breathtaking blue, green, gray, and brown. They are also available as prescription color contact lenses too.
Hidrocor is a popular collection because it does not have a limbal ring in the outer rim and has CE-certified, ANVISA-certified, and FAA-approved natural color contacts. Natural colors, Aquarellas and our other collections offer soft and stunning looks.
Color contacts for light eyes
Colored contacts with enhancement tints are great for people with light-colored eyes because they define the edges of your iris and deepen your natural eye color without changing your eye color completely. If your natural eye color is blue, and you want to experiment with different shades and still want to keep a natural look, you could try a gray or green contact lens.
Color contacts for dark eyes
If you have dark-colored eyes and want to change your eye color, you will have to use opaque tinted lenses to cover up your natural eye color completely. Try a light honey brown or hazel color for more natural tones.
Colored contact lenses: frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription to buy colored contacts?
- Colored contact lenses are medical devices, so before you can buy your first pair of colored lenses, you must have a valid eye prescription from a licensed optician.
- Even if you want plano lenses, you must visit a vision specialist beforehand and have them write you a prescription for wearing colored contacts.
How to know if I am buying safe contact lenses?
- Colored contacts are absolutely safe – as long as they are properly prescribed, worn, and cared for.
- You should never buy or wear colored contacts unless purchased “over the counter” with a proper prescription and approved by a licensed optician. Decorative contacts sold in flea markets, gas stations, or beauty salons are NOT approved medical devices; you should never buy or wear them.
What are the risks of colored contacts?
- Colored contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections, your cornea getting scratched and may also cause eye damage if used incorrectly.
- Although it sounds fun and harmless, you should never share your colored contact lenses with friends or family. Doing so greatly increases your chance of contracting harmful eye infections.
How to wear contact lenses safely: top tips
Wearing contact lenses can improve your vision and give you a different look, but it is important to wear them correctly. Here are some top tips on how to wear contact lenses safely, including essential information about hygiene, storage, and cleaning.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
Don’t wear your lenses longer than the recommended time limit.
Never sleep in your contact lenses.
Remove any makeup or dirt from your eyes before putting on lenses.
Use fresh solutions and clean cases when storing lenses.
Schedule an eye exam at least once a year to ensure everything is healthy.
Are colored contacts safe for kids?
Halloween contact lenses are a popular choice for people of all ages who want to change their eye color for an event or just for fun. While these lenses can be a safe and effective way to change your appearance, parents should be careful when considering costume contact lenses for their children.
Contacts require proper care and hygiene to prevent infection and other complications, especially for kids who may not have the same level of responsibility as adults. It’s important to talk to an eye doctor before allowing your child to wear colored contacts to ensure the lenses are safe, comfortable, and properly fitted for their eyes.
How to tell if you have an eye infection from contact lenses
If you wear any type of contact lens regularly, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infection. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, eye pain, and discharge. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, remove your contacts immediately and see a doctor as soon as you can.
If you wear contact lenses, it may also cause skin irritation from inappropriate wear patterns. This health risk is greater among those wearing poorly-made colors or purchasing from unlicensed vendors. Always seek advice from a medical professional before purchasing any contact lens. If you need some quick, helpful advice, contact our online opticians for easy access to expert help.
