Is it safe to use colored contact lenses?

Colored contact lenses are specially-designed lenses enabling the users to change their eye colors. These are available in bothon-prescription (plano) and prescription forms.

With prescription colored lenses, you can not only correct your vision (be it myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism), but also have fun with different eye colors. Plano colored lenses are designed only for cosmetic purposes and do not correct any vision problem. While it is nice to have an easy option to change one’s eye color, there are risks associated with the use of colored contact lenses just as with the usage of any regular contact lens.

Proper colored contact lens use and care

Whether you want to use a prescription colored lens or a non-prescription one, you still need to follow all recommendations for proper use of lenses. Otherwise you risk contracting eye infections and causing damage to your eye.

• In some countries like the US, the sale of colored contact lenses with no prescription is illegal. So, it is very important that you first consult with an ophthalmologist even if you want to buy only cosmetic contact lenses with no power. Only buy colored contact lenses from places that ask for a prescription. When you consult with a doctor about using any kind of cosmetic contact lens, you are ensuring the safety of your eyes.
• During your consultation, your ophthalmologist can assess, if you are a good candidate for wearing contact lenses, if you have any existing eye infection that can become worse with your contact lens use and provide you with proper measurements for the right-sized lens. Your doctor can also guide you to proper care for your eyes and lenses to minimize the risk of infections and keep your eyes healthy.
• During your consultation, your ophthalmologist can assess, if you are a good candidate for wearing contact lenses, if you have any existing eye infection that can become worse with your contact lens use and provide you with proper measurements for the right-sized lens. Your doctor can also guide you to proper care for your eyes and lenses to minimize the risk of infections and keep your eyes healthy.

Always purchase colored contact lenses from licensed shops. Refrain from buying from online retail shop or any place not authorized to sell cosmetic contact lenses.

After each use, thoroughly clean your lenses and store them properly in the lens case. Also keep the lens container clean by washing it with a sterile solution. Replace the case after a few months of use. Always store your cosmetic contact lenses as per the instructions of your doctor. Remember, you can’t forever use your colored contact lenses. You may need to replace it as guided by your ophthalmologist.

Neither share your cosmetic contact lenses with anyone else, nor borrow lenses from anyone else, even if it is for one-time use.

In case, you experience any redness or pain in the eye during or after using colored contact lenses, seek medical help. These could be signs of an eye infection and may require treatment. For immediate relief from irritation or itchy eyes, remove the lenses and rinse your eyes with clean tap water. Don’t wear your lenses again until you have seen a doctor.

You can safely use colored contact lenses on a regular basis if you follow all care guidance diligently while using them.