Are colored contact lenses safe to wear? Whether you want vampire eyes for Halloween or to complete your cosplay ensemble, colored lenses can completely change your look and can even transform it. However, how are they tested before being introduced to consumers?
1. Get a Prescription
As their name implies, colored contact lenses are medical devices and require a valid prescription and fitting before being worn cosmetically. Ignoring this requirement could result in uncomfortable contacts which cause discomfort as well as eye damage to wearers.
Your doctor will conduct a full eye exam to ensure a proper fit and will measure both eyes to determine the ideal size and shape. They’ll also conduct a health screening to make sure you can wear glasses, and teach you about proper cleaning, wearing, and storage procedures.
Your doctor can also advise you about which colors work best for your unique eyes and desired look, explaining all available tints: transparent or enhancement tints bring out light-hued irises while opaque tints transform dark-hued irises while blending tints produce subtle changes.
If you don’t need vision correction but still wish to alter the color of your eyes, non-corrective contacts could be the perfect way to do it. While not suitable for all eye colors, results vary by brand; so it’s worth considering which tint will best complement your type of eyes before purchasing anything.
No matter the state of your eyesight, a valid prescription is always required for cosmetic cosplay contacts. When purchasing them online or from vendors who do not offer prescription services (i.e. costume shops/kiosks/vendors without Rx services), ensure you purchase FDA-approved lenses to meet health and safety standards and avoid purchasing from retailers who do not meet them (i.e. costume shops/kiosks).
Even if your colored contacts are solely for cosmetic use and you do not require vision correction, sharing is never recommended. Sharing can spread microorganisms that cause eye infections. Therefore, only use contacts prescribed specifically for you and adhere to their recommended wear schedule. If interested, make an appointment with an eye care provider today to get a prescription!
2. Pick the Right Colors
With a valid prescription for contact lenses, it’s possible to alter your eye color using them to change its hue. But finding colors suitable to both your eye color and skin tone is key. Furthermore, testing out your lenses in various lighting environments such as natural or bright sunlight will give an idea of their appearance.
Colored contact lenses come in an assortment of shades. If you have brown eyes, for instance, gray or beige contacts can help make them appear brighter and more vibrant; those with blue eyes could select blue (misakicon.com/collections/blue-contacts), green or gray contacts for dramatic effects; there are even darkening contacts designed to darken or mute natural eye color, although this shouldn’t be done if one already has light or dark eye colors as this could create unnatural or bruised effects in their appearance.
Consider also your hair color when purchasing colored contacts; this can impact their aesthetic. Blondes often pair well with yellow or golden-hued lenses while brunettes may look better with green or blue lenses. If you have darker or black hair, honey-colored lenses would look best to complement your complexion.
Special effects lenses designed to give the eye an “animal-eyes” or vampire appearance are available, but should only be worn when appropriate for an event or situation. Flea markets or costume shops should never sell these special effects lenses; rather, only your doctor should obtain them; since these medical devices must be approved by FDA regulations.
Follow the directions for your specific brand of colored contacts to ensure maximum effectiveness and prevent complications with your eyesight. Remove and re-wear them every night and morning, wearing only for the time period recommended by an optometrist – any more could lead to serious eye health complications and should always be kept in their case to protect from dirt or damage!
3. Get Used to the Look
Colored contacts are an eye-catching accessory, sure to draw admiring glances wherever they go. Wearing them properly will not only create a dramatic new look, but can give a confidence boost and help redefine your aesthetic in ways never thought possible before. From adding extra dimension to your natural beauty to complete costumes – colored lenses make an eye-catching accessory in every situation!
As it takes some getting used to wearing colored contact lenses, they should become easier and quicker to put in and take out. But it is essential that you are patient during this process; any attempts at forcing yourself in quickly could cause irritation to your eyes, so set aside enough time in the morning so you can properly prepare for your day and avoid any issues.
Your chosen colored contacts may be slightly thicker than regular lenses, requiring more effort to place in your eyes and requiring frequent blinking to center and maintain centering the lens against your pupil. In these instances, it will help if you adjust how often you blink while wearing them; doing so may prevent sliding and prevent slipperiness of lens over pupil.
4. Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Although some wear colored contact lenses for Halloween costumes or theatrical performances, most use them simply to improve their look and make a fashion statement – according to this blog. It is essential that those wearing color contacts adhere to certain do’s and don’ts in order to keep their eyes healthy.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when wearing, cleaning and storing contact lenses. In addition, avoid sharing them with anyone as contact lens manufacturers tailor them specifically to each person’s eye – sharing can spread bacteria that could result in vision-threatening infections that threaten one’s eyesight.
If you’re new to wearing contact lenses, it may take time before becoming comfortable with them. This is particularly true if they feature boldly-colored lenses that differ significantly from your natural shade; with less drastic modifications such as more subdued variations enhancing only slightly your natural hue, adjusting may come easier more quickly.