Colored contacts can be safe to wear, but only with a prescription and when used properly, following the guidance of an eye care professional. Keep in mind that although many types of colored contacts are safe, others are not (and some are even illegally sold).
If you’re interested in colored contacts, know you can wear them, but it’s vital to first learn more about them. In this article, we’ll tell you about the different kinds of colored contacts and fill you in on everything you need to know about wearing them safely.
Colored Contacts Safety: Understanding Different Types of Colored Contacts
You can think of colored contacts as breaking down into two main types:
Prescription colored contacts: An eye doctor provides a contact lens prescription for these lenses and fits them for you. You can get a prescription for colored contacts whether you require vision correction or not.
Non-prescription colored contacts: Non-prescription colored contacts are sold over the counter, and they’re typically decorative lenses used for costumes or cosplay. These contacts are sometimes called “decorative contacts,” “Halloween contacts,” or “costume contacts.”
Are Prescription Colored Contacts Safe?
Yes, prescription colored contacts can be just as safe as contact lenses without color. But the key here is the word “prescription.” Even if you don’t typically need vision correction to see clearly, you still need a prescription from a licensed eye care professional to wear any kind of colored contact lenses.
That’s because contact lenses are a medical device. When the lenses are prescribed, your doctor knows exactly what kind of material the lenses are and the amount of oxygen that is getting to your eye when you wear them. By talking to a doctor beforehand, they can make sure the lenses fit your eyes well and that your eyes can continue to be healthy as you wear the lenses.
Are Nonprescription Colored Contacts Safe?
No! Nonprescription colored contacts pose a serious threat to your vision and eye health. In fact, it’s illegal for retailers to sell contact lenses without requiring a prescription—and that applies to costume contacts you might want for one-time use. All contact lenses (whether colored or not) are considered medical devices and are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Any contact lenses purchased over the counter without a prescription are dangerous. There’s no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” contacts. Only a thorough contact lens exam will ensure that your contacts fit correctly.
Sights set on colored contacts?
Before getting colored contacts, talk to your eye doctor about getting a prescription.
When you wear any contact lenses without a prescription, there’s a heavy risk involved—it can lead to lasting damage to your eyes and your vision. Contact lenses must fit your eyes properly in order for them to work as they should and keep your eyes safe.
Wearing colored contacts (or regular contacts) without a prescription may cause:
Allergic reactions
Blindness
Corneal abrasions (cuts or scratches) or ulcers (open sores)
Buying Safe Colored Contacts: 3 Tips to Lower Risk
If you’re going to be buying colored contacts, be sure to stick to the following safety tips.
1. Consult With Your Eye Doctor and Obtain a Prescription
Hopefully, you’ve read enough so far that we’ve hammered home this number one point: The safest colored contacts are ones that your doctor prescribes.
If you’re interested in colored contacts, do not start shopping until you’ve gotten advice from your eye doctor. With a proper exam, your eye doctor will be able to determine if you’re a good candidate for wearing certain contacts. Remember, even if you have perfect vision, in order to get colored contacts, you’ll need a prescription from your eye doctor.
2. Purchase Your Contacts From a Reliable Seller
When buying your colored contacts—whether in person or online—only purchase FDA-approved lenses from reputable sellers who require a prescription.
The FDA warns that many places (especially around Halloween) sell colored contacts and the more decorative-style costume contacts illegally. Common culprits to avoid include Halloween stores, street vendors, salons, novelty stores, record stores, etc. Remember: Seek advice from your eye doctor if you need help finding a reputable provider.
3. Follow All Instructions
Whether you’re using regular colored contacts every day or costume contacts that are more for one-off situations, you must adhere to all instructions. This includes directions from the manufacturer and any guidance your eye doctor provides.
FDA-approved prescription colored contacts are safe to wear. Illegal nonprescription costume contacts are not.
In all seriousness, when it comes to your eye health, no information should be too long to read. We hope before buying colored contacts, you’ll learn all you can about them. And most importantly, you’ll consult with your eye doctor for an exam and professional advice.
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