A colorful way to change your look
Want to spice up your look? Eye contact colours are a fun way to change or enhance your natural eye color, whether you’re looking to make a subtle change to your everyday style, or you need the perfect finishing touch for a Halloween costume.
Eye contact colours are available in a wide range of colors, styles, and prescriptions. So, chances are, you can find the perfect pair for you.
But here’s the thing: Contacts, including colored ones, are considered medical devices. You need to handle them with care to avoid any complications. It’s important to discuss eye contact colours with your eye doctor before buying them to make sure that they’re a good fit for you and your eyes.
In this article, we’ll explore the colorful world of eye contact colours, including how to choose the right ones, how to use them safely, and what to do if you experience any problems.
Safety First: Understanding the Risks and Precautions
Colored contact lenses can be a lot of fun, but they’re medical devices, so you need to be careful and know what you’re doing. Here are a few things to keep in mind to protect your eye health.
Consulting an Eye Care Professional
Before you order any contact lenses, even colored ones, it’s important to talk with an eye care professional. This is not optional!
The Necessity of Pre-Consultation
A pre-consultation makes sure the lenses fit properly and are right for your particular eyes.
Prescription Verification
Even if you have 20/20 vision and don’t need vision correction, you still need a prescription to get colored contact lenses. This ensures the lenses meet basic safety standards and will be a good fit for your eyes.
Potential Risks and Complications
Wearing contact lenses involves some level of risk, even if you’re careful.
Eye Irritation and Infections
If you don’t take care of your lenses, your eyes could get irritated or infected. Also, allergens can cause eye pain and irritation for contact lens wearers.
Corneal Damage
Lenses that don’t fit well or aren’t cleaned properly can damage your cornea. It’s also important never to share contact lenses, as this can spread infections.
Ensuring Lens Safety and Approval
To keep your eyes healthy, look for lenses that have met certain safety standards.
FDA Approval
Try to find colored contact lenses that have been approved by the FDA. This means the lenses have met basic standards for quality and safety.
Reputable Brands
Buy lenses from well-known brands with a good reputation for quality and safety. Do a little research and read some reviews before you buy.
Types of Colored Contact Lenses: Options for Every Need
Colored contact lenses come in a rainbow of colors and a variety of styles. You can choose a lens based on how long it lasts, what kind of color effect it creates, or whether you need it to correct your vision.
By Wear Cycle
- Daily disposable lenses. These lenses are designed for single use. You pop them in, wear them for a day, and then throw them away. Because you’re starting with a fresh, sterile lens every day, they’re often considered the most convenient and the least likely to cause infections.
- Reusable lenses (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, yearly). These lenses need to be cleaned and stored properly after each use. Monthly lenses are good for 30 days from the first day you open the package. Yearly lenses can be a cost-effective choice if you plan to wear colored contacts every day.
By Tint and Effect
- Enhancement tints. These lenses are designed to subtly enhance your natural eye color, adding depth and sparkle. They work best for people with light-colored eyes.
- Opaque tints. Opaque lenses can completely change your eye color, even if you have naturally dark eyes. They’re a great choice if you want a dramatic transformation or if you’re putting together a cosplay outfit.
- Circle lenses. Circle lenses make your iris look larger, creating a wide-eyed, doll-like effect. They come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Prescription vs. Non-Prescription
- Corrective lenses. Colored contact lenses can correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. You’ll need a valid prescription to get these lenses.
- Plano lenses. Plano lenses are purely cosmetic and don’t offer any vision correction. Even if you don’t need vision correction, you’ll still need a prescription to buy plano colored contacts. This is because a doctor needs to make sure the lenses fit properly and are safe for your eyes.
Proper Care and Handling: Maintaining Eye Health
If you decide to try colored contact lenses, it’s essential to handle and care for them properly to protect your eyes. Here’s a quick guide to safe practices.
Inserting and Removing Contact Lenses
- Wash up. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them before touching your contact lenses.
- Follow the instructions. Make sure you’re using the insertion and removal techniques recommended by your eye doctor.
- Handle with care. Contact lenses are delicate. Treat them gently to avoid tears or scratches.
- No fingernails. Never use your fingernails to remove contact lenses.
Cleaning and Storage
- Use the right solutions. Clean your lenses with the contact lens solution recommended by your eye doctor. Never use tap water, which can contain harmful microorganisms.
- Store lenses properly. Store your lenses in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution, and replace the case regularly.
Adhering to Wearing Schedule
- Don’t over wear. Don’t wear your lenses longer than your eye doctor recommends. Overwearing can cause discomfort and complications.
- Take them out at night. Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses, remove your contacts before you go to sleep. Sleeping in lenses increases your risk of infection.
Choosing the Right Color and Style: Achieving Your Desired Look
So, you’re ready to try colored contact lenses? Great! But with so many options, how do you pick the right ones to get the look you’re after?
Matching Color to Skin Tone and Hair Color
Think about your overall coloring. Do you have warm undertones or cool ones? This can help you narrow down your choices.
Complementary Colors
Generally, warm skin tones look best with warm-toned lenses (think honey, hazel, or warm brown), while cool skin tones tend to shine with cool-toned lenses (like blues, violets, or cool grays). It’s like picking the right filter for a photo – you want to enhance your natural beauty, not clash with it.
Natural vs. Dramatic Looks
Are you aiming for a subtle change, or do you want to turn heads? If you just want a little boost, look for “enhancement tints.” These are designed to deepen your natural eye color. If you’re going for a full-on transformation, you’ll need “opaque tints,” which completely cover your existing eye color.
Considering Eye Color
Your natural eye color also plays a big role in how the colored lenses will look.
Light Eyes
If you have light-colored eyes (blue, green, hazel), you’re in luck! You can easily experiment with different tints to enhance or change your eye color. Play around with different shades to find your perfect match.
Dark Eyes
If you have dark eyes (brown or black), you’ll need opaque tints to see a noticeable difference. Don’t be afraid to go bold with vibrant colors to really make your eyes pop!
Special Occasions and Cosplay
Colored contacts aren’t just for everyday wear; they can also be a fantastic way to complete a costume or cosplay look.
Costume Coordination
Cosplaying as a character with striking blue eyes? Bam! Colored contacts can instantly transform you. Just make sure you choose a color that closely matches your character’s eye color for the best effect.
Halloween Fun
Halloween is the perfect excuse to rock some crazy colored contacts! Whether you’re going for spooky, glamorous, or just plain weird, colored contacts can add that extra touch of drama. But remember to be extra cautious when choosing novelty lenses. Prioritize safety and buy from reputable sources to avoid any eye irritations or infections.
Addressing Common Concerns and FAQs
Thinking about trying color contact lenses? You might have some questions or concerns, and it’s smart to address them before you take the plunge.
Comfort and Dry Eyes
If you’re worried about comfort, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Lens Material and Water Content: Silicone hydrogel lenses are more breathable and often more comfortable. Also, lenses with a higher water content may help keep your eyes from feeling dry.
- Using Artificial Tears: If you find your eyes are dry after wearing lenses for a while, try using artificial tears to rehydrate them. Ask your eye doctor for a recommendation.
Allergies and Sensitivities
- Identifying Allergens: Be aware of potential allergens in contact lens solutions. If you have sensitive eyes, you may want to choose a hypoallergenic solution.
- Managing Allergic Reactions: If your eyes start itching or watering, take the lenses out and see your eye doctor.
General Safety Questions
- Can you cry with contacts in? Sure, but sometimes they can get dislodged.
- Can you sleep in color contacts? It’s generally not recommended unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed lenses for extended wear.
In Summary
Wearing colored contact lenses can be a fun way to change up your look, and there are many options available. But before you order a pair, it’s essential to remember that colored contacts are medical devices that can harm your eyes if not used correctly.
Key safety points: Always talk to your eye doctor before wearing colored contacts, even if you don’t need vision correction. They can make sure you’re a good candidate for contacts and fit you properly. Also, be meticulous about lens care and hygiene to avoid infections and other complications.
Potential of colored contacts: Whether you want to subtly enhance your natural eye color or create a dramatic new look, colored contacts offer a wide range of possibilities for self-expression.
Final thoughts on responsible use: By following your eye doctor’s instructions, practicing good hygiene, and being aware of the risks, you can enjoy the transformative effects of colored contact lenses while keeping your eyes healthy. If you notice any discomfort, redness, or vision changes, take the lenses out immediately and see your eye doctor.