Colored contacts are a fun, out-of-the-box way to jazz up your look, whether for a permanent style change or just a fun way to experiment with your appearance.
Whatever your reason for wearing them, you must learn how to wear colored contacts safely. If worn or cared for incorrectly, colored contacts can increase your chance of eye infections. The prescription lenses can also scratch or damage your eye if not correctly fitted.
With that said, colored contacts can be just as safe and effective as their uncolored counterparts. Here are six tips for keeping an eye on your contact habits.
Obtain a prescription
The safest way to wear colored contacts is to obtain a prescription from your doctor. Then, you can order your prescription colored contact lenses from an online provider like 1 800 Contacts. When you order online, your contact lenses come straight to your door, so you won’t have to wait in line for your twenty-twenty vision ever again. Incorrect strength lenses can damage your eyesight, so it’s vital that you see an ophthalmologist before ordering.
Schedule an eye exam
When you visit the ophthalmologist with your concerns, they’ll schedule you for an eye exam. Not only are regular eye exams good for your overall health and wellbeing, but during this exam, the eye doctor will measure each eye to fit you for your contact lenses as well as teach you how to take care of them.
Take care of your contacts
Once you receive your new set of colored contacts, you will need to take care of them properly. Carefully follow the cleaning, wearing, and disinfecting directions provided by your doctor and your prescription provider. Failing to maintain your contact lenses could result in infection or injury, so don’t turn a blind eye to the importance of regular maintenance.
Don’t share your contacts
Colored contacts may be a creative expression of an individual’s style, but that doesn’t mean you should share them with other people. The fit and prescription are unique to you and your eyes, and sharing them can introduce germs and bacteria that will quickly lead to infection or permanent damage.
You wouldn’t share your retainer or your glasses with anyone else, so you shouldn’t share your colored contacts either.
Buy from a reputable provider
In the United States, it is illegal to sell contacts unless you are a licensed eye care professional. However, it’s still easy to find one-size-fits-all colored contacts through novelty shops, beauty stores, and other niche or discount websites.
The problem with these vendors is that they are unlicensed, and there have been cases of counterfeit lenses circulating that contain dangerous chemicals and germs from being improperly packaged. There is also no such thing as a “one size fits all” contact lens, which these vendors and their products promise.
Unless you shop through a reputable provider, you are putting yourself at risk for serious eye infections.
Remove contacts if you experience any irritation
There is a chance you could experience irritation or discomfort even with prescription contacts. If this occurs, it is best to take out the contacts and reach out to your eye doctor as soon as possible.
The takeaway
When worn correctly, colored contacts are a safe and unique way to change up the color of your eyes for any occasion. However, it is essential to visit your eye doctor to obtain a proper prescription and be fitted for the correct contacts to avoid eye damage or severe infection.
