Colored Contacts Safety Guide: Expert Tips For First-Time Wearers

The duration you can wear colored contacts varies by type, ranging from a single day for daily disposables to three months for extended-wear lenses. Colored contact lenses existed since the 1950s but gained popularity in the early 2000s. These lenses provide a unique combination of vision correction and ways to improve your eye color.

The FDA classifies all contact lenses as medical devices, not just fashion accessories. This classification matters because selling colored contacts without a prescription remains illegal in many regions. Non-prescription colored lenses can lead to serious injuries, including corneal abrasions. Your eye care professional should fit you with contacts that suit your eyes perfectly.

What makes colored contacts different from regular lenses?

Colored contact lenses work just like regular contacts for vision correction, but they add a style element. These lenses have unique features and rules that make them different from regular contacts.

Medical classification and FDA regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers colored contacts medical devices, not just fashion accessories. This rule applies to all contact lenses, no matter if they fix your vision or just change your eye color. A 2005 amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act made this classification mandatory.

This classification has serious legal effects. You can't buy any contact lenses in the United States without a prescription. Sellers who break this rule face tough penalties - they could end up in prison or pay fines up to $200,000. So every colored contact must pass strict safety tests through a cleared premarket notification (510(k)) or an approved premarket approval application (PMA) before hitting the market.

Types: enhancement, opaque, and costume lenses

You'll find several types of colored contacts, each with its own style purpose:

Enhancement tints use see-through colors to make your natural eye color pop instead of changing it completely. People with lighter eyes love these because they make blue, green, or hazel eyes look more vibrant.

Opaque tints use solid colors that cover your natural iris completely. These work great for people with dark eyes who want a totally different look. The color gets deeper near the pupil, which helps create a more natural look.

Costume or theatrical lenses (also called "Halloween" or "decorative" contacts) create wild effects - from unusual eye colors to cat eyes or other non-human looks. Even though they're fun and creative, these are still medical devices that need the same prescription and care as regular contacts.

Prescription colored contacts vs. cosmetic-only lenses

Many people think colored contacts without vision correction ("plano" lenses) don't need prescriptions. That's not true - you need a valid prescription for all colored contacts.

Here's what makes prescription colored contacts different from cosmetic-only lenses:

• Prescription colored contacts fix your vision while changing your eye color. They help with problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

• Cosmetic-only colored contacts (or "plano" lenses) just change your eye's appearance without fixing vision.

Both types touch your eye's sensitive tissues and can be just as risky if not fitted or used properly. Research shows that wearing cosmetic contact lenses makes you much more likely to get microbial keratitis - a serious eye infection that can scar your cornea and permanently damage your vision.

Claims like "one size fits all" or "no need to see an eye doctor" can put your eyes at risk. You need lenses that fit your exact eye measurements, and only an eye care professional can figure those out.

Are colored contacts safe to wear?

You need to think about safety first when it comes to colored contacts. These eye-enhancing products look great, but they need proper medical oversight to protect your vision.

Why a prescription is always required

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies all contact lenses—including decorative ones—as medical devices, not cosmetics or over-the-counter merchandise. Federal law makes this classification mandatory. You still require a prescription from an eye doctor even if you want colored contacts just for looks with no vision correction needs.

Your eye doctor must measure each eye to fit the lenses properly and review how your eye responds to contact lens wear. The American Academy of Ophthalmology points out that unauthorized vendors' "one size fits all" claim is both misleading and dangerous. Your contact lenses must match your eye measurements exactly to avoid injury.

A prescription makes sure you learn the right way to care for and handle your lenses. On top of that, it lets eye care professionals track your eye health during follow-ups and catch problems early.

Risks of buying non-prescription lenses

Your eyes face serious dangers when you buy colored contacts from unauthorized sources. Non-prescription lenses often cause:

• Corneal abrasions - scratches on the clear dome of tissue over your iris
• Corneal infections - ulcers or sores on the cornea
• Conjunctivitis - commonly known as pink eye
• Decreased vision or blindness - sometimes occurring within as little as 24 hours if not treated quickly

A 2011 study found that colored contact wearers were 16 times more likely to develop keratitis (a serious eye infection) than regular contact lens users. A survey of 686 women in Texas showed that about 25% used non-prescription contacts, and about 60% of these users had eye problems like pain, itchiness, redness, and swelling.

The FDA found bacteria in about 60% of colored contacts bought online without a prescription. Some illegal lenses may contain toxic materials like lead, which can get into your bloodstream through your eyes.

How to identify FDA-approved colored contacts

Here's how to get safe, legitimate colored contacts:

1. Consult an eye care professional first - Get a detailed eye examination from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist, even if you think your vision is perfect.

2. Get a valid prescription - This should list the brand name, lens measurements, and an expiration date.

3. Purchase only from authorized vendors - Buy from sellers that ask for your prescription. Legitimate retailers will need your doctor's name and phone number to verify.

4. Look for FDA approval markings - Good products will clearly show "FDA-cleared" or "FDA-approved" labels.

5. Avoid unauthorized sellers - Don't buy colored contacts from street vendors, salons, beauty supply stores, boutiques, flea markets, novelty shops, Halloween stores, convenience stores, or websites that don't ask for prescriptions.

Note that federal agencies work hard to stop illegal contact lens sales. You can report vendors selling contacts without prescriptions to the FDA - they're breaking the law.

By doing this, you can enjoy colored contacts safely while protecting your vision.

How to wear colored contacts safely

Your colored contacts need proper care to keep your eyes healthy. After you get FDA-approved lenses with a valid prescription, specific safety guidelines will help you wear them safely each day.

How long can you wear colored contacts in a day?

Eye care professionals say you should wear colored contacts no more than 8-12 hours daily. This gives your eyes enough oxygen throughout the day. Different lens types have different wear times:

• Daily disposable colored lenses work best for 10-12 hours maximum
• Monthly or yearly colored lenses should stay in about 9 hours

Extended wear contacts exist, but they need regular breaks to avoid problems. Wearing lenses longer than recommended dries out your eyes and might cause discomfort or infections.

Can you sleep with colored contacts in?

The simple answer is no - you should never sleep with colored contacts. This habit puts your eye health at risk, even if it seems fine at first.

Your cornea gets much less oxygen while you sleep with contacts. Bacteria love this environment and multiply fast, which raises infection risks. The pigments in colored lenses make it even harder for oxygen to reach your eye during sleep.

If you doze off wearing colored contacts, don't pull them out right away - they might be too dry and stick. Here's what to do:

1. Gently massage your closed eyelids to create moisture
2. Put in contact solution drops and blink several times
3. Take out the lenses after they're moist again

Can you cry or swim with them?

Crying with colored contacts won't cause problems. Natural tears don't harm the lenses. Just don't rub your eyes while crying because that could move or damage the contacts.

Swimming or showering with colored contacts puts your eyes at risk. Pool, ocean, lake, and shower water contains tiny organisms that get stuck between your lens and eye. This is a big deal as it means that your risk of infection goes up. These organisms hide under contact lenses and bypass your natural eye defenses like blinking and tears.

What to do if your eyes feel irritated

Take action fast if your colored contacts bother you:

1. Take out your contacts right away
2. Let your eyes rest and "breathe"
3. Use contact-friendly lubricating drops for dry eyes
4. Switch to glasses until you feel better

See a doctor immediately if you notice ongoing redness, pain, blurry vision, strange discharge, or sensitivity to light after removing your lenses. These signs might point to an infection that needs professional help.

Safe wear and proper care make a huge difference. These guidelines help you enjoy colored contacts while protecting your eyes.

Cleaning and storing your colored contacts

Taking good care of your colored contacts helps them last longer and keeps your eyes healthy. You need to clean and store them properly to avoid any nasty eye infections.

Are colored contacts reusable?

The type of colored contacts you buy determines if you can reuse them. Daily disposable colored lenses are meant for one-time use only - you must throw them away after wearing them once. Using daily lenses more than once can substantially increase your chances of getting eye infections and other complications.

Monthly or bi-weekly colored contacts are made for multiple uses. You can wear these lenses safely during their intended period (usually 30 days for monthlies) if you stick to the right cleaning and storage methods.

How to clean your lenses properly

You need to be careful when cleaning your reusable colored contacts:

1. Clean your hands really well with antibacterial soap and dry them with a lint-free towel
2. Put the lens in your palm and add a few drops of contact lens solution
3. Rub the solution onto the lens gently using circular motions for about 20 seconds
4. Use fresh solution to rinse the lens and remove any loose debris and cleaning solution

It's worth mentioning that you should never clean your lenses with tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions. These could contain harmful bacteria that might cause serious eye infections.

How to store them safely

Safe storage of your colored contacts is just as vital as cleaning them:

• Put your lenses in a clean case with fresh solution
• Fresh solution is needed each time - don't reuse or "top off" old solution
• Keep your lens case in a dry, clean spot away from bathrooms or humid areas
• Each lens needs to go in its right compartment (usually marked "R" and "L")

When to replace your lens case

Your contact lens case needs a new replacement whatever it looks like. Eye care professionals say you should get a new case every three months.

You should replace your case right away if you see cracks, discoloration, or stubborn residue - even if three months haven't passed. A dirty case can cause serious eye problems, including microbial keratitis, which could lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Daily care involves cleaning your case with contact solution (never water). Let it air dry between uses with the caps off to reduce bacterial growth.

Tips for first-time wearers

The journey into colored contacts can feel both thrilling and daunting when you're just starting out. Your experience will be much better if you know what to expect and follow the right steps.

What to expect the first time you wear them

You should ease into wearing colored contacts. Start with two hours on your first day, then add two more hours each day after that. This helps your eyes adjust naturally. It's like breaking in new shoes - you wouldn't wear them all day right away. Your eyes need time to get used to having lenses on them. You might notice the lenses at first or feel mild discomfort, but this fades as your eyes adapt.

How to choose the right color for your eyes

The perfect shade depends on these key factors:

• Skin tone and hair color - Blue or green lenses work best with fair skin and blonde hair, while hazel or brown lenses look more natural with darker hair and skin tones
• Natural eye color - You'll need lighter colored lenses to see a change if you have dark eyes
• Lighting conditions - Note that your contacts will look different under various types of light

Comfort tips for new users

Your comfort depends on keeping your eyes hydrated inside and out. Preservative-free artificial tears help maintain moisture throughout the day. Make sure you blink more often, especially while using screens - this spreads tears evenly across your eyes. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dry eyes and keeps them moist.

Common mistakes to avoid

New users often make these crucial mistakes. Never clean your lenses with water or saliva because they can harbor harmful bacteria. Using lenses while sleeping raises your infection risk unless they're made for overnight wear. Don't share your colored contacts with friends, no matter how close you are. Regular eye checkups are essential - they keep your prescription current and catch any problems from improper lens use early.

Conclusion

Colored contacts can change your look completely while helping with vision correction. Your eye health should be the top priority, so it's better to think of them as medical devices rather than fashion accessories. These lenses open up exciting style possibilities, but safety needs to come first throughout your experience with colored contacts.

A valid prescription is necessary for all colored contacts, even if you don't need vision correction. Getting your lenses from authorized vendors will ensure you receive FDA-approved products that are safe for your eyes. The right wearing schedule helps avoid complications that could hurt your vision in the future.

Your daily routines with colored contacts make a big difference. You can protect your eyes from serious infections by wearing lenses only 8-12 hours, taking them out before swimming, and never sleeping in them. A proper cleaning routine for reusable lenses will keep both your eyes healthy and your contacts lasting longer.

New users should take their time getting used to colored contacts. The best approach is to wear them for short periods initially and slowly build up wearing time as your eyes adapt. Pick colors that work well with your natural features to look your best. Regular visits to your eye care professional will help track your eye health effectively.

Colored contacts are a safe way to try different looks when used properly. This information gives you the tools to enjoy these versatile lenses while keeping your eyesight safe. Your eyes need the best possible care, especially when you're using colored contacts to enhance them.