Consider a pair of coloured contact lenses if you want to try out a new eye colour. The issue is that many people jump on the coloured contact lens bandwagon without first learning about the risks, which can have disastrous consequences. Whether you want to add subtle highlights or make a statement with a bold new look, here are some things to consider before purchasing coloured contacts.
What Are Coloured Contact Lenses?
Coloured contact lenses are classified into two types: those that correct vision and alter the appearance of colour, and those that are purely cosmetic.
Coloured contact lenses alter the appearance of the iris, the coloured part of the eye. Although the part of the contact lens that covers the iris is coloured, the centre of the contact lens is clear. This allows the front of the pupil to function properly, which controls how much light enters the eye.
Here are 6 facts about coloured lenses
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Coloured contacts are ordinary lenses that have been dyed
We’ve all seen people wearing them, but most people have no idea what they are. Coloured contact lenses are lenses that have been dyed with biologically compatible dyes to make the surrounding portion of the lens opaque while leaving the centre clear so the wearer can see. They can be worn for cosmetic reasons, including novelty, as well as for therapeutic purposes by people who have had ocular injuries and require contacts to help their eyes block out excess light.
Purchasing them online is a big mistake
Even if they aren’t prescriptive, doctors advise buying contact lenses from a specialist who can assess and monitor your usage. A specialist should keep a closer eye on special effects lenses. Your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body; would you risk losing your sight by neglecting them?
They are thicker than regular lenses
While they appear to be as thin as a standard contact lens, coloured contacts are typically thicker. This can be uncomfortable, which is yet another reason to have them fitted by a professional. Furthermore, if you discover they’re not for you while still at the doctor’s office, you won’t have wasted money on a box of contacts that you won’t be able to wear or return.
Coloured contacts can increase infection risk
Though coloured contacts can be a lot of fun, keep in mind that your eye is extremely delicate. In terms of oxygen transmission to the eye, these lenses are not as biologically forgiving as regular contacts. They can increase the risk of infection if worn for an extended period of time. And if you get your lenses without first consulting an eye doctor, you may be putting yourself in even more danger.
They must be cared for in the same way that regular lenses are
Coloured contact lenses, like regular contact lenses, should be cleaned on a daily basis, never worn by anyone other than you, and never left in overnight. There are real-life horror stories to back up the need for proper care, so these aren’t just paranoid precautions. For example, a young woman in England awoke to find her eye severely swollen after storing her contacts in a glass of solution rather than a case. When she went to the doctor to find out what was wrong, she was told it was an amoeba that had begun eating away at her cornea as a result of her poor contact lens care — and she had to go through an excruciating recovery process to combat it, all because she didn’t store her lenses properly.
They are still less risky than eye colour change surgery
That’s right: some people are going under the knife to change their brown eyes to blue. Though the procedure is not approved everywhere, many people travel to other countries for the procedure, which can result in permanent damage. When worn and fitted correctly, cosmetic contact lenses can be exciting and rewarding. They are far safer than some of the more popular surgical options, which go into the eye and alter its natural pigmentation by inserting material or attempting to leech the pigment out of the eye. If you truly want to change the colour of your eyes, opt for lenses — as long as you’re willing to buy and wear them responsibly.
Are there any risks associated with wearing coloured contacts?
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The risks of wearing coloured contact lenses are not significantly different from the risks of wearing regular contacts. There are following possible side effects of wearing contact lenses:
- Eye irritation
- Corneal abrasion
- Corneal ulcers
- Conjunctivitis
- Infections
In many cases, eye infections are caused by improper lens cleaning and disinfection. It is critical to become acquainted with contact lens care and to keep your hands clean before inserting and removing your lenses. Any signs of an eye infection, such as eye swelling, excessive tearing, red eyes, or blurred vision, should be discussed with your eye doctor.
In addition to problems associated with regular contact lenses, coloured contacts can cause a few of their own like:
- The coloured portion of the contact may slide over the pupil, obstructing aesthetics and vision.
- Pupils may extend into the opaque portion of the lens as they expand at night, obscuring vision.