Colored or decorative lenses can help change the color of your eyes. There are various reasons why people choose to wear colored contact lenses. If you are looking for a way to change the color or appearance of your eyes, contact lenses can help. 

If you decide to get colored contacts, you should realize that they are not accessories to play around with. They can harm the eyes if misused. Here is more information about eye emergencies from colored contacts. 

Wearing Colored Contacts

According to the FDA, colored contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription. An eye specialist must examine your eyes to determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses that do not fit properly can affect your vision and harm or injure your eyes. 

You need a prescription if you want to wear colored contacts to change your appearance safely. This is true whether you require vision correction or not. Selling colored contacts without a prescription is illegal, but some stores still sell them.

Risks of Colored Contacts 

Eye doctors report an increase in eye injuries around Halloween due to an increase in people wearing colored contacts. There are possible risks associated with colored contacts. Buying the devices without a prescription can harm the eyes, and people can end up with cuts, scratches, or infections. 

Decorative or colored contacts can endanger vision, even causing blindness. Regardless of the packaging, nonprescription-colored contacts are not one-size-fits-all. A pair that you buy online may not fit properly. 

Reasons to Avoid Colored Contacts

There are reasons why individuals should avoid nonprescription-colored contacts. 

 

• Poorly-fitting contacts can scratch the cornea, leading to scarring or corneal abrasion
   

• The pattern in the lenses can create an uneven cornea surface
   

• Colored contacts are usually more rigid, thicker, and less breathable
   

• The lens material makes it easier to suffer a severe eye infection
   

• Some chemicals used to color the lenses can irritate or harm the eyes
   

• If bacteria become trapped under the contacts, it can cause corneal ulcers

Wearing Colored Lenses Safely 

The first step in wearing colored contacts safely involves visiting the eye doctor at Clarity Vision for an examination and prescription. It is essential whether you require corrective or non-corrective contact lenses. Other tips for wearing the contacts safely include:

 

• Getting a prescription for the contacts
   

• Buying your FDA-approved contacts from a reputable source
   

• Following your doctor’s instructions for proper handling of the contacts
   

• Cleaning, disinfecting and storing the contacts correctly
   

• Removing the contacts immediately if you experience discomfort

Eye Emergencies From Colored Contacts

Some common eye emergencies include eye pain, redness, and blurred vision after wearing the contacts. The eye issues can cause long-term vision loss or partial blindness. Wearing the contacts can irritate the eye, leading to conjunctivitis, corneal infections, and even allergic infections. 

If you experience discomfort from wearing the lenses, contact your eye doctor immediately. It will help avoid impaired vision and other eye issues.

Wearing colored contacts can make it more challenging to see, especially in low-light environments. The movement of the lens can create an unnatural look as your natural eye color is partially exposed. 

For more on eye emergencies from colored contacts, visit Clarity Vision at our Williamston, North Carolina offices. Call (252) 792-2250 to schedule an appointment today.