Around 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses. Most wear them to correct vision problems, but some select colored lenses to change the appearance of their eyes. In this blog, eyeglasses and contact lenses experts at Opti Care discuss what you need to know about colored lenses.
Colored Contact Lenses Require Prescription
Whether they correct vision or not, all contact lenses including colored ones require a prescription by law. While it is possible to purchase colored lenses from costume shops and beauty salons, they are not legal and can present a threat to eye health. Possible complications of using colored contact lenses without a prescription are eye pain and discomfort, itchy and watery eyes, eye infection, light sensitivity and even vision loss.
Types of Colored Contact Lenses
- Transparent-tinted lenses are uniform-colored contact lenses that can change the color of the iris.
- Computer-generated opaque lenses are available in a single or blended colors that can resemble natural iris colors. They also feature different patterns and pupil sizes on the surface of the lens.
- Hand-painted custom lenses can closely mimic natural eye colors and cover any injuries, according to an eye doctor. They tend to be the more expensive option among the three.
Who Uses Colored Contact Lenses?
An individual may decide to wear colored lenses for several reasons, such as changing their eye color or matching a costume for an event. Colored lenses are also used for medical reasons. Individuals who have a ruptured iris or an irregular pupil may use colored contact lenses.
Opti Care is here to take care of your optical needs. Our expert services include annual eye exams, contacts lenses and eyeglasses, dry eye treatments, and more. Give us a call at (201) 559-8610 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We proudly serve patients in and around Westminster, MD.