Colored Contact Lenses: A Beginner's Guide
Feb 03,2023 | Coleyes
If you’re interested in wearing colored contacts but aren’t sure where to start, this beginner's guide will help. In it, we'll cover everything from terminology and color options to how they work and how to choose the right lens type.
What are colored contacts?
Colored contact lenses are discs of plastic that go over the white of your eye. They can be used for cosmetic reasons (to change the color of your iris), or for medical reasons (to correct vision problems).
Who can wear them?
If you have an eye condition or a vision problem, colored contact lenses should not be worn. If you are prone to dry eyes, colored contacts may not be the best choice for you either.
Who should definitely NOT wear them?
If you are a contact lens wearer, you may be wondering whether colored contacts are right for you. If so, here are some things to consider before making your decision:
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Are You Allergic to Any Ingredients?
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Are Your Eyes Sensitive?
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Do You Wear Contact Lenses for Medical Reasons (Such as To Correct Your Vision)?
If so, then colored contacts probably aren't for you. The same goes if this is the very first time that someone has worn them--they could cause damage or discomfort. Also keep in mind that if someone has had eye surgery recently, they should wait until their eyes have healed completely before trying on any type of contact lenses at all!
Do colored contacts correct vision?
No, they don't. Colored contact lenses are not corrective and do not correct vision. In fact, they can even make your vision worse if you wear them without the right prescription.
Colored contacts are a cosmetic accessory that can be used to change the color of your iris permanently or temporarily. They're not a substitute for eyeglasses or contact lenses and should not be used as such; if you need vision correction, colored contacts won't help much at all! However, if you already have perfect 20/20 vision but want an alternative look for special occasions (or just because), colored contacts could be worth considering as long as they fit into your budget and lifestyle needs.
Is there a difference between “fashion” lenses and “cosmetic” lenses?
There is a difference between “fashion” contact lenses and “cosmetic” contact lenses. Fashion lenses are not prescription, while cosmetic ones are. They're also usually less expensive than cosmetic ones. You can wear fashion contacts for about three months before you have to get new ones, but cosmetic contacts will last up to one year before needing replacement or re-fitting (which is free at your optometrist).
You may be wondering if it's worth spending more money on prescription colored contacts when you can just buy non-prescription versions at the drugstore or online. The answer depends on how much comfort matters to you--and how long-term durability factors into your purchasing decision. Fashion lenses tend not to be as comfortable as their prescription counterparts because they're made from cheaper materials and generally have less oxygen permeability (a measure of how well air can pass through).
Can you see out of colored contact lens just as well as regular contact lens?
Yes, you can see out of a colored contact lens just as well as a regular contact lens. The only difference is that the color is more vivid, rather than being clear like it would be with an ordinary pair of glasses or sunglasses. However, this does not affect your vision and does not pose any danger to your eyesight whatsoever.
Are colored contacts safe to wear?
Color contact lenses are safe to wear. They're made of the same materials as regular contact lenses and regulated by the FDA, so if you have any concerns about safety, your doctor should be able to advise you on their suitability.
Should I get prescription colored contacts or plano (non-prescription) lenses?
If you need prescription lenses, then it's best to go with a pair of colored contacts that also have your prescription. If not, plano (non-prescription) colored contact lenses are available in many colors and styles.
If you do have astigmatism or an unusually high or low prescription, there are special types of colored contact lenses made for these situations too--see our guide on astigmatism correction for more information!
Buying your first pair of decorative contacts can be intimidating, but it's easy once you know what to look for.
Buying your first pair of decorative contacts can be intimidating, but it's easy once you know what to look for.
First, find the right size. You'll want to measure your pupil diameter and compare it with the dimensions provided by the manufacturer of whichever brand you're considering buying from. The contact lens industry uses a standard measurement called "Diameter (DIA)," which refers to how wide or narrow your iris is compared with other people's eyes of similar size and coloration. You can find this number on all types of colored contacts--even ones that aren't intended as cosmetic lenses!
This guide should help you understand the basics of colored contacts and make your shopping experience a little less stressful. There are so many options out there, but we hope that we've given you enough information to help narrow down your choices. If you have any questions or comments about this article, feel free to leave them below!
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