Cosmetic contacts are a trend that have been around for a while. Many people choose to wear them for esthetic reasons, but it’s important to remember that contact lenses should not be thought of as fashion accessories. They are medical devices that need instruction and supervision from an eye care professional. The eyes are one of the most important parts of the body, so what you put in and on them must be nontoxic and accepted by the FDA.
It is illegal to purchase cosmetic contacts in the U.S. without a prescription. Even if you have 20/20 vision, you will still need to be fitted by an optometrist to make sure the contact fits correctly and that you do not have an allergic reaction to the material in the lens. Contacts, cosmetic or not, should never be bought online without a prescription.
The market is full of different options when it comes to cosmetic contacts. There are some that enhance your natural eye color, such as FreshLook DIMENSIONS Contact Lenses and Acuvue Define contacts, and others that change the color of the eye completely, like Air Optix Colors. Some brands, such as Gothika Theatrical lenses, can even change the appearance of the iris.
At Eclectic Eye, we can fit your eyes for cosmetic contacts, teach you how to correctly and safely insert and remove your contacts, and counsel you on the proper wear and care of your specific contacts. Like any contact lens, cosmetic lenses carry risks of slight to grave complications, including eye redness, irritation and infection. So, it’s important to get a full comprehensive exam to check your prescription, the health of your corneas and the inner structures of the eyes before you place an order for cosmetic lenses.
Remember, contacts are to be used with a current glasses prescription, and are never an acceptable glasses replacement. If wearing cosmetic lenses is something you are interested in, give us a call to set up a Comprehensive Contact Lens Exam today!
By: Taylor Shockley, Doctor’s Assistant and Scribe
