Top 5 Colors for Captivating Contact Lenses
Colored contact lenses can be a fun and stylish addition to one's appearance, but it is essential to prioritise eye health when using them. Here's a comprehensive guide on the safe use of these lenses, based on advice from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and other reputable sources.
Proper Prescription and Purchase
Always obtain your colored contact lenses with a valid prescription from a licensed eye care professional. Non-prescription or novelty lenses, often sold illegally, can lead to serious eye infections such as keratitis. It is illegal to buy non-prescription colored contact lenses. Once you have a prescription, you can purchase them from reputable online eyewear companies.
Safety Guidelines
- Always obtain colored contact lenses with a valid prescription from a licensed eye care professional.
- Follow strict hygiene and care routines using FDA-approved cleaning solutions.
- Limit daily wear to 8–12 hours depending on lens type.
- Never share or reuse lenses beyond their recommended lifespan.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Proper care for your colored contact lenses is crucial. Follow recommendations from your eye doctor, such as using contact lens disinfecting solution, replacing the contact lens case at least every 3 months, and following instructions for replacing contact lenses.
Avoiding Risks
Avoid wearing lenses while swimming or showering to prevent contamination. Although occasional crying might not harm your lenses, it is generally advisable to remove lenses if you anticipate excessive tearing.
Who Can Benefit from Colored Contact Lenses?
Colored contacts are suitable for people with astigmatism and can help those with dyschromatopsia (color blindness). However, non-prescription colored contact lenses are not suitable for people who do not require vision correction.
Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are important to protect eye health and identify when a person requires vision correction. The CDC recommends that people with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans who are 40 years or older, and people over the age of 60 should have a dilated eye exam every 2 years.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you experience any symptoms such as decrease in vision, draining or redness in one or both eyes, eye pain, double vision, floaters, circles or halos around lights, flashes of light, make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible.
Potential Complications
Studies have reported complications of using colored contact lenses, including eye pain and discomfort, itchy and watery eyes, red and swollen eyes, difficulty seeing, conjunctivitis or another eye infection, light sensitivity, vision loss, corneal injury, corneal ulcers, and more.
In conclusion, the safe use of colored contact lenses depends on proper acquisition, correct fitting, strict hygiene, and adhering to recommended wear times. Always prioritise your eye health when using these lenses.
[1] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). Colored Contact Lenses. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/colored-contact-lenses [2] Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Contact Lenses. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/products-medical-procedures/contact-lenses [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Contact Lens-Related Infections. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/index.html [4] National Eye Institute. (n.d.). Contact Lenses. Retrieved from https://nei.nih.gov/health/contactlenses/contactlenses [5] Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Contact Lens Care: Do's and Don'ts. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/contact-lens-care/art-20047400
- It's crucial to note that non-prescription or novelty colored contact lenses, which are often sold illegally, can lead to serious eye infections like HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or blindness.
- For individuals with NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) or mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar, or ulcerative colitis, it's important to maintain good health-and-wellness practices when considering the use of colored contact lenses.
- In some cases, colored contact lenses can benefit people with astigmatism or a condition like eczema that affects their eyes, as they can help mitigate the appearance of redness.
- Science and reputable sources like the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Eye Institute, and Mayo Clinic all stress the importance of strict hygiene and adhering to recommended wear times when using colored contact lenses to avoid complications like conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers.
- Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining eye health, and the CDC recommends that certain groups, such as those with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans who are 40 years or older, and people over the age of 60, should have a dilated eye exam every 2 years.
- Remember, the fashion-and-beauty trend of colored contact lenses comes with its own set of risks, so it's essential to prioritize eye health and follow recommended safety guidelines when using them.
- If you experience symptoms like decrease in vision, draining or redness in one or both eyes, or eye pain, it is strongly advised to make an appointment with an eye doctor immediately, as these could be indicative of a potential complication related to the use of colored contact lenses.
