What Options are Available for Colored Contact Lenses?

Colored contacts are available to provide the ability to have your eyes appear a variety of different colors. These contact lenses are still medical devices and should be treated just as carefully as clear soft contact lenses. 
 

Benefits of Colored Contact Lenses

The biggest benefit of colored contact lenses is the cosmetic flexibility these contact lenses provide. With colored contact lenses, your eyes can appear blue, green, brown, purple, or many other colors! While the most apparent benefit of colored contact lenses is the appearance change, some colored contact lenses also offer benefits including UV light blocking or help with symptoms of dry eyes. 
 

Risks of Colored Contact Lenses

Colored contact lenses are not without risks, these contacts are often considered less dangerous than other contact lenses because they are used for cosmetic purposes. However, these colored contact lenses pose just as many risks as other contact lenses, and in some cases, are more dangerous due to a lack of awareness. With any contact lens, the risk for eye infections is much higher as the cornea can easily be damaged and allow bacteria to invade the area. Dry eyes may also be worsened by contact lenses, specifically lenses that are worn for a month or two weeks. When wearing contact lenses, your eyes may become dry quicker throughout the day and the contact lenses can become uncomfortable at the end of the day.
 

How to Wear Colored Contact Lenses Safely

The biggest factor in avoiding issues with wearing contact lenses is whether or not the lenses are fit by an eye doctor. An eye doctor can prescribe several different colored contact lenses and can make the best selection for your specific needs. Considerations such as how the contacts fit, how good your vision is, and your comfort while wearing them are taken to select the best possible contact lens. If you are prescribed contact lenses of any form, your eye doctor will instruct you on how to properly care for and clean the contact lenses. By following these directions, you reduce your risk for infections, dryness, and irritation while wearing the contact lenses. 
 

What Colored Contact Lenses are Available?

The contact lens manufacturer, Alcon, makes two different types of colored contact lenses. Alcon AirOptix Colors are colored contact lenses designed to be worn for a month but taken out each night before sleep. Alcon Dailies Colors are colored contact lenses designed to be worn for a single day and disposed of at the end of the day of wearing. Both of these contact lenses are available in a variety of colors including green, blue, and purple. While currently these are the only mass manufactured prescription contact lenses, there are also contact lenses which can be specially ordered which various colors or designs. These contact lenses are often designed to be worn for longer periods of time such as up to six months because the contact lenses are more expensive to make since each is customized.
 

How to Get Colored Contact Lenses

To get colored contact lenses, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to be fit with contact lenses. If you are a candidate for colored contact lenses, your eye doctor can discuss your options and provide advice on the best option for you. 

Our eye doctor at The Optical Centre in Longmont, CO excels in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at 303-772-6650 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to get a prescription or learn more about colored contact lenses. Our eye doctor, Dr. Erica Whitmire provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Longmont, Colorado and its surrounding areas.