Want to change the color of your eyes for a striking new look? Are you looking to take your cosplay to the next level? Colored contact lenses — also known as costume contact lenses — help wearers assume a whole new look and even identity.
Traditionally, contact lenses have provided a safe, effective alternative for people who need vision correction but don’t want to wear glasses. However, over the past few years, contact lenses have become popular among people who have perfect vision. They aren’t wearing the contacts to correct their vision — they’re wearing colored or tinted contact lenses for cosmetic reasons, to change the color and appearance of their eyes.
Colored Costume Contacts Look Cool, But Are They Safe?
Undoubtedly, the biggest question people have about colored contact lenses is, are they safe? The answer depends on who you purchase them from. FDA-approved colored contacts prescribed and fitted by an eye doctor are as safe as regular contact lenses. The colored “one-size fits all” or “you don’t need to see an eye doctor” contact lenses you see sold online or at some stores? Not so much.
Colored or not, contact lenses that don’t fit the eye properly can cut and scratch the cornea. If the tinting on the lens is too thick, the surface of your eye may not receive enough oxygen. Unsanitary contact lenses can cause keratitis and other bacterial infections that can lead to vision loss.
In many instances, these products are being illegally sold. In the U.S., it’s against the law to sell contact lenses without a prescription. Federal law classifies contact lenses as medical devices, restricting their sale and distribution to licensed eye care professionals only. Civil penalties for selling illegal contact lenses can range up to $16,000 per violation.
For Best Results, You Have to Know How to Wear and Care for Contact Lenses
It’s not enough for the lenses to be safe. The wearers have to know how to properly care for and apply contact lenses.
If you only wear lenses occasionally, daily disposable contact lenses may be your best option. Disposable colored contacts are less expensive and you don’t have to worry about soaking them in solution; you are also less likely to experience infections and other complications.
Always remember to wash and dry your hands before handling your contact lenses. Remove the contacts one eye at a time. If they aren’t disposable contact lenses, they’ll have to be cleaned using a multipurpose lens solution and properly stored when not in use.
The Best Place in Houston to Get FDA-Approved Contact Lenses
Are you looking to get fitted for safe, FDA-approved contact lenses? Contact Berkeley Eye Center today. We provide patients with many options when it comes to getting contact lenses. Getting your contact lenses from Berkeley Eye Center ensures you get the highest quality lenses from an authorized distributor. We guarantee you’ll get lenses with the correct parameters. We’ll correct any problems if your lenses are not performing properly and check your vision through your new lenses, free of charge.
Berkeley Eye Center has been providing outstanding eye and vision care to our patients throughout Houston and surrounding communities for more than 60 years. If you’re looking to get contact lenses, or it’s been a while since you’ve had a comprehensive eye exam, contact Berkeley Eye Center today to schedule an appointment with one of our eye care professionals. We accept most forms of vision insurance, provide a variety of payment options, and always welcome new patients. With 24 clinics and optical locations in and around Houston, there’s sure to be a Berkeley Eye Center close to you.