Colored contact lenses come in an array of hues and styles, including versions for Halloween, cosplay, or theater costumes. While they can be a fun way to change up your look, these lenses aren’t safe without the proper research and care. Whether you need to wear colored contact lenses for an upcoming performance or simply want to experiment with different eye hues, use the following guide to learn more about these lenses. 

What Should I Know About Colored Contact Lenses?

Colored contact lenses come in three basic tints: visibility, enhancement, and opaque. Though visibility lenses are colored, their purpose has nothing to do with changing the color of your eyes. Instead, they feature a slight blue or green tint to make them easier to see and thus, use. Enhancement tints change the natural color of the eyes but typically work best on individuals with lighter irises. If you have dark eyes, you need opaque lenses to change the iris color successfully. Unlike visibility and enhancement lenses, opaque versions are not transparent.

Are They Safe to Wear?

Costume lenses are often extra thick and do not allow sufficient oxygen to reach the eyes. Without the right prescription, they can lead to scratches, corneal abrasions, and ulcers. Other issues can include keratitis, an unpleasant bacterial infection causing corneal inflammation, redness, and pain. This infection can occur from improper contacts care along with wearing incorrectly-sized lenses.

What Should I Know About Buying Colored Lenses?

There are many online retailers that advertise colored contacts, but always do your research before you buy. Avoid eye health issues by always getting colored contact lenses from a licensed optometrist. The eye doctor will measure your eyes for the best-fitting, FDA-approved lenses and let you know how long you can wear them safely. You will also receive special care instructions that reduce your risk of injuries and infections. 

Protect your vision by working with the team at South Tulsa Optical. The optometrists and ophthalmologists at this Tulsa, OK, eye care center offer services for the whole family, including eye exams, prescription sunglasses, and eye disease treatment. Call (918) 494-0351 today to schedule an appointment or visit the center online for more service information.