Whether you want to enhance the natural color of your eyes or dramatically change them to a different hue, colored contacts are the answer. But remember that all contact lenses are medical devices, and they need to be utilized with care. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that will help you better understand how to use colored lenses.

4 Common Questions About Colored Contacts

Can colored contacts be worn strictly for cosmetic purposes?

Absolutely. Many people wear colored lenses for no other reason than to switch up their appearance, enhance a particular style or wardrobe choice, or complement a costume. If you normally wear glasses or traditional contact lenses for eyesight improvement, you can also obtain colored versions with vision-correcting capabilities.

Do I need a prescription for colored contacts?

Yes. Always see an eye doctor to obtain a prescription for colored lenses, even if you're only wearing them for cosmetic reasons. Purchasing contacts anywhere other than an optometrist's office is a risky prospect; these contacts are often not regulated by the FDA and could damage your eyes. A doctor needs to check that you’re healthy enough to wear contacts and give you the right lenses to fit your eyes.

How do I care for colored lenses?

Colored contacts have the same care requirements as traditional lenses. Different manufacturers have different guidelines, but, in general, lenses should be cleaned, rinsed, and stored only with the products recommended by the manufacturer.

Always handle lenses with freshly washed and dried hands. Trim your fingernails to avoid scratching or tearing the lenses.

Remember that contact lenses don’t protect the eyes, so if you work in an industry or play a sport where goggles are a required part of the uniform, continue to wear protective eyewear as directed.

How long can I wear colored contacts?

Lenses come in different varieties. Some are for daily wear, only to be worn once and thrown out at the end of the day. Others should be switched out monthly but still removed and cleaned once a day. Some varieties are designed to last for a year or more; these also need daily removal and cleaning. No matter which lenses you have, aim to only wear them for 12 to 14 hours a day, and never sleep in them.

Routine eye doctor visits are essential for your health when you wear colored contacts, so turn to Dr. Jann Hara and her team at Ala Moana Eye Care Associates. They’ve served the Honolulu, HI, area for more than 20 years. In addition to colored lenses, they offer traditional contacts, eyeglasses, and vision exams. Call (808) 946-3937 to make an appointment, or visit them online to check out their full list of services.