Colored contact lenses are cosmetic devices used to temporarily change the appearance of the eye’s color or pattern. These lenses are often seen as simple fashion accessories, but they are subject to strict regulation because they are placed directly onto the delicate surface of the eye. The use of colored contacts is safe only when they are treated as medical devices and used under the supervision of an eye care professional. Ignoring these necessary medical precautions can lead to significant eye health complications, including permanent vision loss.
The Critical Difference Between Prescription and Plano Lenses
All contact lenses, including those that do not correct vision, are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because of this, it is illegal to purchase any contact lens in the United States without a valid prescription from a licensed eye care professional. The primary danger of illegally purchased lenses is not the lack of vision correction, but the absence of a professional fitting.
A contact lens must be precisely measured to match the unique curvature and diameter of the wearer’s cornea. An ill-fitting lens, even one with zero power, can be too tight or too loose, creating mechanical friction or blocking the necessary flow of tears beneath the lens. This lack of proper fit can cause painful corneal abrasions or lead to corneal ulceration.
Furthermore, many unregulated lenses sold outside legal channels are made from cheap, non-breathable materials that restrict the oxygen supply to the cornea. This oxygen deprivation, known as hypoxia, can lead to corneal swelling and, over time, the abnormal growth of new blood vessels into the clear cornea, a condition called neovascularization. Unregulated manufacturers also often use non-medical grade pigments, sometimes containing toxic elements like lead, to color the lenses. These materials may not be sterile and can leach harmful substances into the eye, compounding the risk of infection and inflammation.
Common Eye Health Risks from Improper Care and Handling
Even legally obtained, perfectly fitted colored contacts can pose a threat to eye health if proper care and handling guidelines are ignored. The most feared complication is infectious keratitis, a painful infection of the cornea caused by bacteria, fungi, or amoebas. This condition is the leading cause of vision loss associated with contact lens use and often results from poor lens hygiene.
Simple misuse, such as using tap water to rinse or store lenses, or reusing old disinfecting solution instead of fresh product, introduces microorganisms directly to the lens surface. Sleeping in contact lenses, even those approved for extended wear, dramatically increases the risk of microbial keratitis by over 20 times compared to daily wear because the lens traps pathogens against the cornea while the eyelid is closed.
Wearing lenses for longer than prescribed also increases the risk of corneal hypoxia, especially with colored lenses, which are sometimes thicker due to the embedded color pigments. The cornea relies on direct exposure to air for oxygen, and prolonged wear inhibits this exchange. Chronic oxygen deprivation can lead to epithelial cell death and corneal edema, resulting in blurred vision and ocular discomfort. Improper care also includes not replacing the contact lens case every three months, as the case itself becomes a breeding ground for harmful microbial biofilms.
How to Purchase Colored Contacts Legally and Safely
The process for safely obtaining colored contact lenses begins with a comprehensive eye examination and a professional fitting by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This examination is mandatory, even for individuals who believe they have perfect vision, as it assesses overall ocular health and determines the precise measurements required for a safe fit. The professional measures the corneal curvature and diameter to ensure the lens rests properly, allowing for adequate oxygen and tear exchange.
Following the fitting, the professional will issue a valid prescription, which must include the specific lens brand, the base curve, the diameter, and the expiration date. This prescription is legally required for purchasing any contact lens, regardless of whether it contains vision correction power. Consumers should only purchase lenses from authorized, reputable sellers, such as licensed optical stores or online vendors who require prescription verification.
Never buy colored contacts from unauthorized sources like flea markets, beauty supply stores, or online retailers that do not ask for a prescription. Once the lenses are obtained, strict adherence to the professional’s instructions for wear and care is mandatory. This includes always washing hands before handling lenses, using only new, sterile disinfecting solution, and never wearing the lenses while swimming or showering.