Cosmetic contact lenses, including colored, theatrical, or costume lenses, are a popular way to temporarily change one’s appearance. All contact lenses, whether they correct vision or are purely decorative, are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Colored contacts are only safe when purchased with a valid prescription from a licensed eye care professional and maintained with strict adherence to hygienic guidelines. Understanding this regulatory framework and proper usage protocol is the first step toward protecting eye health.
Why Colored Contacts Require a Valid Prescription
The requirement for a prescription applies to every type of contact lens, even those with zero power, known as “plano” lenses. The FDA regulates all contact lenses as Class II medical devices, which mandates strict control over their manufacturing and distribution. This classification exists because the lens physically rests on the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. A proper fitting is necessary to ensure the lens does not damage the delicate corneal tissue.
An eye care professional must perform a contact lens fitting exam to measure two specific dimensions: the base curve (corneal curvature) and the diameter (overall lens size). If a lens is too flat or too tight, it can cause significant problems by either moving too much or restricting oxygen flow to the cornea. Purchasing lenses from unregulated sources, such as costume shops, beauty supply stores, or online retailers that do not verify a prescription, bypasses this crucial physical measurement. These non-regulated lenses are often falsely advertised as “one-size-fits-all,” ignoring the unique topography of every person’s eye.
Immediate and Long-Term Health Consequences
Wearing improperly fitted or non-sterile lenses can lead to serious and rapid health complications. One of the most immediate mechanical risks is corneal abrasion, a scratch on the surface of the eye. An ill-fitting lens may rub against the cornea, creating painful sores that feel like something is stuck in the eye, and this damage can quickly lead to infection. Furthermore, a poorly manufactured or improperly fitted lens can restrict the eye’s access to oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia. Since the cornea receives oxygen directly from the air, a lens that fits too tightly suffocates the tissue and potentially causes permanent vision impairment.
The most severe consequence is the risk of bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea. Studies have shown that wearing non-prescription colored contacts can increase the risk of keratitis by as much as 16 times compared to wearing regular contact lenses. Infections can result from lenses that are not sterilely packaged or from toxic materials, such as chlorine or lead, used in the coloring process of unauthorized lenses. Bacterial infections can progress extremely fast, leading to corneal ulcers—open sores on the eye—and sometimes causing permanent vision loss or even blindness within 24 hours if treatment is delayed.
Daily Handling and Hygiene Protocol
Once a valid prescription is obtained, the safety of colored contacts relies on strict daily hygiene practices. The hands are a common route for introducing microbes to the eye, so users must wash them thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before touching the lenses. This simple step significantly reduces the transfer of bacteria and debris to the delicate ocular surface.
Lenses must only be cleaned and stored using fresh, commercially sold contact lens solution. Never use tap water, distilled water, or saliva to rinse or store lenses, as water contains microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections. The solution in the contact lens case must be replaced completely every day, and never “topped off” with new solution, as this diminishes the disinfecting power and allows bacteria to multiply. Users must adhere strictly to the wearing schedule prescribed by the eye doctor, especially by never sleeping in lenses that are not specifically approved for overnight wear. If the eye becomes red, painful, or vision is blurred, the lenses must be removed immediately, and professional medical attention should be sought.