Colored contact lenses allow for a temporary change in eye color, whether for purely cosmetic reasons or combined with vision correction. Regardless of whether they correct vision, colored contacts are classified as medical devices and require a valid prescription to ensure safety and proper fit. Understanding the specific steps to obtain this prescription is necessary for safely acquiring and wearing these lenses.
The Mandatory Requirement for a Prescription
All contact lenses, including purely decorative or “plano” lenses that do not correct vision, are regulated as Class II medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This classification subjects them to strict standards for safety, manufacturing, and distribution, necessitating professional oversight. The requirement for a prescription is a legal mandate intended to protect eye health.
Acquiring contacts without a prescription from an unlicensed vendor poses significant health risks. Improperly sized lenses or those made with inferior materials can cause corneal abrasions, which are painful scratches on the eye’s surface. These injuries increase vulnerability to severe infections like keratitis, potentially leading to permanent scarring, vision impairment, or blindness. Illegally manufactured lenses may also contain toxic chemicals or high levels of bacteria due to unsanitary production.
Steps to Obtain a Prescription and Proper Fitting
The process for getting a colored contact lens prescription begins with scheduling an appointment with a licensed eye care professional. It is important to specify that you are seeking a contact lens fitting, as this is a separate service from a standard glasses examination. This initial visit includes a thorough eye health examination to check for any underlying conditions that could interfere with safe contact lens wear.
The fitting involves precise measurements of your eye’s surface, which cannot be determined from a glasses prescription. The doctor will measure the base curve (BC), the curvature of the back surface of the lens, to ensure it rests correctly on your cornea. They will also measure the diameter (DIA), the overall width of the lens, to ensure proper coverage. A lens with an incorrect base curve can feel uncomfortable, cause blurry vision, or damage the eye due to poor movement or lack of oxygen.
Following the measurements, you will often receive a pair of trial colored lenses to wear for a short period. This trial allows the eye care professional to assess how the lenses move on your eye, their comfort, and whether they provide adequate vision correction and color effect. Once the doctor confirms that the trial lenses fit correctly and your eyes are tolerating them well, they will finalize and issue a complete contact lens prescription.
Purchasing and Safe Use Guidelines
Once your prescription is secured, you must only purchase colored contacts from licensed vendors, who are legally required to verify the prescription before dispensing the lenses. Your prescriber must automatically give you a copy of your full prescription after the fitting. This allows you to purchase lenses from the retailer of your choice, including online sellers, who will then contact your doctor to confirm the details.
Proper hygiene is paramount to safely using colored contact lenses, just as it is with clear lenses. You must adhere strictly to the cleaning and disinfection schedule provided by your doctor, using only the recommended contact lens solution. Never share your lenses with another person, as this can transfer harmful bacteria and lead to severe eye infections. It is also important to follow the specific wear schedule, avoiding overwearing, and replacing them according to the prescribed timeline.