Like getting a new haircut, colored contacts can freshen up your look and give you a brand-new style. Many people are curious about trying a pair to switch up their eye color but are unsure if these lenses have any side effects. In the following guide, find out whether colored contacts are right for you. 

Types of Colored Contacts

Colored contacts are sometimes called novelty, costume, or theatrical lenses. Whatever the label, they are considered medical devices in the United States and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are illegal to sell without a doctor's prescription.

Legal color contacts come in three main types, categorized by the level of tinting. Opaque varieties are solid and nontransparent, so they can completely change your natural eye color. They are ideal for people with dark irises who want to try lighter hues like blue or green. 

Colored lenses with an enhancement tint do what their name implies —brighten natural eye color. On the other hand, a visibility tint does not alter your natural eye color. Instead, it exists to make seeing and handling contacts easier. 

Possible Risks

Your eyes have unique shapes, so a doctor must specially fit contact lenses. Colored lenses that have not been prescribed or FDA-approved can cause several issues, ranging from minor to serious. Ill-fitting products can also result in corneal abrasions and ulcers, bacterial infections, drooping eyelids, scarring, vision loss, and even blindness. 

How to Wear Colored Contacts Safely

Colored contacts can be worn safely by taking a few measures. First, you should be examined by an eye doctor for a proper fitting, get a prescription, and buy lenses from a reputable vendor. Then, you should practice the same care routine for colored lenses as regular ones: clean, disinfect, store and replace them as directed by your doctor and the manufacturer. You should also wash your hands before handling contacts and never use nonsterile water or saliva on lenses.

If you need a contact prescription, visit the optometrists at West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK. This eye care center offers area residents a comprehensive range of services, including routine exams, disease testing and treatment, and LASIK surgery. They also provide glasses and contacts from top brands. Call (907) 479-4700 today to make an appointment, and learn more about the products they carry online.