Eye health resource
Are Colored Contacts Safe?
Colored contacts can be safe when they are prescribed, properly fitted, purchased from a legitimate seller, and worn as directed. Learn how to use decorative lenses safely.
Reviewed for accuracy by Justin Bazan, OD on .
Colored and decorative contact lenses can be worn safely when they are prescribed for you, properly fitted, purchased from a legitimate seller, and used according to the prescribed wearing and replacement schedule. They are medical devices even when they have no vision-correcting power.
The unsafe shortcut is buying cosmetic, costume, or colored lenses without a prescription or proper fitting. A lens that does not fit your eye correctly can scratch the cornea, reduce vision, and increase the risk of a serious eye infection.
Do You Need a Prescription for Colored Contacts?
Yes. In the United States, all contact lenses require a prescription, including decorative lenses that only change eye color. An eye doctor evaluates your eyes, determines whether contact lens wear is appropriate, and fits a specific lens design to your eyes.
A legitimate seller should require and verify your prescription. Avoid street vendors, novelty shops, beauty-supply stores, or websites that sell contact lenses without requiring one.
Are Prescription Colored Contacts as Safe as Regular Contacts?
Colored contacts have the same basic responsibilities as other contact lenses: they need an appropriate fit, a valid prescription, good hand hygiene, the correct care system when the lens is reusable, and replacement on schedule.
No contact lens is risk-free. Even a correctly prescribed lens can cause irritation or infection if it is worn too long, slept in when it is not approved for overnight wear, exposed to water, shared with another person, or cared for improperly.
Colored Contact Lens Safety
- Never share contact lenses with another person.
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
- Follow the wearing and replacement schedule prescribed for your specific lens.
- Use only the cleaning/disinfecting system recommended for reusable lenses, and never use tap water or saliva.
- Do not swim or shower in contact lenses.
- Do not sleep in lenses unless that exact lens has been prescribed for overnight wear.
- Buy lenses only from a seller that requires a valid prescription.
What If a Colored Contact Lens Hurts?
Remove the lens if you develop persistent pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or decreased/blurred vision. Do not keep wearing a painful lens to “see if it gets better.” A contact-lens-related infection can become serious quickly.
If symptoms are significant or worsening, seek prompt eye care. For severe pain, sudden major vision change, a serious injury, or another problem that may be an emergency, follow our urgent and emergency eye guidance.
Getting Colored Contacts at Park Slope Eye
Park Slope Eye fits contact lenses for a wide range of visual and lifestyle needs. If you are interested in colored contacts, the starting point is a recent comprehensive eye exam and a contact lens fitting so the lens can be evaluated on your eye.
Your completed contact lens prescription is yours. You are not required to purchase your lenses from Park Slope Eye, although we are happy to provide a quote and help you understand your options.
Originally published . Substantially updated .