Colored Contacts Are They Safe.

Apr 6, 2014

Jay M.

As long as they come from a reputable company, not some online fly by night company. I have worn contacts on a daily basis since I was 12 (I'm 42 now). I work sapphire blue contacts all through Jr high and high school. They are just like regular contacts.

Apr 6, 2014

Sree K.

They are really safe if you take good care of them, have to keep them clean and don't use beyond their expiration date. Also go for the best quality brands.
I have been using contact lens both coloured and clear contacts (correct my vision) since I was in high school. It would be best if you consulted a doctor first:)
What color are you going to get?

Apr 6, 2014

Ame S.

Contacts are foreign bodies in your eyes, so they're not exactly the safest things to be in them. They do prevent the contact of the eye with oxygen so they are considered not healthy for eye breathability, however, there's not been any significant damage done to eyes with contacts.I suggest that you use good quality lenses, get your eyes tested by an ophthalmologist before you start wearing lenses, practice good hygiene and don't wear them for verrrrry long periods to ensure breathability.

Apr 6, 2014

Karine B.

I think they're safe as long as you buy them from a trusted place.
I was afraid to try them too, actually I even cryed the first time 😳 but srsly there's nothing scary about them, you'll get used to it

Apr 6, 2014

Sree K.

That's a great choice:)
I had green ones from freshlook colorblends, they were so natural and subtle:)

Apr 6, 2014

Grace K.

Get a prescription! Go to an eye doctor. Don't buy from some sketchy website online no matter how safe they claim to be. In some states selling contacts over the counter like that is illegal because it can cause damage to eyes and potentially cause a loss in vision. Even if you don't need the corrective lenses and just want color, it's way better to go to an optometrist. Your vision is worth the extra money!

Apr 6, 2014

Grace K.

Sorry for the rant I work at a theatrical supply store and people always come in looking for contacts lol. :) We distribute them but make everyone first go through an optometrist (we provide people with one if they don't have one already at a kickass deal) and then once they get that prescription they get the lenses. Never without that prescription tho 🚫

Apr 6, 2014

Illyana M.

Desio has high quality natural looking contacts made especially for dark brown eyes. You can also get them with a prescription.

Apr 6, 2014

Caitlin M.

What everyone else is saying: Buy from a reputable source, or if you really want a good fit get measured by an eye doctor. Usually those lenses will be more expensive though. Always make sure you clean the lenses before and after wearing them, and if you're going to be wearing them for an extended amount of time make sure you set aside time to give your eyes a break. Smaller lenses still deprive the eyes of oxygen but not as much as the full scelera (I'm sure I butchered that spelling lol) lenses do. I'd say around 5 hours is when you should take them out and give your eyes a break.

Apr 7, 2014

Emily W.

Colored lenses are different than plain corrective lenses. Colored lenses are thicker due to the layer of pigment within the lens (the more opaque the lens, the thicker it will be). This causes them to obstruct oxygen from reaching the eye, and over time can cause hypoxia and vision damage.

Everyone's eyes are slightly different shaped. It is imperative that you see an optometrist and be fitted before purchasing any lenses. Base curve in particular is important: most lenses are about an 8.6. If your base curve is different, the lens will fit improperly and can cause scratches or abrasion on the cornea. If your optometrist says that lenses will not be safe for you, do not try to wear them anyway.

Once you have obtained a prescription/know your measurements, you can purchase lenses from a reputable carrier. Know that in the United States, it is illegal to purchase lenses without a prescription (plano) or from outside a licensed optometrist's office. You will pay a lot of money if you order through the office. If you order internationally, make sure it is a legitimate seller vending genuine lenses. Counterfeits do exist, and they are dangerous. YouKnowIt.com in the UK is nice if you don't need a prescription, otherwise Pinky Paradise (based in Malaysia) is highly regarded and offers a variety of prescriptions.

Lenses require a lot of care. Proper cleaning with a sterile solution, storage in a cool and low-humidity environment (not the bathroom counter), and proper handling are critical. Always inspect your lenses before you put them in. Look for bends/creases, tears, cloudiness, debris, or any imperfections.

Colored lenses (particularly circle lenses) are not meant to be worn every day, or for longer than six hours at a time. Because they limit oxygen, they can cause fatigue and other problems. NEVER sleep in colored lenses. They can fuse to the eye in a condition called chemical conjunctivitis, and it is horrific. Believe me, I saw it happen.

I have worn costume lenses for several years, so if you have any questions feel free to ask. I've had experience with just about every scenario you can think of. :)

Apr 7, 2014

Caitlin M.

Emily I had no idea it was illegal to buy them in the US. I bought the only pair of contacts I own from a wig store at the mall lol whoops xD

Apr 7, 2014

Emily W.

Technically that store can face big fines for selling medical devices without a prescription. It isn't necessarily illegal for the consumer, though the lenses are considered contraband. It is really more about stopping illicit vendors.

Apr 10, 2014

Caitlin M.

I can understand that. They definitely are not very high quality lenses. They're very soft though so I don't feel like they're dangerous and I literally almost never use them anyway. Just for zombie makeup which is few and far between lol. But that's interesting. I don't know if the store is still open even. I don't think they did much business anyway. The only people who probably spent any money there were us effects students lol.