3 Misconceptions About Colored Contact Lenses • The Havok Journal (2024)

Across the US, contact lenses are among the most common medical devices used for vision correction.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 45 million Americans use contacts regularly. Largely, they’re popular alternatives to eyeglases because they provide a more subtle and seamless solution. Being that they’re frameless and sit right on the eyes, they don’t interfere with a user’s facial harmony or field of vision. Another big reason why contacts are popular is because they can “change” a person’s eye color, albeit temporarily. As such, colored contact lenses, in particular, are in high demand, with the US market responsible for the most in global revenue.

That said, unlike regular contacts, colored ones are often considered purely for their appearances. As a result, many tend to overlook basic health and safety factors while choosing to treat them more like generic beauty products or accessories. This is a dangerous practice, which is why it’s important to clarify some of the more common misconceptions that can lead to serious ocular issues if unaddressed.

They’re only for aesthetics

Although those without refractive errors can definitely use colored contacts, they are also widely available as vision treatments. On trusted eye care provider ContactsDirect, prescription colored contacts come in daily and monthly replacement schedules for those with single-vision needs. For instance, FreshLook contacts can be used to treat common eye conditions like nearsightedness and farsightedness. These are available in a selection of colors, ranging from more subtle ones like natural hazels to more vibrant gemstone greens. While all contacts require a doctor’s guidance, those with prescriptions require an extra careful degree of fitting since they are meant to enhance not only eye color but also function.

They’re safe to buy anywhere

While it’s becoming increasingly common to see ads for colored contacts on public platforms, like social media, users are strongly recommended only to buy them from reliable sources. This is because there are many tinted contacts on the market today, which pose a danger because they may not be manufactured properly. The American Academy of Opthalmology even warns that some colored contacts may use toxic ingredients. This can seep into the eye’s tissue and lead to vision loss. Alternatively, licensed providers will only stock FDA-approved brands that state their makeup. For instance, Air Optix contacts sold online clearly detail that they’re made of silicon hydrogel.

They don’t require as much upkeep

Since casual colored contact is not as directly associated with medical use, some people mistakenly think that they don’t require the same level of care. However, regardless of whether they’re being used with prescriptions or not, since they’re still going in the body, they demand the same degree of maintenance. Otherwise, their integrity and lifespan can be shortened, and they can cause more ocular harm than good. For example, if you’re somebody who often likes to partake in outdoor activities, such as being on a motorcycle, then you know that it’s easy to have dirt and debris enter your eyes. This is why riders are told to wear helmets that also function as eye protection. That said, with contact lenses in, there is still a risk that fine particles can get lodged under the lens. Hence, it’s necessary to rinse them with the right contact lens solution after use before storing them in the right vessels until next time.