Have you ever caught your reflection by passing a mirror and wondered how you would look if you had blue eyes instead of brown? Or maybe heard the famous Steve Lawrence song “Pretty Blue Eyes” on the radio and wished someone would sing so affectionately about your blue eyes! (Sighs)
Well here is your chance to spice up your look!
Contact lenses can be used to correct many vision problems and allows you to put away your boring glasses. This ingenious invention can also help change the color of your eyes and give a completely different look! Colored eye contacts are a great option for those who are looking forward to perk up their look or maybe try a little something extra for a special event. It is an exceptional and safe way to transform your look.
There is a wide variety of colored contacts available in the market. Most of them are cosmetic and can be purchased of the counter while the others which are used for eye correction can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription.
Before you head to the store to purchase your colored contacts, here is a list of things you need to know
Different Types
There is a wide range of types that you can choose from, which entirely depends upon your preferences and how much you want to change your look
Subtle: These lenses are used to make your natural eye color “pop”; by deepening the original color and making it more vibrant.
Color changing: These lenses give your eyes a completely different color! They are available in variety of different colors from the regular blues, greens and browns to crazy purple, lime green etc. These are effective even on the darkest of eyes.
Light filtering: These types of lenses are used to filter light or more specifically HEV light (high-energy visible) light which can cause irritation to your eyes. These are mostly used by patients who have recently had cataract surgery but can also be used by regular people who have more exposure to HEV light on a daily basis. These contacts are usually available in blue color.
Party lenses: These lenses change your look entirely! They not only change the color of your iris but can also be used to change the whole eye. Typically made for theatrical uses, they can also be used to add an edge to your Halloween costume or theme parties. Party lenses are available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Recommended precautions
Once you have bought your colored contacts, you should be careful and take proper care of them so you don’t damage your eyes.
Most ophthalmologists recommend using contacts just a few hours a day initially until your eyes become adjusted to the new change. Even if they are corrective contact lenses you should wear them for a short time period so your eyes don’t become irritated.
It is normal for the eyes to feel a little irritated or itch slightly when you first wear your lenses, your eyes might tear up a little because they are still adjusting. But if your eyes become severely irritated and turn red you should take out the lenses immediately, and if the problem persists pay a visit to your doctor.
Care of Colored Contacts
The care and maintenance of colored eye contacts is same as that of normal eye contacts.
- Always wash your hands properly with soap before you handle the contacts
- Keep your fingernails clean and short, this will prevent bacteria from under the nails to reach the contacts and subsequently your eyes, which can lead to severe eye infections.
- Make sure your nails are smooth so they don’t scratch and damage the contacts
- Do not use water to clean your lenses. Always use recommended sterile solutions for cleaning and rinsing your contact lenses. Water can damage the contact lens and also cause bacterial infections in your eyes
- Always check the eye contacts for any damage or dirt before putting them in your eyes
- Don’t use eye drops while the contacts are in your eyes unless your doctor recommends otherwise
- Don’t use the lenses while working with heat (cooking, BBQ, blow drying your hair etc.)
- Avoid wearing contacts during swimming or working in a dusty/sandy environment. The water and dust particles can enter the eye and settle on the contact lens causing irritation to the eye
- If you only wear your contact lenses occasionally, make sure to clean them and sterilize them with lens solution every month.
Same as every other cosmetic product, use of colored contacts can have side effects as well. Depending upon how well your eyes react to them; these side effects can range from mild which last for only a couple of minutes to an extent of severity that might require a doctor’s attention. Common side effects include allergic reactions, eye irritation or redness, possible eye infections can occur due to mishandling and improper care of the contacts, scarring of eye tissue can also occur.
Generally colored contacts are a fun and innovative way to jazz up your look, and an exciting way to channel your inner fashion icon! But do make sure to purchase your contacts from a reputable pharmacy or brand and try to find the ones that fit you best.
