Non-Prescription Colored Contact Lenses

Non-prescription colored contacts are illegal in the United States. However, colored contact lenses — sometimes called cosmetic, decorative, or costume lenses, are available through a prescription from an eye doctor.

Non prescription colored contacts are considered soft contacts. This means they are made from a silicone hydrogel material. They have been used for decades in movies and fashion shoots. They can change your eyes' appearance by changing your eye color, the shape of your pupil, or applying other creative effects. You may have seen examples of cat eyes, zombie eyes, or blackout lenses online or in magazines.

In recent years, non prescription colored contacts have gained popularity, and many people wear them to change their eye color for Halloween costumes, cosplay, photoshoots, or just for aesthetic reasons.

It is illegal to sell contacts without a valid prescription in the United States. However, that does not stop many people from selling non-FDA approved color contact lenses in stores or at flea markets. A prescription from an eye doctor is necessary for all contact lens purchases, even if the contacts are not used for vision correction.

If you have questions about how to get colored non-prescription contact lenses, visit 1800 Contacts to learn more.

Why Are Colored Contacts Illegal?

The FDA classifies all contact lenses as medical devices. All types of contacts sold without a prescription are considered illegal, even if they are just for decoration and will not help you see better.

If you want to wear non prescription colored contacts, you'll need to get approval from your eye doctor first. They will examine your eyes and then write you a prescription, even if you have normal vision.

Also, some companies that sell colored contacts may be operating illegally by using unsafe materials in their products. You should only buy FDA approved contact lenses to ensure you don't put yourself at risk.

Are Fake Contact Lenses Safe?

Any contact brand that does not require a prescription is not safe. Fake colored contacts that say they are “one-size-fits-all” can cause severe damage to your eye because eyeballs are all different sizes and curvatures.

However, there are plenty of verified brands that sell colored contacts through a prescription from your eye doctor. If you visit an eye care professional for a fitting, you will wind up with a safe product.

What are the Dangers of Fake Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are medical devices, even colored contacts, and need to be treated as such. Anyone that wears contact lenses runs the risk of irritation and infection, so it’s crucial to undergo a complete eye exam and lens fitting from an optometrist or ophthalmologist before purchasing. 

If your colored contact lenses are the wrong size or curvature, they can cause irritation or abrasions. These allow bacteria inside and can cause eye infections such as corneal ulcers. This is a serious bacterial infection that can result in permanent vision loss if you don't seek medical treatment right away.

Can I Get Prescription Colored Contacts?

Yes, if you already wear contact lenses and have a valid prescription, you can get colored prescription contact lenses that also provide vision correction. Alcon is a brand that has several prescription and non prescription color contact lenses available. You can ask your ophthalmologist whether color contact lenses are available for your prescription, or visit 1800 Contacts for more information.

What to Expect at a Contact Lens Fitting

If you want to wear non prescription colored contacts, you'll need to get a fitting from an eye doctor. They will perform several tests and determine if your eyes are healthy. If they are, they can recommend contact lenses that will fit your lifestyle and budget.

A contact lens fitting will begin with a comprehensive eye exam if you have not received one recently. The eye doctor will test your vision to determine your prescription. They will also measure your corneal curvature or the shape of your eyeball. If you have astigmatism, your eye is not perfectly rounded, and you will need toric lenses. Your eye doctor may also measure your pupil and iris size, and possibly do a tear film evaluation test.

All of this information will let your doctor know if your eyes are healthy enough to wear contacts. If you are, they will then recommend a specific type of contact lens for you to wear as a trial. They will show you how to insert and remove your lenses and instruct you on how to wear and store your contacts. Usually, you will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment in a week or so to check in and make sure your vision is good and your eyes are healthy.

Note: Once you get a contact lens fitting and a prescription card from your ophthalmologist, you can order non prescription colored contacts online from retailers like 1800 Contacts.

How to Wear Colored Contacts Safely 

To wear colored lenses safely, you should carefully follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor and wear them exactly as prescribed. Every set of contacts will have a number of days they can be worn before they must be replaced. This ranges from one to 90 days. Never wear your contacts longer than the recommended duration, as you run the risk of getting an infection.

Follow these steps to put contacts in safely and comfortably:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water. Because you’re putting your finger in your eye, you want to make sure that it’s clean. Non-perfumed, antibacterial liquid soap is best.
2. Make sure you’re holding the contact the right way. It’s easy to confuse which side touches your eye. Put the contact on the index finger or middle finger of your dominant hand. Make sure that it looks like a little bowl. (If it doesn’t, it’s probably inside out). Some lenses have a 1, 2, 3 indicator; make sure that these digits are not backwards.
3. Hold your eye open with one hand. Hold your upper eyelid open and tug your lower eyelid down. This prevents you from blinking. You also don’t want to get any eyelashes caught under your contact.
4. Place the contact with the other hand. With your other hand, steadily raise the tip of your finger that’s holding the contact to your eye.
5. Look upward. As you place the contact in your eye, look upward. You’ll want to place the contact on your eye gently.
6. Close your eye. After placing the contact, slowly release your eyelids and close your eye. Let the contact settle in place for a moment before opening your eye.
7. Repeat for your other eye. Repeat steps one through six for your other eye.

Always wash your hands before inserting, removing, or cleaning your contacts. Hygiene is of the utmost importance when it comes to maintaining proper eye health.

What's Next?

Visit 1800 Contacts to learn how to get non prescription colored contacts