It's no secret that celebrities and famous figures often wear colored contact lenses to enhance their appearance. Once you try them, you might fall in love with the convenience and aesthetic appeal they offer. Some people even become reliant on colored contacts. But what if you have vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism? Can you still wear colored contact lenses? Absolutely! Prescription colored contacts are designed for this very purpose. They provide both vision correction and the ability to quickly change the color and size of your eyes, combining health and beauty.
This article will explore the different types of prescription colored contact lenses, their benefits, how to choose the right ones, and what to consider when purchasing them.
What Are Prescription Colored Contacts?
Prescription colored contacts, also known as corrective colored contacts, are contact lenses with vision correction features. They not only help the wearer correct vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism but also change or enhance the color of the wearer's eyes, allowing for both vision correction and aesthetic enhancement.
These lenses have a specific curvature that alters how light enters the eye, ensuring it focuses correctly on the retina, providing clear vision. For wearers with astigmatism, prescription lenses are specially designed according to the irregular shape of the cornea, known as toric colored contacts, ensuring proper light focus from different angles.
Typically, colored contact lenses have a three-layer "sandwich" structure, with a color layer in the middle. The pigment coating changes the color of the wearer's eyes, while the center portion of the lens, which covers the pupil, is transparent, so it doesn't affect vision.
Types of Prescription Colored Contacts
Prescription colored contact lenses can be categorized based on the vision problems they correct, including standard corrective colored contacts and toric colored contacts for astigmatism. Toric lenses are designed with different axes to correct astigmatism and come in various strengths. Other prescription colored contacts that are not specifically labeled can be selected according to the required prescription strength.
Apart from this, they are similar to regular colored contacts and come in daily, monthly, and yearly disposables with a wide range of colors and patterns. You can choose the style that suits your needs, such as natural-colored contacts for a subtle, everyday look or cosplay contacts for specific events like cosplay conventions or Halloween. The lens diameter also affects the appearance of eye size, so if you want a noticeable enlargement effect, you can opt for 14.5mm lenses. For more tips on matching colored contacts with your style, check out our other articles.
Can You Get Prescription Colored Contacts?
Of course! Anyone can purchase prescription colored contact lenses with a valid prescription.
In the United States and some other countries, wearing contact lenses requires a prescription, and colored contacts are no exception. A prescription typically includes the following information:
- The prescription is usually valid for one year.
- Before issuing a prescription, the doctor will provide sample lenses for a trial.
- The prescription can be obtained on the same day as the contact lens fitting.
- A contact lens prescription, according to state and federal laws, includes all necessary information to fill a contact lens order, such as the patient’s name, prescription date, validity period, lens strength, etc.
With this prescription, you can purchase colored contact lenses in countries that require a prescription, like the U.S., depending on local laws. Some states require the prescription to specify the brand and series of lenses, but the left and right eyes can have different brands. You can discuss these details with your doctor.
Where to Purchase Non-Prescription Colored Contacts?
After discussing how to purchase prescription colored contacts, you might wonder where to buy non-prescription colored contacts, especially if you’ve lost your prescription or already know your lens strength but are unsure whether to get prescription lenses or non-prescription ones. Here’s a comparison to help you decide.
Prescription Colored Contacts
Advantages:
- Professional testing gives you a better understanding of your current eye condition.
- Trial lenses help you choose the most suitable colored contacts.
- In some regions, you may be eligible for insurance reimbursement.
Disadvantages:
- The process can be time-consuming, and scheduling a contact lens fitting might take a month.
- Limited selection of colored contact lens styles.
Non-Prescription Colored Contacts
Advantages:
- Convenient and can be purchased without a prescription.
- A wide variety of styles to suit any occasion.
- Ideal for those who don't require vision correction.
- Affordable, with discounts on some websites and bulk purchase savings.
Disadvantages:
- Not recommended for first-time buyers; professional testing is advised.
- Quality can vary.
So, where can you find quality non-prescription colored contacts? In countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, no prescription is needed to purchase colored lenses. These regions are among the largest users of colored contacts globally, with advanced manufacturing processes, so you can shop with confidence.
You should choose based on your needs, checking the lens strength and whether they offer astigmatism correction. (Note: Lenspure does not sell lenses for astigmatism.)
If you’re unsure where to buy, consider Kriseye.com. They offer a variety of prescription and non-prescription colored contacts in different styles and colors, along with discounts for bulk purchases. All lenses meet U.S. FDA and EU CE standards, and they offer worldwide shipping directly from Asia, with free shipping on orders over $39.
Are Prescription Colored Contacts Safe?
When used correctly, prescription colored contacts are generally safe, but there are important factors to consider:
- Proper Prescription: Prescription colored contacts must be fitted by an eye care professional. Improper fitting can lead to discomfort, irritation, or even eye damage.
- FDA Approval: In the U.S., prescription colored contacts must be FDA-approved, ensuring they meet safety standards. It's crucial to buy lenses from licensed suppliers and avoid unauthorized sources.
- Follow Wearing Instructions: Wear lenses for the recommended time (daily, monthly, etc.) and avoid wearing them longer than advised. Overuse can lead to oxygen deprivation in the eyes and complications.
- Proper Lens Care: Proper cleaning and storage of lenses are essential to prevent eye infections. Poor hygiene can lead to severe complications, including corneal ulcers.
By following these guidelines, you can safely wear prescription colored contacts.
Conclusion
Prescription colored contact lenses offer both vision correction and a chance to showcase your unique style. Choose the right purchasing method, and pay attention to the type and strength of lenses. It's recommended for users with vision issues to get a prescription from a reputable institution before purchasing. We hope this article helps you choose the perfect prescription colored contacts.
