Colored contacts are everywhere, being sported by musicians, convention attendees, and, it seems, people from all walks of life. They can change your eye color to something a little subtle, such as from green to brown, or something a bit more wild, such as bright red or white. But can you wear non prescription color contact lenses? Is it safe to? Colored contacts can be purchased almost anywhere, from your eye doctor, to many retail stores. But there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing them.
There are two types of colored lenses. The first, known as single color, are usually the cheapest and subtly change your eye color. The second, dual color, are used when you want a more radical change. There are many reputable brands out there, and these brands usually sell prescription contacts as well.
They can be disposable, meaning you can wear them anywhere from a day to two weeks. They can also be vial colored, meaning that they can last up to a year.
Your best bet is to check with your eye doctor first even if what you really want are non-prescription colored contacts and you think you do not need vision correction. Contacts come in many shapes and sizes, and, if ill-fitting, can damage the eyes and lids. Your doctor can give you a good idea of what size to look for, as well as sell colored contacts if you are looking for a slight change in eye color. They may also be able to inform you on reputable brands that sell a wide variety of colored contacts. Some places also offer a free eye exam with the purchase of contact lenses.
While you can buy colored contacts at many retailers, in the US, it is illegal to purchase or sell them without the buyer having a prescription. This law was passed in 2005, after numerous people reported infection and eye tissue damage after purchasing and wearing colored contacts without a prescription. In other countries, such as Canada, there is no law requiring a prescription, though it is a very good idea to have that eye exam prior to buying the desired contacts. Ordering contacts online from other countries is not a very wise coarse of action.