The Craze for Coloured Contact Lenses

Coloured contact lenses can instantly transform your appearance by adding a certain je ne sais quoi — but are they for everyone?

If you are among the 33% of Australians who wear contacts, you’ve probably already thought about switching things up with coloured contact lenses. All it takes is a visit to the optometrist, a small investment and voila — a new you with no downtime!

For those not used to wearing them however, here’s what you need to know before buying coloured contact lenses.

How Safe are Coloured Contacts?

Coloured contact lenses have a clear area in the centre that is designed to line up with your pupil. In low light, or at night, your pupils expand and if the contacts are not correctly placed this may affect your vision.

The correct technique for inserting contacts can be a tricky skill to master (unless you’re already accustomed to wearing prescription lenses). The best option is to book an appointment with your local optometrist, as they will be able to help you ensure the lenses are correctly positioned, as well as provide vital information on the care of your new contacts. Shopping for coloured contact lenses online may seem convenient, but you miss out on an all-important eye exam and assistance with adjusting to, and caring for, your new contacts.

Is it OK to wear Coloured Contacts every day?

Yes, as long as you follow your optometrist’s instructions and properly care for your contacts.

Unfortunately, research shows that a quarter of Australians who wear prescription contact lenses will accidentally leave them in overnight at least once every two weeks (1).

More worryingly, the same study showed that 10% of people rarely wash their hands before inserting contacts! It might be stating the obvious but wearing contact lenses – whether coloured or prescription – requires good eye hygiene practices to avoid eye irritation, infections like blepharitis , sensitivity to light, dry eye syndrome, or worse, corneal ulcers.

With the health and safety implications out of the way, let’s get to the fun part – choosing your new coloured contact lenses. Which hue is for you?!

Finding your Perfect Hue

Coloured prescription contact lenses change the colour of the iris mainly through enhancement, or solid tints.

Contacts with enhancement tints create a subtle but noticeable difference by bringing out the natural colour and beauty of your eyes. They are ideal for people with green, hazel or light blue/grey eyes, wanting to create a more intense colour.

For people with dark eyes, solid or non-transparent tints may be a better choice. Contacts with opaque tints come in a range of colours including hazel, green, blue, brown and grey. For a subtle new look, try a honey brown or hazel coloured lens.

Or if you’re really looking for something really different, or for fancy dress or cosplay purposes, you could opt for novelty contact lenses that imitate the eyes of cats, snakes, goats or even goblins and vampires!

Talk to the team at our Redlands optometry practice today about coloured or prescription contact lenses on (07) 3824 1878 .

Reference:

1. https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GVFL/Vision_Index/2020-Vision-Index-Report-FINAL.pdf