Using Colored Contacts Safely: How to Choose and What to Watch For

Colored contacts are a fun way to change your look, but it's important not to forget that they're a medical device placed directly on your eye. Here are the basics for enjoying them safely. If you feel anything wrong with your eyes, always see an eye doctor.

Colored contacts are medical devices too

Despite their fashion-item image, colored contacts — with or without prescription power — are regulated as medical devices in many countries. Even if you can buy them easily online, handle them like any other contact lens.

The first key point is to get an eye exam before buying. Using lenses without knowing the BC (curve), size, and power that suit your eyes can cause trouble from a poor fit.

Choose a design where the tint doesn't touch your eye

The defining feature of colored contacts is the pigment, but if that pigment touches your eye directly, it risks irritation and staining.

Safer colored lenses lock the pigment inside the lens (for example, a sandwich construction). Choose properly approved products from trustworthy makers. Be wary of extremely cheap products or unapproved imports.

Don't leave them in or overwear them

Because of the pigment, some colored lenses pass less oxygen than regular clear lenses. Leaving them in for long stretches starves the eye of oxygen, causing redness and pain.

Avoid sleeping in them, and follow the product's wear-time guidance. Rather than wearing them morning to night every day "because they look good," build in days to rest your eyes or wear glasses.

Always keep to the replacement schedule

Colored contacts also come in daily, two-week, and monthly cycles. Even with a tint, the replacement rules are the same as regular lenses.

Don't stretch them past their date because "they still look clean" or "it feels wasteful." Dirty, degraded lenses invite eye trouble. Many people wear colored lenses only for special occasions, which makes it easy to forget how long ago the pack was opened.

Hygiene is the same as regular lenses

Non-daily colored lenses need daily cleaning and storage. Clean with fresh solution and store in a clean case. Never rinse with tap water.

Mind the order with makeup, too. Put the lenses in before applying makeup, and remove them before taking makeup off, so cosmetics don't transfer to the lenses.

Occasional wearers especially need date tracking

Colored lenses are often worn only "for events or going out" rather than every day. That means a two-week or monthly colored lens can reach its replacement date even though you've only actually worn it a few times.

The replacement timing depends on days since opening, not the number of wears. If you only use them occasionally, dailies may waste less.

Lenslog calculates the replacement date from the opening date — colored lenses included — and reminds you as it nears. It prevents the "went to use them again and they were already expired" situation. Enjoy the look while protecting your eyes by leaving date tracking to the app.

Used correctly, colored contacts can brighten your day. Keep in mind they're a medical device, follow the rules for choosing, using, and replacing them, and enjoy them safely.