The pros and cons of coloured contact lenses

Have you been thinking of getting coloured contact lenses, but aren’t sure if they’re right for you? To help you decide, we’re weighing the pros and cons today. Filled with advice from our Opto-Réseau experts, this article could help you make an informed choice.

3 reasons to wear coloured contact lenses

• Lightly tinted contact lenses can give you a natural-looking enhanced eye colour.
• An optometrist can help you choose the coloured lenses best suited to your eyes for optimal comfort and minimal risk.
• There is no greater risk of infection with cosmetic lenses than with prescription lenses if you follow the same basic hygiene rules (see tip no. 3 below).

3 reasons to avoid coloured lenses

• Wearing coloured lenses without consulting an optometrist first can be dangerous (read tip no. 1).
• Coloured contact lenses don’t always give the desired result (read tip no. 2).
• If improperly used, coloured lenses can cause serious eye infections (read tip no. 3).

We don’t usually recommend cosmetic lenses because they offer slightly less clear vision than transparent lenses. Plus, we tend to think of tinted lenses as an accessory instead of a corrective device and so are lax about hygiene. However, unpleasant surprises are easy to avoid through a combination of quality products and good habits.

If you choose to wear coloured lenses, carefully follow these tips from specialists:

Tip no. 1: Consult an optometrist and optician before buying coloured lenses

The optometrist and optician will make sure that your lenses are suited to your sight and eye shape. This exam is essential to prevent dry eyes, discomfort, irritation and serious inflammation.

Tip no. 2: Choose lightly tinted or enhanced lenses instead of opaque ones.

For aesthetic reasons – unless you’re looking for a Halloween costume – we don’t recommend opaque coloured lenses that completely disguise your real eye colour and make for an unnatural look. We recommend lightly tinted or enhanced coloured lenses. For the most natural look, the colour of your lenses should not be too different from your natural eye colour.

Be aware that coloured lenses can blur your sight if they are too thickly tinted. Evidently, opaque lenses increase the blurry effect, because they cover the entire pupil in a filter.

Tip no. 3: Carefully follow the wear and care instructions.

Coloured contact lenses require the same care as prescription lenses. You can consult our guide to wearing contact lenses. Basically, wash your hands properly before handling them, don’t wear them longer than twelve hours, and above all, NEVER lend your lenses to anyone. If you experience any pain or irritation, consult your optometrist immediately.

For more information on the risks of wearing coloured lenses, talk to an optometrist at your nearest Opto-Réseau clinic.