It is not safe to wear contact lenses that were not prescribed especially for you. This includes contact lenses purchased without a prescription and contact lenses prescribed for someone else. Your eyes are at risk of serious harm — and potentially blindness — when you wear contact lenses that were not prescribed specifically for you.
Contact lenses advertised as ‘one size fits all’ or ‘no need to see an eye doctor’ are not safe. The ‘one size fits all’ claim is misleading and dangerous. Contact lenses must be tailored to each individual. Lenses that are not the correct size for your eye may result in serious harm and could destroy your vision.
Poorly fitting contact lenses can scratch your eye — or worse
- corneal abrasions,
- corneal ulcers, and
- bacterial infections like keratitis, which are painful and potentially blinding.
Colored contacts also might let less oxygen through to the eye. This is because the paints and pigments make the lenses thicker and less breathable.
Treating this damage can require eye surgery, like a corneal transplant. And treatment doesn’t always work. People have been blinded by colored contact lenses.
Eye infections from contact lenses can develop within hours
Eye infections can become serious very quickly. Sometimes the damage is not reversible. Remove your lenses and see an ophthalmologist immediately if you have any of these symptoms:
- redness
- swelling
- excessive discharge
- pain or discomfort
How To Wear Colored Contacts Without Damaging Your Eyes
1. Get a contact lens prescription
The best way to ensure safety when using contact lenses is to get a prescription from an eye care professional. An ophthalmologist can examine your eyes to assess whether you are a good candidate for contacts. They will measure your eyes to properly fit contacts and offer safety tips to prevent infection. You will leave the exam with a prescription and the information needed to protect your eye health.
2. Buy contact lenses from a reputable seller
Once you have a prescription, be careful about where you purchase the contact lenses. Don’t just buy from any website. Only buy contact lenses from retailers who require your prescription to purchase the lenses. Be sure the store only sells FDA-approved contacts.
If you buy lenses that haven’t been FDA-approved or through a dealer who isn’t FDA regulated, you can’t be sure what you’re receiving. The lenses you get may not be what you ordered. They may not be clean, may not be correctly packaged and they may not be the right size or shape for your eye to begin with. The risks aren’t worth it.
3. Follow instructions for wearing, cleaning, and storing your contact lenses
When you get a prescription from an eye professional, you will receive valuable information about using contact lenses safely. Follow these instructions for cleaning, wearing, and storing contact lenses every time to keep your eyes safe.
Contact lenses are medical devices that require your commitment to proper wear and care. If not used safely, any type of contact lens (prescription or not) may lead to an eye infection.
Buying Colored Contacts? Play It Safe
- Get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional. They will measure each eye and talk to you about proper contact lens care.
- Get a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements, and expiration date.
- Buy the colored contacts from a retailer who asks for a prescription.
- Follow the contact lens care directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses.
- Never share contact lenses with another person.
- Get follow-up exams as directed by your eye care provider.
To schedule with an Eye Associates of South Texas eye care professional for a contact lens prescription, call us at (830) 379-3937 or click here to schedule online.
