Your style says a lot about you. You use your clothes, makeup and hair to deliver a message to those around you. These outward expressions aren’t the only ways to display your personality. Cosmetic contacts can act as your next bold fashion statement, but take time to learn about them before you invest in a pair. This blog post will discuss the benefits and risks that you might come across, so read on to find out if cosmetic contacts are right for you.
Cosmetic Contact Types “Cosmetic” stands as a general label for three different contact types: opaque, tinted and decorative. When you speak to optometrists, most tend to lump opaque and tinted contacts together because they are similar. The only significant difference between the two is that opaque contacts create a more distinct colour shift. On the other hand, tinted contacts provide a subtle change. They deepen your eye colour and provide anti-glare protection. Opaque Contacts When most people think about cosmetic contacts, they think of the opaque options. With this choice, you alter your eye colour. Here are a few options you can select from:
Blue
Green
Brown
Violet
Grey
If you have dark features, use blue contacts to create a striking look. Or, make people do a double-take when you add violet to your irises. Whether you want to complement your natural beauty or create a whole new look, opaque contacts can help. Tinted Contacts Tinted contacts are easy to find. If this is your first soiree into contacts, this might sound odd. However, the fact is that many people experience “lens loss,” a moment when they lose their contact—while it’s still in their eye. With the added tint, contacts help you find them easily so you can avoid that undue panic. It also makes them easier to find if they fall on the floor or if you can’t see them in their contact case. Tinted contacts provide anti-glare protection, as various tints can intensify colours and contrasts since they eliminate glare from your sightline. If you play outdoor sports, consider adding a tint to your prescription. For example, if you are an avid tennis player, you want to know exactly where the ball is at all times. In bright outdoor courts, this can turn into a difficult prospect. However, if you have a green tint in your contacts, the ball will appear in high contrast to its surroundings. When you add this advantage to your eyewear, you can make an interesting fashion statement as you take home the tournament trophy. Decorative (or Costume) Contacts Decorative contacts represent the most dramatic option on this list. Cat-eye, spider web, or rainbow eyes may look amazing on Halloween, but they are not worth the risk. Anytime you use contacts you take on health risks. However, non-standardized decorative contacts amplify that danger. For example, wearers have a 12.5 greater chance to contract a corneal infection. This is not only painful; it can permanently damage your eye. When you buy contacts from online stores that boast their customers don’t need an eye exam or their contacts are one-size-fits-all, you buy convenience; but you also buy severe risk. You have an individual style and you have an individual eye shape. That means your contacts should conform to your eye—not the other way around. Do I Need a Prescription? Simply put, yes. Opaque and tinted contacts can correct vision, but not all serve that purpose. If you only use contacts for cosmetic reasons, you still need to make an appointment with your eye doctor. Most appointments are quick and painless, so you won’t have to wait for long to wear your new look. During the visit, your optometrist will measure your eye and ensure your contacts fit correctly. Once they have the proper measurements, optometrists will give you instructions on how to care for your contacts and how to protect your eyes. Remember that your eye health is more important than any fashion statement, so take care to follow these instructions. Our previous blog 9 Universal Bad Contact Lens Habits gives a useful run-down on some of the mistakes optometrists see first-time (and long-time) contact wearers make. Contact Fashion While some of the risks associated with contacts can sound a bit frightening, you can help ensure your safety when you use optometrist-approved products. Just because something looks intriguing online does not mean that you should buy it. With your optometrist’s help at The Eyewear Place, you can find contacts that give you the look you want without the danger.