Every time I visit my optometrist I see advertisements for colored contact lenses. I’m pretty happy with the green I’ve got so I’ve never tried another color. Did you know that contact lenses, even the purely decorative ones that don’t correct your vision, are considered medical devices? Whether you want to match your eyes to your clothes, your husky dog, or your favorite sports team, the FDA has some advice for you.1

  • Always get an eye exam and prescription first. Getting contacts that fit properly is important so that the lenses don’t damage your eyes.
  • Follow proper lens care instructions.
  • Don’t share! (Yes, apparently that happens or the FDA wouldn’t warn us not to.)
  • Only buy lenses from companies that sell FDA-approved contact lenses and require you to provide a prescription. There are many companies that sell lenses without requiring a prescription, but they may not be selling them legally. Buying lenses without a prescription from a costume store, beauty salon, or Internet site of questionable repute could put you at increased risk for eye damage that may lead to infection or even blindness.

For those of us that still use regular, boring, clear contacts, these tips are just as applicable. They seem like common sense, but who wouldn’t be tempted by a street vendor selling lenses that would give you anime eyes? Let’s not take our vision for granted!

-KB

1 Decorative Contact Lenses: Is Your Vision Worth It? http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm275069.htm

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