Treating diabetic retinopathy Treating diabetic retinopathy is a critical aspect of preserving vision and maintaining the overall quality of life […]
Colored contact lenses can serve a variety of funtions, both cosmetic and medical. Read on to learn more about how you can benefit from colored contact lenses.
Colored contact lenses are lenses which are designed to mimic the natural look of the iris (the colored part of the eye). Since the iris is, in fact, made up of colorful shapes and lines, some colored contact lenses mimic this to give an even more authentic look. Of course, the center of the lens, which covers the pupil, is clear so the wearer can actually see through them.
Colored contact lenses can be used for several reasons, from wanting to enhance one’s natural eye color to changing it completely.
When people think of colored contact lenses, cosmetic uses often come to mind first. This includes lenses for costumes or for simply enhancing one’s appearance.
There are medical uses for colored contact lenses as well. People who have eye injuries or scars can opt for colored contacts to cover up the damage. There is also some evidence that colored contact lenses can help people with dyschromatopsia (color blindness). One study found that wearing red contact lenses let participants better identify the color green in tests.
Additionally, colored contacts that correct astigmatism are also available.
There are a few different types of tints that can be included in color contacts (in addition to the base color).
Because of their use in costuming, this type of lens is now available for novelty use, and are available without prescriptions in them.
Colored contacts are perfectly safe for your eyes, if you buy quality lenses from retailers who comply with FDA guidelines.
It is important to note that even if you don’t need or want a prescription in them (such lenses are often referred to as “plano” contacts), you still have to have an eyecare professional write a prescription for colored contacts.
This is because all contact lenses are regulated by the FDA as Class II or Class III medical devices. When seeking to purchase this type of contact lens, beware of sites allowing you to purchase them without a prescription. It may mean that the health and safety of the wearer’s eyes is not a priority to the retailer, and that their lenses are of a lower quality. It is also illegal. Saving a bit on cheaper lenses for a costume isn’t worth potentially damaging your eyes.
When you properly purchase colored contact lenses, you will also be able to better ensure a proper fit.
If you purchase quality lenses through an eye doctor’s office (and with a contact lens exam, if needed), they are perfectly safe for your eyes.
When used improperly or made of low quality materials, however, colored contact lenses (as with any sort of contact lens) can lead to temporary or permanent eye damage.
If you experience symptoms such as redness, eye pain, eye irritation, light sensitivity, or vision issues, remove your contact lenses immediately and consult our eye care professional.
As with anything relating to your eyes, it is best if you consult with our eye care professionals before purchasing and using colored contact lenses. They can advise you on what brands are best for you, and alert you of any risks to your eyes.
Colored contact lenses may be most often worn for cosmetic purposes, but they can provide some medical benefits at times. As with any other eyewear, you are best off purchasing colored contact lenses--whether for a medical reason or for recreational use--from trained professionals, to ensure you get safe, quality lenses. Patients who need medically necessary contact lenses, myopia management, or have difficulties wearing contact lenses visit our clinic from all over Washington, and we are proud to be a leading provider of contact lens services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.
Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.
I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.
Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.
Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.
Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.
The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.
Treating diabetic retinopathy Treating diabetic retinopathy is a critical aspect of preserving vision and maintaining the overall quality of life […]
As an optometrist at American Family Vision Clinic in Olympia, one of the most common questions Dr. Levi Zurcher often […]
Is foggy vision troubling you? Let our experienced optometrist restore your sight – book an appointment today and see the […]
Monday-Thursday
8:30AM-5:00PM
Friday
8:30AM-3:00PM
Saturday-Sunday
Closed
