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Contact lenses are a popular and convenient way for many people to correct vision. Several online manufacturers offer both corrective and non-corrective contact lenses.
About 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses. Many people wear contact lenses to correct their vision, while others choose colored contact lenses to change the appearance of their eyes.
This article discusses colored contact lenses, the types available for purchase, their safety, and why glasses are important for vision health.
By law, all contact lenses, including colored contact lenses, whether vision corrected or not, require a prescription.

Non Prescription Colored Contact Lenses
Manufacturers may refer to colored contact lenses as cosmetic lenses, theater lenses, Halloween lenses, circle lenses, decorative lenses, or costume lenses.
Colored contact lenses can help correct a person’s vision or have a cosmetic purpose by changing the color of the eyes.
People can choose colored contact lenses that look natural, choose lenses that are very bright, attractive colors, or choose lenses that match different outfits and styles.
Several companies offer colored contact lenses for people who need vision correction lenses and want to change their appearance.
Please note that the author of this article has not tried this product. All information provided is based solely on research and is correct at the time of publication.
Acuvue Define daily contact lenses are suitable for people with nearsightedness and farsightedness. Individuals can purchase 30-day and 90-day plans.
The product features a unique moisturizing and comfort technology that allows people to wear their lenses comfortably throughout the day. Contact lenses also provide a high level of UV protection.
Acuvue says these contact lenses are best for people who want to enhance their natural eye shape and color. These lenses add dimension, brightness, depth and contrast to the human eye.
However, people who want a greater change in eye color may prefer to purchase other lenses.
These colored contact lenses are available in 9 colors, ranging from subtler shades to vibrant colors like sapphire green and honey.
The website has a Color Play feature that allows people to virtually try out different colors.
Individuals can purchase corrective and non-corrective lenses with a prescription from a licensed ophthalmologist.
Before purchasing, people can virtually try on the lenses to decide which color they prefer. Additionally, this product is suitable for people who require both corrective and non-corrective lenses.
However, AIR OPTIX colored lenses are daily use lenses. Each lens must be disposed of after use.
These disposable colored contact lenses come in four colors, from Mystic Blue to Mystic Hazel. These lenses can make your eyes look bigger and brighter.

Non Prescription Colored Contact Lenses
Lenses or free samples can only be purchased from a licensed eye care professional who can provide the required prescription.
These lenses have an outer ring that contours the eyes, making the eyes appear larger and brighter. In addition, the manufacturer states that all lens colors are suitable.
However, people who want to purchase dark colored contact lenses may prefer a different product. The darkest color available at DAILIES COLORS is ecru.
A person can wear these colored contact lenses for up to 2 weeks. People should remove contact lenses before going to bed.
Available in a variety of colors, they offer lenses that create subtle changes that enhance a person’s natural eye color and color vibrancy.
The manufacturer claims that these lenses combine three colors into one, giving the eye additional depth and volume without changing its appearance. Additionally, this product is suitable for those who do not require a prescription for vision correction lenses.
The manufacturer states that these lenses are suitable for people with astigmatism. Additionally, the company claims that these lenses retain up to 97% moisture throughout the day.
A person may need colored contact lenses for a variety of reasons, including changing their eye color to suit their personal style or to match their clothing or outfit.
Colored contact lenses also have medical uses. People with eye damage or scarring, such as iris tears or uneven pupils, can use colored contact lenses.
Some evidence suggests that colored contact lenses may help people with color blindness or color blindness. One case study found that red contact lenses allowed participants to better identify the color green in an eye test.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states that using colored contact lenses without a prescription can cause permanent eye damage.
Over-the-counter colored contact lenses, such as clothing contact lenses, can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes. The pigments used by manufacturers may be thicker than the pigments in prescription lenses, resulting in contact lenses that are thicker and less breathable.
People should also make an appointment with their eye doctor to make sure they are using contact lenses that are appropriate for their eye size and type.
People need to care for colored contact lenses the same way they care for vision correction contact lenses. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
Once they receive their prescription, they can purchase colored contact lenses from a reputable online eyewear company. Reputable online eyeglass companies only offer contact lenses with a valid prescription from an ophthalmologist.
Although colored contact lenses can be purchased at clothing stores, beauty salons, pharmacies and other places where a prescription is not required, they are illegal and pose a risk to eye health.
A 2019 study of Texas teens who regularly wear colored contact lenses found that only 3.9% of respondents purchased their lenses from an eye doctor. Half of respondents did not have a prescription for contact lenses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says regular eye exams can determine when a person needs vision correction and protect their eyes in the future.
Regular eye exams are important because some underlying causes of vision loss, such as cataracts and glaucoma, may not show symptoms in the early stages.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the following people have a dilated eye exam every two years to detect early signs of vision loss:
If a person experiences any of the following symptoms, they should make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible:
The AAO states that non-prescription colored contact lenses, such as clothing lenses, can cause permanent damage to the eyes.
Manufacturers of over-the-counter colored contact lenses do not make lenses suitable for all eyes. Instead, these lenses are “one-size-fits-all.” Incorrectly sized lenses can lead to scratches, sores and infections.
Colored prescription contact lenses are no different from clear prescription contact lenses. A person can wear lenses every day.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how long you should wear your lenses before removing, cleaning, or disposing of the product.
However, people may find that using translucent or opaque lenses produces better results, especially if they choose lighter colored lenses. Opaque lenses may not hide your natural eye color.
Some retailers may offer over-the-counter contact lenses and sell them as costume or cosplay lenses.
The AAO notes that purchasing contact lenses without a prescription exposes people to the risk of improper lens fitting. Using ill-fitting lenses can lead to cuts, scrapes and infections.
Additionally, over-the-counter lenses may not allow enough oxygen into the eyes. Although health care providers can treat some complications associated with over-the-counter contact lens use, people are still at risk of permanent blindness.
Contact lenses are a popular and convenient way to correct vision. There are two types of colored contact lenses: corrective and non-corrective.