Changing your eye color has become an essential fashion accessory for many. The decision to purchase color lenses is very simple or some as the Internet provides many purchasing options.
However…….
Contact lenses in general are considered medical devices and are therefore heavily regulated. Regulations apply to both production and distribution and require Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
Non-FDA approved colored contact lenses can pose significant health risks due to the lack of regulatory oversight. Here are some key points and recommendations to consider:
Health Risks: Non-FDA approved lenses can contain unsafe materials and may not fit properly, leading to issues such as corneal scratches, conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal infections, and even potential vision loss.
Legal Requirements: In the U.S., all contact lenses, including non-prescription colored contacts, require a valid prescription from an eye care professional. This rule ensures that lenses are properly fitted and safe for individual use.
Safe Alternatives: There are FDA-approved brands like Solotica and Air Optix that offer a variety of colored contacts. These brands meet strict safety standards and are widely available through reputable retailers and require a prescription for purchase.
Where to Buy: It’s crucial to purchase colored contact lenses from trusted sources that require a prescription. Avoid buying from beauty supply stores, convenience stores, or unverified online retailers.
So what should you expect if you intend to purchase color lenses?
I purchased color lenses earlier this year and it was a time consuming and – in my opinion – an expensive endeavor.
I would never purchase lenses online or use eye color changing drops. These items are all over social media and so tempting because the price is right and the products are easily accessible. But, no matter how impressionable I am, I am very careful about what I put in my body, including my eyes.
I was not prepared for the upfront costs. If you have vision insurance, I think it will help but may not help if you are like me and did not need corrective lenses and were only making the purchase for aesthetics along. If you do opt for corrective lenses, insurance will coverage will help.
Once I finally decided that I was going to color lenses, I made an appointment with an eye doctor (Ophthalmologist) through my HMO that I was not able to get for three weeks from the date I made the appointment. I do not have vision insurance under my plan so all costs were out of pocket. The visit took about 30 minutes – including wait time and the exam and cost me $180. At the end of the exam, the doctor said that I did not require corrective lenses. The doctor also instructed me to schedule a contact lens fitting appointment with an Optician.
I was able to get a fitting appointment the same day because I agreed to wait up to 2 hours if needed. After a less than 1 hour wait, I was seen. This appointment also lasted about 30 minutes (excluding wait time) and cost me another $180.
Not surprising, but I was only able to see sample color lenses but not try any on during the appointment.
The Optician was clearly in sales mode and tried to sell me corrective lenses (at an added cost) that I would need to wait up to 4 weeks to receive and that would cost me up to $200 per lens. These lenses had a longer life but had a limited color selection. These lenses were also presented to me as if they were my only option. However, after asking a lot of questions, I was made aware of another option.
The second option I was offered was by Air Optix Colors with a much larger color selection. The price I was given was $95 for three pairs but a much shorter usage period – 2 months each pair. I selected three colors (sterling silver, brown and brilliant blue) and was told that the order would be available for pick up at the Optician’s office within 2 weeks. This lenses cost me more than $300 including sales tax.
I was curious and asked why the lenses could not be sent directly to my home and was told that the Optician needed to ensure that the lenses fit my eyes property. This was all good with me as it added another layer of assurance.
The lenses arrived with a week and I went to pick them up and was so happy with what I received.
My favorite (above) ar the sterling silver (now called sterling grey by Air Optix Colors).
I was so happy with my lenses that i wanted more. I went online to the sites that i had vised previously that required a prescription to see what other colors were available and found that I could purchase lenses for one half the price per box that I paid through the Optician’s office. Yikes! I uploaded my prescription and provided my doctor’s contact information and quickly purchased two boxes. The lenses arrived in less than a week.
I now purchase lenses at will on
lens.com.
I have also learned that there is a lot of gear (e.g., lens cases, lens applicators, lens cleaning solution, etc.) that goes along with using contact lenses. It is very important to keep your lenses clean so buying a lens solution that you like is essential. You will also need storage containers for your lenses. Some people like to use lens applicators, but I prefer using clean hands and inserting and removing my lenses with my fingers. Whatever you decide is best for you, you can find some helpful product ideas
here.
I highly recommend adding color contacts to your makeup and fashion toolkits. But, be sure to take the necessary step to ensure that you purchase a product that is safe and reliable.
I hope you will decide to experience the fun in wearing color contact lenses for yourself!
Disclosure: I earn a small commission on Amazon for qualified purchases.
