10 Things to Know Before Buying Colour Contact Lenses
Quick Summary
- Colour contact lenses are medical devices, even when they do not correct vision.
- Every wearer needs a proper eye assessment and lens fitting.
- Buy only Health Canada-licensed products from a reliable source.
- Never share lenses or use water or saliva to clean them.
- Remove the lenses and seek professional care if redness, pain, discharge, or sudden vision changes occur.
Colour contact lenses can change your eye colour for either a subtle or more dramatic appearance, but they should always be worn safely. Because they rest directly on the surface of the eye, they must fit correctly to maintain healthy corneal tissue. Before purchasing a pair, consult an optometrist in Scarborough who can evaluate your eye health, take the necessary eye measurements, and determine whether contact lenses are appropriate for you.
1. Colour Lenses Are Medical Devices
In Canada, decorative and non-corrective colour contact lenses are regulated as Class II medical devices because they come into direct contact with the eye. Health Canada recommends purchasing licensed products because unapproved lenses may increase the risk of eye complications.
2. You Still Need a Professional Fitting
A contact lens eye exam in Scarborough involves much more than choosing a lens colour or design. During the examination, the optometrist checks your eye health and determines whether the lens size, shape, material, and wearing schedule are suitable for your eyes. The client website confirms that eye examinations and contact lens fitting support are available in Scarborough.
3. Cosmetic Lenses May Also Correct Vision
Some prescription colour contact lenses combine cosmetic colour with vision correction when needed. Even people who do not need vision correction should have colour lenses professionally fitted because every eye is different.
4. Price Should Not Be the Only Consideration
When comparing affordable colour contact lenses, consider licensing, material quality, replacement schedule, fitting, and the reliability of the seller. A lower price does not guarantee that the lenses are licensed, authentic, properly stored, or appropriate for your eyes.
5. An Eye Exam Helps Establish Safe Wear
It is important to schedule an eye exam for contact lenses before ordering online or purchasing lenses for a special occasion. A professional assessment can identify dry eyes, irritation, or other conditions that could affect comfortable and safe lens wear.
6. Daily Wear Depends on the Lens and Your Eyes
People frequently ask, are colour contact lenses safe for daily wear? They may be worn safely when they are properly fitted, Health Canada licensed, cared for correctly, and replaced according to the recommended schedule. Wearing them longer than recommended or sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight use can increase the risk of complications.
7. Hygiene Is Essential
Helpful contact lens care tips include washing and drying your hands thoroughly before handling lenses, using fresh contact lens solution each time, cleaning the storage case as directed, and replacing it as recommended. Never rinse or store contacts in tap water, and never use saliva to moisten them.
8. Never Share Colour Contact Lenses
Sharing contact lenses can spread bacteria and other microorganisms from one person to another. Lenses fitted for someone else may not sit properly on your eyes, increasing the risk of discomfort or irritation. Every wearer should have an individual prescription and professional fitting.
9. Remove Lenses if Warning Signs Appear
Remove the lenses if you develop persistent redness, pain, unusual sensitivity to light, discharge, or sudden changes in your vision. Avoid wearing the lenses again until your eyes have been professionally assessed. Arrange a prompt examination, especially if the symptoms continue or worsen.
10. Follow-Up Matters
A contact lens eye exam helps ensure that your lenses continue to fit properly, remain comfortable, and support healthy eyes. Your recommended follow-up schedule depends on your eye health, the kind of lenses you wear, and your optometrist’s advice.
At Dr. Allyson Tang Optometrist – Scarborough, patients receive comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens guidance based on their individual eye health and vision requirements. As per the Canadian Association of Optometrists, all contact lenses, including cosmetic lenses, should be professionally fitted because improper use can increase the risk of eye infections and corneal injury.