Fall is definitely upon us! As I enjoy the last bit of fall colors still in the trees and prepare for cooler weather, I realize holiday season is near. The first, Halloween, is always a fun time to dress up and spend time with family and friends. No matter what the costume, altering the appearance of your eyes may be tempting. To achieve this, many may consider trying colored or costume contact lenses. Although decorative contact lenses may complete your look, they still need to evaluated and prescribed by an eye doctor. Contact lenses, even decorative ones, are medical devices that require a prescription. Contact lenses can be a great alternative to glasses for clear vision, as long as the contact lenses fit appropriately and are a quality product. Contact lenses fit on the cornea, or the clear part of your eye in front of the iris, or colored part of your eye. This clear tissue does not have blood vessels running though it like other places in our body, so the only way the cornea can obtain oxygen is through exposure to the air. Whenever we place a contact lens over the cornea, we are limiting the amount of oxygen it receives. Luckily, the contact lenses we fit are designed to allow significant amounts of oxygen through the lens, so your cornea is not starved of oxygen. This allows for clear and comfortable vision. When we consider costume or colored contact lenses, the inks and dyes used to obtain the stellar effect block how much oxygen can pass through the contact lens and to your cornea. If these lenses are not prescribed by a doctor and worn incorrectly, the lack of oxygen to your cornea can lead to significant and potentially, permanent vision-threatening conditions including infection, corneal ulcers, or corneal abrasions, etc. If you are considering decorative contact lenses, you need to see your eye doctor for an evaluation. Do not be tempted to purchase costume contact lenses without a prescription. Contact lenses are medical devices and need to be prescribed by a doctor. We are looking out for your eye health and want to help you see your best now and in the future! We are happy to see you for a contact lens evaluation, if you are considering contact lenses or would like to try colored contact lenses. ~Dr. Whitney |