Costume Contact Lenses

Costume contact lenses are today extremely fashionable. Costume lenses can be purchased online without a prescription. However, you should always contact an eye-care professional before using cosmetic contact lenses. Opticians have a much better idea on the suitability of a particular type of contact lens to each person. Indeed, for some people with visual problems colored contact lenses are best avoided. And of course it is always advisable to purchase costume contact lenses from a reputable manufacturer.

Costume contact lenses are often only manufactured in one size to fit every person. But be warned that cosmetic contact lenses may on rare occasions cause some corneal irritation. Ill-fitting lenses can also affect the cornea due to inhibiting the free passage of oxygen.

Another problem with such 'fun' costume lenses is that they often limit the amount of light entering the eye. The visual field can sometimes be so restricted that peripheral (side) vision becomes limited. In fact some costume lenses are so dark that those wearing them should avoid driving at night.

Note also that it can not be adequately emphasized that costume contact lenses should not be shared with others.

People who regularly wear prescription contact lenses may find it easier to select a similar costume lens.

The two popular types of costume lenses are:

Gas Permeable Lenses: These contact lenses contain no water component but provide high oxygen through the lens. These lenses are useful for correcting high refractive errors.

Soft Lenses: These lenses are used to correct near sightedness, far sightedness and astigmatism. Soft lenses are wet and flexible and are larger in diameter than the cornea.

The following are the hazards associated with costume contact lenses:

• Eye irritation
• Deposits on the lens
• Eye allergies
• Eye infections
• Eye dryness

The following safety precautions should be taken when wearing costume contact lenses:

• Non-scented and hypoallergenic lenses are preferable as they are more effective
• Always wash your hands before inserting or removing the lenses
• Never lend or borrow costume contact lenses
• Apply makeup only after inserting the costume contact lenses
• Avoid frosted, iridescent eye shadow
• Don't apply face creams too near to the eyes
• Don't expose your eyes to water while wearing costume contact lenses
• Don't apply loose powder to the face once you have installed the lenses
• Costume contact lenses should not be fitted if the eyes are swollen, red or infected