Are Specialty Contacts Dangerous?

Image of colored contacts.

Specialty contact lenses are a fun way to change your eyes to look like your favorite entertainer or to create a spectacular costume. Specialty contacts, sometimes called decorative, fashion or theater contact lenses, temporarily change the look of your eyes without correcting your vision. Eye care professionals can prescribe specialty contact lenses that fit well and look amazing. Wearing specialty contacts without a prescription, however, can be dangerous.

Specialty Contacts Safety

Health regulators warn that buying contact lenses without a prescription is dangerous. Contact lenses are medical devices; incorrect use or poorly fitting contacts can cause real damage to eyes. There is no such thing as a “one size fits all contact lens,” as eyes vary slightly in size and shape from person to person.

All contact lenses, including specialty contacts, can pose a danger when they do not fit the wearer correctly. Poorly fitting contacts can scratch the surface of the eye or even cause blood vessels to grow into the cornea, which is the transparent window covering the front of the eye. Improper use and care of specialty contacts may lead to painful eye infections that cause blurred vision and require weeks of medication. Damage to the eye may be permanent and affect lifelong vision.

You may be tempted to leave specialty contacts in too long, especially in cases where you are wearing them as a disguise or as part of theatrical makeup. If you do not wear contact lenses regularly, you may not be aware of the signs telling you that it is time to take out your lenses. To reduce your risk for eye damage, remove your lenses if you notice signs like red eyes, swelling, excessive discharge, or pain in or around your eyes.

You can reduce your risk for eye problems associated with specialty contacts by taking a few precautions, such as:

• Getting a prescription from a licensed eye care professional
• Asking your eye care professional for instructions on inserting, taking out, and caring for your contact lenses, and following these instructions
• Purchasing contact lenses only from an eye product dealer who requests a prescription
• Never sharing specialty contacts with others
• Removing contacts at the first sign of trouble
• Getting regular follow-up exams with a licensed eye care professional

Source:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Decorative Contact Lenses." 2014.

Contact us to request an appointment today.

New Patients receive 15% OFF Second Pair of Complete Glasses!

Testimonials

  • We love supporting our local businesses. Dave Nelson is such an asset to our community. He took the extra time needed to be completely thorough with some issues I was having. I love that he looked at my complete health before coming to a conclusion for my needs. We love the customer service from beginning to end. I put complete trust in Lee Ann to pick out some frame choices for me, listening to my wants and needs. She delivered and I am so excited to get them next week. Thank you so much!

    ...
    Show More - C.D.
  • I was extremely pleased with the complete and thorough eye examination I received. Dr. Nelson took a great deal of time explaining his findings so that I understood them. He then laid out a plan for us to follow for the future of my eye health.

    - D.D.
  • I'm impressed with all of the technology. Great service. Thank you!

    - J.O
  • This was the best experience I have had with an eye doctor. I felt like Dr. Nelson actually listened to how my eye sight was affecting my daily routine and properly diagnose my vision correction needs.

    - A.K.
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Nelson for many years and he is absolutely amazing. I am grateful that he uses state-of-the-art tools to measure changes in my eye health. His advice is spot on for caring for my eyes and his prices make it affordable to do so. I highly recommend you schedule your next appointment here

    ...
    Show More - J.B.
  • Exam and discussion of the results were excellent. Dr. Nelson is kind, considerate, and open to any discussion about your eyes. The pictures from the exam were amazing and Dr. Nelson explained everything that was going on with the exam and pictures. Frame and lens selection are outstanding as is the work of the staff in helping to pick out what I wanted. And those sunglasses...oh my...I love them! Great work Dr. Nelson and staff!

    ...
    Show More - T.C.
  • This was the most thorough exam I've ever had and I've had many. Dr. Nelson understood my challenges and I felt confident in his care. Great experience. Thank you

    - L.F.
  • Efficient and courteous service with a sense of belonging to a family. I have had to wear prescription lenses for most of my life. Never, has anyone ever taken the time to explain what happens to our eyes as we age, why and HOW we see floaters (and with the latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office - to show you these things and so much more.) and other retinal issues if they exist. The latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office is non-invasive and amazing to literally see the inside of y

    ...
    Show More - P.L.
  • I've seen Dr. Nelson for many years for my eye care before he opened the new practice in Cottage Grove. I appreciate how very thorough he is and how he takes the time to explain any changes in my vision etc. He and his staff are always very kind and friendly and they go the extra mile to help! I liked that Cottage Grove Eye Care was really easy to find...and I like the space and the fact that they have a large selection of cool frames. Would highly recommend it. Nice to have someone you can trus

    ...
    Show More - H.S.
  • I went to Cottage Grove Eye Care for the first time last year and purchased both glasses and contacts. This is the first year that I have consistently worn both the glasses and contacts and didn't experience any issues with either. I always feel much educated about my eye health when I leave in a way that I never was at other eye clinics

    ...
    Show More - E.W.
  • Friendly, professional, very thorough.

    - T.S.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Monday

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am

3:00 pm

Thursday

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am

1:00 pm

Saturday

By Appointment Only

Sunday

Closed

Monday
10:00 am 7:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am 3:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am 7:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am 1:00 pm
Saturday
By Appointment Only
Sunday
Closed