Colored Contacts & Eye Problems

Colored and tinted contact lenses are available for people who need contact lenses and for those with 20/20 vision. They change the color of the cornea and have become popular fashion accessories. However, colored contact lenses, whether or not they are prescription, can cause the same eye problems as normal contact lenses.

Hypersensitivity

• Some people are unable to wear contacts at all due to hypersensitivity in the eyes, which leads to eye redness. Eye redness happens when blood vessels in the eye dilate, which makes them appear red. Hypersensitive eyes can be irritated by having something like a contact lens in constant contact with them.

Sensitivity

• Wearing colored contact lenses may cause the eye to develop a sensitivity either to the solution that you keep your lenses in, or to the layer of mucus that forms on the surface of the lens. This will often lead to reduced lens movement and an increased level of mucus on the eye itself. Sensitivity can be combated by not wearing the lenses for a period of time.

Corneal Abrasion

• Corneal abrasion occurs when the cornea is worn down in the period during which the eye is adapting to wearing colored contact lenses, especially if the lens has not been correctly fitted. Corneal abrasion causes a large amount of pain, as well as tearing on the surface of the eye. The eye may need an eyepatch, as well the application of antibiotics. Leaving contact lenses in for too many hours a day can be a cause of corneal abrasion. The maximum length of time a contact can be worn depends entirely on the type of lens.

Corneal Ulceration

• Wearing colored contact lenses past the recommended maximum time can also cause corneal ulceration, especially when left in overnight. Improper storage and cleaning of lenses can also be a cause. Lenses can be easily cleaned by being stored in cleaning solution when they are not being worn. Corneal ulceration occurs when an open sore forms on the surface of the cornea. This can be extremely painful. If left untreated a corneal ulcer can cause the loss of the eye. Ulcers, like abrasions, can be treated with eyepatches and antibiotic treatments.

Considerations

• In all cases, the first step in treatment of problems related to wearing colored contact lenses is to remove the lens and cease to wear it. Colored lenses worn as fashion accessories may not have been properly fitted. Always have an optometrist fit you with contact lenses, whether or not they are prescription. Non-prescription colored contact lenses that have not been fitted by an eye doctor are more likely to cause problems and should not be trusted.