|  | Conditions Treatments | Eye Vision Disorders

Complications of Tinted Contacts

If you find yourself fumbling for your contacts in your lens case or simply want give yourself a new look by temporarily changing the color of your eyes, you may want to consider tinted contacts. But tinted contacts are not without disadvantages and complications.

  1. What are Tinted Contacts?

    • Colored contact lenses are also referred to as "cosmetic contact lenses" and are available in three different styles. Color tints completely change eye color; visibility tints have only a slight hint of color; and enhancement tints brighten the existing color of the eyes.

    Infections

    • As with all contact lenses, tinted contacts can cause eye infections. Therefore, it is important that they are always clean and bacteria free. Each manufacture recommends the best way to clean their tinted contacts. Sharing tinted contacts is discouraged because eye infections can be transferred from person to person.

    The Changing Pupil

    • The University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center explains that the pupil is located in the center of the eye---in the middle of the iris. The pupil changes depending on the amount of light that is available. Unfortunately, tinted contacts do not compensate for this change. The colored area of the tinted contact remains constant even when the pupil dilates. This can make it difficult to see because the colored area of the tinted contact can act as an obstruction.

    Slipping

    • Wearers of clear contacts are aware of their ability to slip or "float" along the surface of the eye without warning. When the contacts are clear, slipping can be uncomfortable but does not tend to cause any visual impairment. But when tinted contacts float around on the eye, the colored area can cover vital areas that are essential to vision.

    Prescription

    • It is important to note that tinted contacts are only available by prescription in the US. All About Vision explains that this is also true for tinted contacts that are not prescription strength. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found just cause to require a prescription for all tinted contacts. A prescription can help to ensure tinted contacts are fitted properly by a physician in order to prevent damage to the eye.

Eye Vision Disorders - Related Articles