Coloured contact lenses are a fantastic way to change or enhance your eye colour, offering a unique way to express your style. However, many people wonder if wearing coloured contacts might impact their vision. Whether you wear contact lenses for fashion or vision correction, understanding how coloured lenses work and their potential effects on your eyesight is essential. Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about coloured contacts and whether they can affect your vision.

How Coloured Contacts Work

Coloured contact lenses are designed with a pigmented layer that changes the appearance of your eye colour while leaving a clear centre to ensure your vision remains unobstructed. This layer sits over the iris, the coloured part of your eye, and does not cover the pupil area, which is the centre of your eye responsible for seeing.

Pigmented Design

Most coloured contacts have a specific design that focuses the pigment around the iris, leaving the central part, where light enters the eye, clear. This design is intentional to allow wearers to maintain clear vision without interference from the coloured portion of the lens.

Placement on the Iris

Coloured lenses are crafted to sit comfortably over the iris, changing its colour without affecting the natural shape or function of your eye. The clear centre aligns with the pupil, allowing light to pass through as usual. When the lenses are properly fitted, you should not experience any negative effects on your eyesight.

Can Coloured Contacts Affect Vision?

While coloured contacts are designed to be safe for vision, certain issues can arise if the lenses are not fitted correctly or if they are not worn as intended. Here are a few potential ways coloured contacts might affect vision:

Vision Obstruction Risks

• Misalignment: If the coloured contact lenses do not align properly with the centre of your eye, they might slightly obstruct your vision. This issue can sometimes happen if the lenses shift while blinking or if they are not the correct size.

• Pupil Coverage: Some coloured lenses, particularly special-effect or novelty lenses, may partially cover the pupil, potentially impacting visibility. This effect is usually minimal, but it can be noticeable in low-light settings when the pupil naturally expands.

Light Sensitivity and Colour Perception

Some wearers of coloured contacts report mild effects on light perception and peripheral vision, especially if the lenses have darker or heavily pigmented designs. While high-quality coloured contacts are crafted to minimise this effect, there can still be slight adjustments in how you perceive colours or light when looking to the side or in dim lighting.

• Peripheral Vision Impact: Heavily pigmented lenses may slightly impact peripheral vision, especially if they shift from the centre.

• Colour Shifts: Some people experience subtle colour shifts due to the tint of the lens. These shifts are usually mild and adjust as the eyes become used to the lenses.

Prescription Coloured Contacts for Clear Vision

If you need vision correction and enjoy changing your eye colour, prescription coloured contacts offer a great solution. These lenses provide both cosmetic enhancement and corrective power, so you can enjoy clear vision along with a new eye colour.

Corrective Vision Quality

When prescription coloured contacts are properly fitted, they deliver the same level of vision correction as standard lenses. Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or need astigmatism correction, coloured contacts can meet your vision needs. Choosing prescription coloured lenses ensures that you experience clear, sharp vision without sacrificing style.

Risks and Side Effects of Poorly Fitted Coloured Contacts

Like any contact lenses, coloured contacts need to be fitted by a professional to ensure they suit your eye shape and size. Poorly fitted coloured lenses may lead to discomfort and even temporary vision problems. Here are some risks associated with improperly fitted or low-quality coloured contacts:

Eye Irritation and Discomfort

Coloured contacts that do not fit well can lead to eye strain, irritation, and blurred vision. When lenses are uncomfortable, it’s a sign they may not be fitted correctly or that they are not suitable for your eyes.

Increased Risk of Infections

Using non-prescription coloured contacts or buying them without proper fitting can increase the risk of eye infections, which may ultimately impact vision if not treated promptly. Infections can be caused by improper cleaning or sharing lenses, making it essential to follow hygiene practices strictly.

Tips for Safe Use of Coloured Contacts

To ensure that your coloured contacts are safe and do not impact your vision, follow these essential tips:

1. Get a Professional Fitting: Always consult an optometrist for a professional fitting, even if the lenses are non-prescription. This helps ensure the lenses fit well and are safe for your eyes.

2. Follow Proper Lens Care: Clean and store your lenses as instructed by the manufacturer. Avoid using water or saliva to clean lenses, as these can introduce bacteria.

3. Avoid Sharing Contacts: Coloured contact lenses should never be shared with others, as this significantly increases the risk of eye infections.

So, will coloured contacts affect your vision? Properly fitted coloured contact lenses should not impact your vision when used as directed. However, it’s crucial to prioritise safety by consulting with an eye care professional for a fitting and by following correct lens care practices. Whether you choose prescription coloured contacts or non-prescription lenses, these vibrant accessories offer a stylish way to enhance your look without compromising on eye health or vision clarity.