7 Things We Need to Know About Brilliant Colored Contacts

Thinking of rocking a pair of colored contacts Read on to learn more about what you NEED to know before wearing a pair.

1. Colored contacts are the same as regular ones, basically. There's nothing really different about colored contacts except they have, well, color. "The colored lenses have a clear counterpart with the same design," explains Dr. Justin Bazan of Park Slope Eye in Brooklyn, NY. If you regularly wear contacts and are used to them, you'll be totally fine handling colored lenses. They last the same amount of time as regular contacts, too.

2. They might be a little less comfortable. Brilliant contacts can be a bit thicker than regular ones so they might take some getting used to. Plus, thicker lenses can often be easier to put in and remove.

3. You can try colored contacts even if you have perfect vision. If you want to get Selena Gomez's blue-eyed look that she rocked at last year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, you can, even if you have 20/20 vision. "Color contacts are available in a wide range of powers," says Dr. Bazan. "They are commonly covering the range of +6 to -8, including zero power." But the only real way to know your vision, and to make sure your eyes are in good shape, is to see an eye doctor.

4. Lenses that aren’t cleaned properly risk an eye infection. Removing your contacts incorrectly can cause a scratch on your cornea, which can lead to an infection (I know  because this happened to me). Did you know that you have to clean your contacts at least every 3 days even if they’re just sitting in solution? I didn’t! These are all things to discuss with your eye doctor, which is why you want to see them before purchasing contact lenses.

5. Just like regular contacts, you should NEVER share them with friends. It might seem like colored contact lenses are just like makeup, especially if they're zero power and you're just using them to switch up your look, but you shouldn't share them with anyone. Swapping eye germs can lead to a nasty eye infection. Plus, your friend's contacts might not be the right ones for you, adds Dr. Bazan.

6. Non prescription colored contact lenses are safe as long as your contacts are properly prescribed, used and cared for. It's essential that you see an eye doctor for a proper contact lens exam and fitting. This will ensure your color contacts are safe and comfortable and look natural on your eye. Anyone that can wear contacts, can wear colored contacts. Some people want contacts they only throw out every two weeks, and others want to wear their's for just one day. Some have totally "regular" eyes and others have an imperfection in the eye's curvature, called astigmatism. 

7. There are a bunch of different brands to choose from. You and your eye doc will work together to find the brand that works for you. There are a bunch of options to try and different colors, designs, and tints to choose from. Your doc will give you a trial pair to make sure you love wearing them before they're yours for good.