In recent years, colored contact lenses have exploded in popularity. From Instagram influencers and TikTok creators to Halloween enthusiasts and cosplay artists, people are embracing colored contacts as a fun way to transform their look.
With just a quick swipe online or a stroll through a beauty shop, you can find lenses in every shade imaginable, from icy blue to violet, honey brown to bright red.
But while these lenses might be aesthetically appealing, they’re far from harmless. What many people don’t realize is that colored contacts, especially those purchases from random online stores, unlicensed retailers, or beauty kiosks, can pose serious health risks to your eyes.
In some cases, they can even lead to long-term vision damage or blindness.
This blog post will break down everything the doctors at Howerton Eye Center in Austin, Texas, want you to know before putting a pair of colored contacts into your eyes. We’ll uncover the dangers, dispel common myths, and explain how to safely incorporate colored contacts into your beauty routine, without sacrificing your eye health.
The Allure of Colored Contacts
Colored contacts are widely marketed as a harmless cosmetic accessory; an easy, non-permanent way to enhance or dramatically change your color. Some are sold as costume pieces. Others claim to be “one-size-fits-all” or “no prescription needed.”
Many stores (especially online ones) even advertise their lenses with bold fashion-forward imagery and influencer endorsements, giving them a sense of trendiness and legitimacy.
But here’s the truth: all contact lenses, whether clearer colored, prescription or cosmetic, are medical devices regulated by the FDA.
That means they need to be fitted and prescribed by a licensed eye care provider. Wearing contacts without proper guidance or approval isn’t just unsafe, it’s illegal in some places.
Yet that hasn’t stopped a huge number of people, especially teens and young adults, from buying contacts from unverified sources. And the results can be devastating.
The Risks of Buying Contacts from Random Stores or Online Shops
Colored contacts sold at beauty supply shops, online fashion retailers, costume stores, or novelty websites often come from manufacturers that aren’t regulated, certified, or medically approved. Here’s what can go wrong if you buy from these sources:
1. Poor Material Quality
Legitimate contact lenses are made from breathable, medical-grade materials that allow oxygen to pass through to your cornea. When that oxygen flow is blocked, it can cause dry eye, irritation, inflammation, and a higher risk of infection.
Unregulated lenses may be made from cheap plastics or unsafe polymers that starve your eyes of oxygen. Some even contain toxic dyes or pigments that can leach into your eye tissue.
2. Incorrect Fit
Every eye is unique in size, curvature, and moisture level. Contact lenses need to be fitted to your specific eye shape. Lenses from random shops are often “one-size-fits-all”, a myth that leads to huge problems.
Poorly fitted contacts can:
- Scratch your cornea
- Cause blurry vision
- Slip around or fall out unexpectedly
- Lead to corneal ulcers or abrasions
These issues can cause permanent damage or scarring to your eye if not treated promptly.
3. Bacterial Contamination
In many cases, cheap colored contacts aren’t manufactured in sterile environments. If the packaging is unsealed, expired, or handled improperly, bacteria or fungi can contaminate the lenses.
Wearing contaminated lenses, even once, can lead to serious eye infections such as keratitis, which can cause corneal scarring or, in severe cases, loss of vision.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some people have gone blind from a single use of unregulated contacts.
4. No UV Protection or Breathability
Unlike FDA-approved lenses, many cheap colored contacts don’t offer UV protection or allow sufficient oxygen transmission. The eyes need a continuous supply of oxygen to stay healthy. Without it, the corneal cells begin to break down.
This can lead to hypoxia, neovascularization (growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye), and other complications that may require surgery or long-term treatment.
5. Risk of Sharing or Reusing Improperly
Because novelty colored contacts are often seen as fashion items rather than medical devices, people tend to share them with friends or reuse them without proper cleaning. This multiplies the risks of infection, allergic reaction, and injury.
Even one shared wear could introduce bacteria, viruses, or even herpes simplex virus, which can lead to a painful and recurring eye infection.
6. What the Law Says: Colored Contacts Are Medical Devices
Most people are shocked to learn that in the United States, it’s illegal to sell contact lenses without a valid prescription, even if they’re purely for cosmetic use.
The Food and Drug Administration classifies all contact lenses, including decorative and colored lenses, as medical devices. This means they must be prescribed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist and dispensed by a registered vendor.
When retailers sell lenses without a prescription, they’re breaking federal law. The same goes for websites that allow users to simply “add to cart” without verifying a prescription. Unfortunately, many of these sellers operate overseas or under the radar, making them difficult to regulate or hold accountable.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FDA have both cracked down on illegal contact lens sellers in the past, but many continue to pop up under new names. That’s why the responsibility often falls on the consumer to be informed and cautious.
Bottom line: If a site or store isn’t asking for you prescription, they’re not following the law, and they’re not putting your safety first. Your vision is too important to gamble with.
Real Life Consequences: Stories that Made Headlines
Numerous cases have been reported where people lost partial or full vision due to decorative contacts.
In one widely covered case, a woman in her 20’s purchased costume lenses from a novelty store for Halloween. Within 24 hours of wearing them, she developed a painful infection and ended up needing a corneal transplant.
In another case, a teenager wore un-prescribed colored lenses at a party. The lens scratched her cornea so badly that she developed a severe ulcer and had to stop wearing contacts permanently.
The FDA and the American Optometric Association have repeatedly issued warnings against non-prescription contact lenses, citing their long history of causing preventable injuries.
Red Flags to Watch Out For When Shopping for Colored Contacts
If you’re considering colored contacts, here are warning signs that the product or seller may be dangerous:
- No prescription required: Any retailer selling contacts without asking for a prescription is violating FDA guidelines.
- No brand or manufacturer name: If there’s no clear information about who makes the lenses or where they come from, skip it.
- Unlabeled packaging: Vague, generic, or foreign-language-only packaging is a major red flag.
- No return policy or contact info: Reputable sellers always offer clear customer service options and product guarantees.
- Sold in novelty or costume shops: These places typically do not have medical oversight or FDA-approved inventory.
- Unbelievably cheap prices; Contacts that are extremely inexpensive are likely made with substandard materials.
How to Safely Use Colored Contacts
Colored contacts don’t have to be dangerous, as long as you get them the right way. Here’s how to use them safely:
1. Get an Eye Exam First
Even if you have perfect vision, you need a proper eye exam to determine your eye size, shape, and overall eye health. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will give you a valid prescription, even for cosmetic use.
2. Buy From Legitimate Retailers
Stick to verified retailers like:
- Your eye doctor’s office, or anywhere Howerton Eye Center may recommend
- Licensed optical stores
- FDA-approved online retailers (like 1-800 Contacts, Hubble, or Lens.com)
Look for lenses that are labeled “FDA-cleared” or “FDA-approved.”
3. Follow Strict Hygiene Rules
- Wash your hands before handling lenses
- Never share your lenses with anyone
- Use proper lens solution (not water or saliva)
- Clean and store them in a sterile contact lens case
- Replace your lenses as directed (daily, weekly, or monthly)
4. Never Sleep in Colored Contacts
Unless they are specifically prescribed as extended wear, never sleep with contacts in, especially decorative ones. It raises the risk of infection significantly.
5. Listen to Your Eyes
If you feel pain, burning, blurred vision, redness, excessive tearing, or any discomfort while wearing colored contacts, remove them and see an eye care professional. If you live in Austin or Kyle, TX, call us at Howerton Eye Center immediately. These are early warning signs of infection or abrasion.
When it’s Ok to Wear Colored Contacts
If you love experimenting with your look and want to try colored contacts safely, go for it! Just make sure:
- They’re prescribed by a licensed eye doctor
- You follow strict hygiene practices
- You avoid using random vendors or novelty stores
- You don’t exceed recommended wear time
Contacts can be beautiful, but your vision is irreplaceable. No fashion trend is worth risking your sight.
In Summary: What You Need To Remember
Buying colored contacts from random stores, Instagram boutiques, costume shops, or online marketplaces can result in serious harm to your eyes. Many of these lenses are unregulated, improperly made, and not safe for human use.
Here’s Your Checklist for Safe Contact Lens Use:
- Get a prescription from a licensed eye doctor
- Only buy lenses from FDA-approved retailers
- Never share or reuse without cleaning
- Replace lenses on time
- Listen to your body, remove them if anything feels off
Final Thoughts: Beauty is Fun, but Safety is Smarter.
If you’re passionate about aesthetics, fashion, or self-expression, it makes sense to want your eyes to stand out! But your vision deserves more respect than a $10 pair of mystery contacts from a random website. Choose wisely, care for your eyes, and wear your colored contacts with confidence, the safe way.
Contact your Austin and Kyle, TX Eye Doctor Today!
The eye doctors at Howerton Eye Center are medical and surgical professionals that treat everything from minor to very serious eye conditions.
With locations in Austin, Southwest Austin, and Kyle, TX, the Howerton Eye team stands ready to help with all of your eye care needs. Request an appointment or contact us today!
*Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with a qualified eye care specialist for personalized recommendations.*
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/colored-lenses?+illegal+colored+contact+lenses
- WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-colored-contacts-safety
- NVision
https://www.nvisioncenters.com/contacts/colored-contact-risks
- MyCorneaCare
https://mycorneacare.com/eye-health-and-wellness/are-colored-contact-lenses-safe
