Do you need a prescription for coloured contacts lenses?

Would you like to change or brighten up your natural eye colour? Get the look with coloured contact lenses. The popularity of coloured contact lenses is on the rise so today we discuss some important information to bear in mind when purchasing these lenses. 

Do you need to get a prescription for coloured contacts?

If you're simply looking for cosmetic lenses (plano) then in most cases no, you don't need a prescription. This is because the contact lenses do not correct your vision or have any medical or therapeutic benefits. Similarly, they will not be regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. 

However, some Australian states do require a prescription from an optometrist to buy these items, so it's worth doing your research first. If you need vision correction lenses and would like to have coloured contacts as well, a prescription will be needed. 

It's worth remembering that prescription colour contacts can correct hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism while changing or enhancing your eye colour, so you don't have to miss out if you currently wear clear contact lenses for an existing eye condition. 

Do I still need a professional eye examination?

Yes, whether you're purchasing coloured contact lenses with or without vision correction, a professional eye examination is necessary. This will help to identify if you have any existing conditions which could increase the chances of the coloured contacted lenses damaging your eyes. 

In the past, novelty or cosmetic contact lenses have been known to cause loss of sight and cornea damage when not fitted properly. As such, it's important to visit an optometrist who will ensure the lenses you purchase are the right size for your eyes. They will also show you how to use and care for them properly. 

Dos and don'ts when buying and wearing coloured contact lenses

Do have an eye test before purchasing any lenses 

You should always be open and honest about any pre-existing eye and ocular conditions you have when speaking to an optometrist about novelty or cosmetic contact lenses. This will ensure the lenses provided to you are the correct size for your eyes and accommodate any vision problems you have. 

Don't share your contact lenses with anybody else 

Although it might sound fun to swap coloured lenses with your friends, you should never do this. Swapping lenses could also transmit bacteria which may lead to a serious eye infection. 

Don't wear the contacts if you have sore or red eyes

If your eyes become irritated, sore or red, this could be a sign of a contact lens-related eye infection. See an optometrist as soon as possible if you experience any discomfort after or even during wear. 

Do look after your lenses properly 

Just like clear contact lenses, coloured contacts need to be cleaned and stored correctly according to the care instructions provided to prevent contamination. Similarly, don't forget to change and replace your lenses according to the appropriate schedule - leaving the lenses in for too long or not switching them regularly could lead to irritation and infection.

eContact Lenses range of non-prescription coloured contact lenses

At eContact Lenses, you don't need a prescription to purchase our non-prescription selection of coloured contact lenses, but you should always get an eye test before ordering to check for any pre-existing conditions which could lead to irritation. However, if you need vision correction lenses and would like to change your eye colour, then we have a great range of prescription coloured contact lenses too.