What Do Cosmetic Lenses Do?

If you’ve ever dreamed of changing your eye color, cosmetic lenses may be the ideal way to achieve a new look. However, these lenses go beyond a simple color change, they can improve self-confidence and function as a tool for self-expression. But don’t run off to your nearest costume shop, ensure that you fully understand the following information to keep your eyes safe and make the right choice.

 

What Are Cosmetic Lenses?

Cosmetic lenses are lenses used to change or enhance the appearance of your eyes for aesthetic reasons. They can completely change eye color or simply intensify the natural color of your eyes. These lenses are most often used for events, costume parties, or cosplay.

These lenses are similar to prosthetic lenses, but the purpose of the lenses is the main difference. Many patients struggle with self-confidence after an eye injury, and prosthetic lenses are custom made to disguise ocular injuries and conditions that alter the appearance of their eyes. They can also be used to reduce the amount of light entering the eye to help with light sensitivity issues after a trauma or surgery.

Cosmetic lenses can be prescribed to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism or they can be purely for appearance.

 

Are Cosmetic Lenses Safe?

Cosmetic lenses are safe to wear as long as they have been fit from an eye care practitioner. Cosmetic lenses sold over the counter or from costume shops are illegal and should not be worn under any circumstances as they can permanently damage the eyes. It is required by law to have a prescription and have an eye care professional perform a fitting before putting anything into your eyes.

Reputable retailers will sell FDA approved lenses which have been thoroughly assessed for safety and quality standards. If a lens package claims that the lenses are one-size-fits-all, do not purchase them. Ill-fitting lenses can cut and scratch your eyes, leading to horrible infections, injuries, and vision loss that may require surgical intervention to repair.

Approved lenses only have the same risks as standard soft contacts which is potential infections due to improper hygiene. Diligently following the care instructions given to your by your doctor will keep your lenses clean and your eyes protected. Always wash your hands before touching the lenses, rinse the lenses with approved cleansers, and never sleep with your lenses in.

 

What Are The Benefits of Cosmetic Lenses?

 Cosmetic lenses offer a convenient way to express your personal style. When it comes to stylistic expression, colored lenses are an easy way to significantly alter the way you look. Eye color plays a crucial role in our overall appearance and a simple change can have a huge impact on your look.

Colored lenses can be used to instantly alter someone’s appearance. This ability to quickly change your appearance can be useful for actors and stage performers who need to embody specific character traits. Cosmetic lenses are also useful for models who are required to change their look frequently for photoshoots and runway shows.

Cosmetic lenses can enrich the natural appearance of your eyes. There are numerous color and style choices so you can freely experiment.

 

What Are The Different Types Of Cosmetic Lenses?

Translucent lenses are lightly tinted and are used to create a subtle change to your natural iris color. They can beautifully enhance your eyes to make the color pop more while still looking natural. Many celebrities use translucent lenses on red carpets to amplify their eyes without drastically changing the color.

Opaque lenses completely cover your irises to create an entirely different look. They are available in different prescriptions with a range of colors to choose from and can be made to provide vision correction or just a color change.

Hand-painted cosmetic lenses are completely customizable so can have intricate designs in the iris patterns.

All types of cosmetic lenses are custom-made and all parameters including curvature, diameter, pupil size and iris diameter can be modified. These lenses can only be designed by qualified eye care practitioner who use high-resolution images of your eyes to design lenses that suit your needs while maintaining a natural appearance.

 

How Should You Choose Your Cosmetic Lenses?

Before choosing your lenses, ensure that you have thought through the factors that will influence the lenses you require. Understanding the following considerations can make the process much simpler.

 

• Determine why you want cosmetic lenses, as this will affect the tint you need.
• Ensure you have an up-to-date prescription which is required for purchasing cosmetic lenses.
• Consider which lens colors will work best with your hair color or if you’ll wear a wig.
• Consider having multiple sets of lenses in distinctive styles for specific occasions.
• Ponder which make-up looks you’ll be wearing as some colors can clash with bright lenses.
• Discuss with your eye care practitioner for information.
• Experiment with an assortment of colors and styles to find out what works best for you.

 

See The World Through New Eyes

 While cosmetic lenses offer exciting possibilities, it’s important to prioritize your eye health. Always purchase your lenses from licensed professionals, practice proper hygiene at all times, and consult your doctor regularly. At Miami Contact Lens Institute our team is highly trained and specializes in helping patients to safely add a touch of magic to their appearances.