What Are Cosmetic Contacts?

Whether you're planning to cap off a costume with a pair of cat-eye lenses, get the big-eye look of circle lenses, or switch your eye color from blue to violet for the day, cosmetic contacts — contact lenses meant to change the way your eye looks rather than correct your vision — may seem like just another fashion accessory.

But all contact lenses — even purely cosmetic ones — require a prescription. Businesses that sell cosmetic lenses without a prescription are selling them illegally. 

Why Get a Prescription?

Lenses need to fit your eye correctly. If they don't, or if they aren't used and cared for properly, they can cause problems like:

• conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• scratches
• sores on your cornea
• blindness

If you're in the market for cosmetic contacts, see an eye care professional for an eye exam and prescription. Don't do business with anyone who doesn't require one. 

Getting Your Prescription Should Be Easy

Your eye care provider has to give you a copy of your contact lens and eyeglass prescriptions, even if you don't ask for them. You're free to take them and buy your eyewear elsewhere — from an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, a dispensing optician, or a specialty shop, large wholesale store, or online retailer. 

To make shopping for contacts or glasses more efficient:

• Get your prescriptions. You're entitled to a copy of your eyeglass prescription at the end of your eye exam, and your contact lens prescription when your fitting is complete (which could mean more than one appointment).
• Keep your prescriptions. File them with your medical records and keep them current so you have them when you need them.
• Send your prescription. The seller has to verify your prescription with your eye care provider to fill your order, but you might speed the process by sending or faxing information about the type of lenses, their manufacturer, power, base curve, and diameter.

This article was previously available as Avoiding an Eyesore: What to Know Before You Buy Cosmetic Contacts.