Contact lenses have come a long way since their inception. Originally designed to simply correct vision, contact lenses now offer features like tinting, UV protection, and even medical benefits. One question that arises is whether medical contact lenses, designed to treat conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia, can also be colored.
Introduction to Medical Contact Lenses
Medical contact lenses are prescriptions lenses used to treat various eye conditions. Unlike regular contacts that just correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, medical contacts go beyond vision correction to improve eye health and function.
Some common types of medical contact lenses include:
- Toric lenses – Correct astigmatism by providing more accurate focus
- Multifocal lenses – Treat presbyopia by allowing clear vision at multiple distances
- Orthokeratology lenses – Reshape the cornea to temporarily reduce nearsightedness
- Bandage lenses – Protect the cornea as it heals from injury or surgery
These medical lenses provide therapeutic effects that soft contact lenses or glasses cannot. But can they also offer color-changing cosmetic effects like regular contacts?
Are Colored Medical Contacts Available?
The short answer is yes – medical contact lenses can be produced in colors as well as clear lenses. However, color availability is more limited compared to regular contacts.
Here are some key considerations around colored medical contact lenses:
- Only soft medical lenses come in colors – Rigid gas permeable (RGP) medical lenses are always clear.
- Color choices are more limited – Only popular shades like blue, green, brown are available.
- Not all brands offer colors – Leading medical lens brands like Bausch + Lomb do not make colored lenses.
- Colors may be less vibrant – The therapeutic features of medical contacts can mute or dull the color effects.
So colored medical contacts do exist, but the selection is restricted compared to regular color contacts. Patients may need to compromise between desired color effects versus required medical correction.
FDA Regulation of Colored Medical Lenses
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates medical devices including contact lenses. All colored contact lenses, whether cosmetic or medical, must follow FDA requirements.
The FDA categorizes colored contact lenses based on approved use:
| FDA Category | Definition |
|---|---|
| Corrective | Clear or colored lenses prescribed for vision correction |
| Cosmetic | Clear or colored lenses without vision correction power |
| Prosthetic | Colored lenses prescribed for medical conditions like ocular albinism |
Any color additives must go through FDA safety testing before approval. So colored medical lenses are subject to the same stringent oversight as regular color contact lenses.
Benefits of Colored Medical Contact Lenses
Beyond cosmetic enhancement, colored medical contacts offer some key benefits:
- Improved comfort – Tinted lenses can reduce glare and light sensitivity for more comfortable wear.
- Vision enhancement – Colors like yellow or orange may improve contrast and visual accuracy.
- Therapeutic effects – Blue-blocking lenses can treat photophobia for those with eye trauma or inflammation.
- Patient satisfaction – Color options can increase medical lens acceptance and compliance.
Patients should discuss pros and cons of color with their eye doctor when being prescribed medical contact lenses.
Considerations for Colored Medical Contacts
While colored medical lenses provide advantages, there are some important considerations as well:
- May be more expensive than clear lenses.
- Color availability may be limited by lens parameters and power.
- Must keep up with recommended replacement schedule.
- Colors may leach out over time with cleaning and disinfection.
- Requires diligent lens hygiene and insertion/removal technique.
Wearers must properly care for colored medical lenses to get the most out of them safely. Proper insertion and removal, cleaning, disinfection, and replacement guidelines should be followed.
Types of Medical Conditions Treated with Colored Contacts
Colored medical contact lenses can aid treatment of various eye conditions. Here are some examples:
| Medical Condition | Colored Lens Treatment |
|---|---|
| Ocular Albinism | Blue or brown colored lenses to mask photophobia and reduce glare |
| Aniridia | Colored lenses provide missing iris pigment and reduce light sensitivity |
| Nystagmus | Tinted lenses help stabilize abnormal eye movements |
| Post-Surgery | Therapeutic color filters protect healing eyes after surgery |
Always consult an eye doctor to determine if colored medical contacts are right for your condition. Never self-prescribe cosmetic lenses.
Risks of Colored Medical Contact Lenses
While colored medical contacts offer benefits, they also carry some risks if not used properly. Potential issues include:
- Infection – Poor hygiene allowing bacteria to enter eyes.
- Inflammation – Allergic reactions to lens solution ingredients.
- Corneal abrasion – Lenses rubbing eyes due to incorrect fit or overwear.
- Reduced vision – colors muting visual accuracy if unsuitable for the condition.
- Complications – Aggravating ocular disease if not specifically prescribed.
To minimize risks, users should follow all doctor’s orders for lens wear and care. Discontinue colored medical lenses immediately if any eye redness, pain, or vision changes occur.
Cost of Colored Medical Contact Lenses
On average, expect to pay the following pricing for colored medical contact lenses:
| Lens Type | Average Cost (for a 6-month supply) |
|---|---|
| Soft Toric | $150-$300 |
| RGP Multifocal | $300-$500 |
| Ortho-K | $300-$600 |
| Prosthetic | $300-$600+ |
Expect colored medical lenses to cost 1.5-2x more than clear versions. Contact lens insurance can offset some of the expense. Discuss lens affordability with your eye doctor.
Where to Get Colored Medical Contact Lenses
Always get fitted for colored medical contact lenses by an eye doctor or optometrist. Avoid ordering lenses online without a valid prescription.
Some options for getting colored medical contacts include:
- Eye doctor’s office – Lenses can be fitted and dispensed during exams.
- Optical shop – Specialty stores carry a wider selection of brands and colors.
- Online with prescription – Reputable retailers like 1800Contacts can fulfill lens prescriptions.
- Contact lens manufacturer – Order directly from brands like Bausch + Lomb or CooperVision.
Be sure to get properly measured and start with a small trial pair before ordering a full supply of colored medical lenses.
Key Takeaways on Colored Medical Contact Lenses
- Medical contact lenses like toric and multifocal can be produced in colors as well as clear.
- Color availability is more limited and muted compared to regular color contacts.
- FDA classifies colored medical lenses as corrective, cosmetic, or prosthetic devices.
- Benefits include comfort, vision enhancement, and treatment for certain eye conditions.
- Risks like infection and inflammation can occur without proper lens care.
- Consult an eye doctor to see if colored medical contacts are suitable for your needs.
While not as vivid or varied as cosmetic lenses, colored medical contacts offer both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. With professional guidance and consistent care, medical lenses can be a coloring option for those requiring vision correction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, medical contact lenses can be produced in colors but have some limitations compared to regular colored contacts. The availability of colors is restricted, often muted, and subject to FDA regulation. However, colored medical lenses provide benefits like increased comfort, vision enhancement, and treatment for certain conditions if properly fitted and cared for. Patients should consult their eye doctors to determine if colored contact lenses are appropriate for their needs and follow guidelines closely to use them safely.