Having green eyes is often seen as very desirable and exotic. Many people with brown eyes wish they could change their eye color to green. One way to do this is by wearing green colored contact lenses over your natural brown eyes.
Can You Safely Wear Colored Contacts?
The short answer is yes, you can safely wear green colored contacts over brown eyes if you follow some basic guidelines:
- Get properly fitted contacts prescribed by your eye doctor
- Buy from a reputable seller like a major contact lens brand
- Follow the wearing schedule and replacement guidelines
- Clean and care for your lenses properly
- Give your eyes a break by not overwearing lenses
As long as you practice safe contact lens habits, green contacts are generally considered safe to wear over brown eyes. However, some people’s eyes may be too sensitive for contacts, so check with your optometrist first.
How Do Colored Contacts Work?
Colored contact lenses have an opaque tint that covers the natural color of your eyes. This opaque layer blocks light from entering the eye so that your iris appears to be the color of the contact lens.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how they work:
- The contact lens sits on the surface of the eye over the cornea
- The colored tint blocks your natural eye color from showing through
- Light reflects off the back of the opaque contact, creating the illusion of colored eyes
This principle works the same whether you have brown, blue or hazel eyes underneath. The key is finding colored contacts that are comfortable for your eyes and offer the look you want.
What to Look for When Buying Colored Contacts
If you want to buy green colored contacts for your brown eyes, here are some factors to consider:
- Comfort: Look for contacts made from breathable materials that allow adequate oxygen to reach your eyes. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses tend to be the most comfortable and healthiest for long-term wear.
- Size and fit: Make sure to get properly fitted lenses that match the exact size of your eyes to avoid irritation and injury.
- Reputation of brand: Stick to major contact lens manufacturers like Acuvue, Air Optix, Biofinity, etc. Avoid cheap lenses from unknown companies.
- Prescription: Get a doctor’s prescription for colored contacts to ensure proper vision correction and eye health.
- Color options: Many brands offer several shades of green to match your desired look, from pale green to vivid emerald.
How to Put in Colored Contacts
Putting in colored contact lenses is a simple process, but it may take some practice:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching lenses.
- Remove the contact from its case and inspect it to ensure it is clean, wet and free of damage.
- With your dominant hand, pull up on your upper eyelid with your middle finger. Use your index finger to pull down the lower lid and open your eye wide.
- Hold the lens between your thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand. Place it directly on your eyeball and gently release it.
- Blink several times to center the lens and allow it to settle. Repeat process for your other eye.
- When finished, flush lenses with solution and store properly in their cases.
It may take a few tries before you get the technique down. Have patience and go slowly to avoid poking your eye. Over time, you’ll become a pro at putting in and taking out colored contacts!
How Long Can You Wear Colored Contacts?
Most optometrists recommend the following wearing schedule for colored lenses:
| Lens Type | Recommended Wearing Time |
|---|---|
| Daily disposable | Up to 12-14 hours |
| Bi-weekly | Up to 12-14 hours |
| Monthly | Up to 12-14 hours |
| Quarterly/Yearly | Up to 12-14 hours |
It’s generally not recommended to sleep in lenses or wear them longer than the recommended time. Your eyes need a break and time to replenish oxygen. Overwearing colored contacts can increase the risk of eye infections and other complications.
Build up gradually to longer wearing times. Start with just 4-6 hours at first while your eyes adjust to the contacts. Pay attention to any signs of redness, discomfort or dryness, which are clues it’s time to take them out.
Caring for Colored Contact Lenses
Proper care and cleaning of colored contacts is crucial for keeping your eyes healthy while wearing them. Here are some basics for lens care:
- Always wash hands before handling lenses
- Use fresh solution every time you store lenses
- Rub and rinse lenses with solution before inserting in eyes
- Never use tap water on lenses
- Discard lenses as recommended by your eye doctor
- Give lenses a weekly enzymatic cleaning
- Avoid sleeping in lenses or wearing in water
- Keep spare lenses on hand in case of damage
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for care and replacement is also essential. With good hygiene habits, you can keep your green colored contacts fresh and comfortable while wearing.
Risks and Side Effects of Colored Contacts
While generally safe, wearing colored contacts does come with some potential risks and side effects to be aware of:
- Eye infections – Poor hygiene can increased the risk of bacterial or fungal infections
- Corneal ulcers – Severe infections can damage the cornea
- Corneal abrasions – Scratches on the outer cornea from lens irritation
- Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of the conjunctiva from allergies or bacteria
- Dry eyes – Lenses can disrupt tear film and cause dryness and discomfort
- Reduced oxygen – Eyes may get less oxygen resulting in bloodshot eyes
See an eye doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, vision changes, excessive redness or discharge while wearing contact lenses. Proper fitting and responsible wear can help minimize risks.
How to Safely Remove Contacts
Taking out colored contacts properly is just as important as putting them in. Follow these steps every time you remove lenses:
- Always start by washing your hands thoroughly.
- With clean fingers, pull up on upper lid and down on lower lid to open eyes wide.
- Look up and slide lens down using your index finger until it is out of your field of vision.
- Gently pinch lens between thumb and finger to lift it off eye surface and remove.
- Apply eye drops if needed to soothe eyes after removal.
- Clean, rinse and disinfect lenses before storing for next use.
Avoid touching your eye itself and tugging at the lens, which could cause scratches. With practice, removing colored contacts gets quick and easy over time!
Tips for First-Time Colored Contact Users
If you’ve never worn colored contacts before, it can take some adjustment as you get used to having something in your eyes. Here are some useful tips for first-timers:
- Start with lenses only a few hours a day to let your eyes adapt
- Use rewetting drops liberally to keep lenses moist
- Choose lighter tints at first before going bold
- Have replacement lenses handy in case of issues
- Avoid heavy eye makeup until you’re comfortable inserting contacts
- Don’t sleep in lenses – give eyes a break overnight
- Ask your optometrist for help applying and removing lenses
Stay diligent with lens hygiene and care as you adjust to contacts. Pay close attention to any eye discomfort and avoid wearing lenses if issues arise. Patience and short wearing times are key for beginners getting used to colored contacts.
Conclusion
Green colored contacts can be a fun and safe way to change up your natural brown eye color. But it’s essential to buy from a reputable seller, practice proper hygiene, follow wearing limits, and get your contacts fitted and prescribed by an eye doctor.
Responsible wear takes getting used to, especially for first-timers. Give your eyes plenty of breaks, use rewetting drops to stay comfortable, and take lenses out at the first sign of any irritation. With patience and care, you can safely enjoy enhancing your brown eyes with gorgeous green colored contacts!
