FAQ's About Special Effect Contact Lenses

Special Effect Contact Lenses

FAQ's

Who can wear special effect contact lenses?
Anyone can wear them. Special effect contact lenses are a novelty item where no prescription is needed in order to wear them.

Can I wear a friend's special effect contact lenses if they don't require a prescription?
It is never a good idea to share or swap contact lenses of any type, prescription and non-prescription alike. This can lead to the spreading of microorganisms that cause infections and other serious eye problems.

How long does it take to get used to contact lenses if using them for the first time?
It usually takes a few days to a few weeks to adjust to wearing contact lenses; it is a matter of eye sensitivity.

Where can I buy special effect contact lenses?
Special effect contact lenses cannot be purchased from your local eye care provider, however they are also available on-line.

I have a problem with "dry eye", am I able to wear contact lenses?
Contact lenses have come a long way over the years. New lens materials make it possible for those who have a problem with "dry eye" to wear contact lenses successfully.

Can contact lenses cause eye dryness or irritation?
Irritation or dryness of the eyes are problems usually associated with the improper cleaning and care of the contact lenses. If cleaned, rinsed and disinfected properly, contact lenses should feel great. By following your doctor's advice on how to take care of your lenses you should never experience these types of problems.

I have astigmatism; will I be able to wear contact lenses?
Yes, you can wear the standard soft or gas permeable (rigid) lenses. In more severe cases of astigmatism "toric " lenses would be prescribed, which are also available in soft and gas permeable lenses. Before purchasing any contact lenses a consultation is always best to determine what would be best for you.

Do special effect contact lenses affect the color of things we see?
No, special effect contact lenses do not affect the color of your vision because the wearer sees through a clear area in the center of the lens.

What are novelty contact lenses?
Novelty contact lenses are decorative, fashionable lenses. Anyone with or without a prescription can wear them. They come in many different styles ranging from lenses that glow in the dark to cat's eyes to the stars and stripes of the American flag and many others.

I have 20/20 vision; can I wear novelty contact lenses?
Yes, there are two types of novelty contact lenses, prescription lenses for corrective vision and non-prescription lenses for those who simply desire to change the look or color of their eyes. You don't have to have vision problems to wear contacts. Some people simply want to change their eye color, as colored contacts can be great fun. It is essential, however, that contact lenses be professionally prescribed and fitted. Contact lenses that do not fit correctly or are used in an eye other than the prescribed eye can cause serious eye problems, potentially resulting in permanent eye damage.

Can children wear contact lenses?
Children as young as eight years old are wearing contact lenses. Of course parent's discretion should be used along with the consultation of an eye-care practitioner to make the proper decision concerning the child. A certain amount of responsibility comes with wearing and caring for contact lenses.

How do I know when my contact lenses have expired, and need to be changed?
There are different types of contact lenses, each with its own expiry time. Contact lenses should be replaced before experiencing problems. The product labeling should always be followed and taken seriously to avoid experiencing eye irritation, hazy vision or any other discomfort.

How much is this going to cost me?
The price of contact lenses can vary greatly. If you have a difficult prescription or need correction for problems like astigmatism, contact lenses can be fairly expensive. However, if you have no special requirements, the cost will be significantly less. It really depends on the type of contacts you buy. Daily disposables can be quite pricy; oxygen permeables provide a better value. While initially more expensive, oxygen permeables can last for years and are inexpensive to care for. They can also accommodate any prescription, no matter how difficult, because they are custom-made for each individual wearer.

Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
It depends on the type of lens you're wearing, the composition of your tear film, your general eye health, and various other factors. Oxygen permeable contact lenses and certain soft lenses can be slept in, but always be sure to check with your eye care professional first.

Can I use contact lenses while playing sports?
Yes, in fact most sports medicine specialists recommend them over eyeglasses. They can enhance visual skills like depth perception, peripheral awareness, and eye-hand/eye-foot coordination. And unlike glasses, contacts offer athletes a competitive advantage because they stay in place more easily and provide a wider vision field. Contact lenses also make it easy to wear protective goggles.

Is it OK to swim while wearing contact lenses?
Only if you’re wearing goggles with a firm seal so that water does not leak inside. If you don’t wear goggles, the contact lenses may float from your eyes and/or they will absorb the pool water, one consequence of which may be that they adhere quite firmly to the eye. If this occurs, it is advisable to leave the lenses alone for 10-15 minutes until the water in them has been replaced by natural tears before trying to remove them. Exposing your contacts to pool water also places you at risk of discomfort due to chlorine and infection from bacteria or other micro organisms.

Costume Contact Lenses - It's ALL in the Eyes
Complete Your Costume with Halloween Contact Lenses