Access online to non-prescription colour contact lenses is vastly growing, fast becoming a fashion statement with even the highest paid celebrities grasping this trend and keeping a “close eye on”. As the trend continues to grow in popularity, we can find brides will wear colour contact lenses on their wedding day. Other events include Halloween, parties, special events and dance parties to name a few.
But, what message are we sending out, what sacrifice and health risk are we willing to take for further modification to the way we look for cosmetic gains, personal self esteem or just public acceptance.
Many countries have made colour contact lenses illegal for resale without a prescription. This is due to an increase in availability, inferior product available online, the growing popularity and demand, the media and access online to freely purchase colour contact lenses. One can choose from a world of colours, designs, strengths and with little or no prescription at all. This has raised alarms, as there are major health concerns to consider when choosing and ordering contact lenses or sunglasses
If you desire to wear colour contact lenses, there are some important points to consider when purchasing online.
First things first, it’s crucial you book yourself in for an eye test, prior to making any purchasing decisions, after all seeing is believing and who better to believe then an optometrist. It’s not as scary as it sounds.
Choose an eye care company which you can physically visit. This is important, for the fact that if you do experience any irritation or allergies when using the lenses, you can consult your optometrist. The eye care professional should then provide you with all the inns’ and out knowledge to safely pursue this trend in a responsible manner.
Based on the results of your eye test, the eye care professional will provide a legitimate prescription, which should include the make, brand and lens dimensions. The optometrist will also give you advice on where to purchase and if you’re planning to purchase online, it’s always a good idea to let the optometrist know. Rest assured you are not obligated to purchase from them directly. The key message here is, when choosing to buy the colour contact lenses from any source, use a reputable eye care professional who requires you provide a prescription prior to purchasing the lenses.
If choosing alone, make sure the lenses have undergone regular safety and quality checks by the manufacturer. This will ensure you don’t receive an inferior product.
Finally, before purchasing, be sure to ask the eye care professional on providing clear instructions on how to apply, maintain and discard the lenses. Always remember, allergens can create uncomfortable symptoms like swollenness, itchiness or watery eyes. Avoid excessive use and if you do experience any symptoms, remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.