Do You Need a Prescription for Colored Contacts?
Yes! And here's why.
In the United States, all contact lenses require a valid contact lens prescription, even if they're purely cosmetic and don't correct your vision at all.
Contact lenses are considered medical devices because they sit directly on the surface of your eye. Even if they don't correct your vision, they still need to fit your eyes properly.
Colored contacts are often worn for cosmetic reasons, so many people don't realize they're regulated the same way as regular contact lenses.
Here's what you should know before ordering a pair.
Why Do Colored Contacts Require a Prescription?
Cosmetic colored contacts are regulated the same way as regular contact lenses because they're also medical devices.
Even if a lens doesn't correct your vision, it still sits directly on the surface of your eye and needs to fit your eye properly.
That's why getting a contact lens prescription involves more than just checking whether you need vision correction. Your eye doctor also evaluates things like the shape of your cornea, your tear film, and how a contact lens fits on your eye.
Every person's eyes are a little different, so a lens that works well for someone else may not be the best fit for you. Finding the right fit can make a big difference in how comfortable your lenses feel throughout the day.
Whether you're buying colored contacts to change your eye color or regular contacts to correct your vision, the fitting process is an important part of making sure your lenses work well for your eyes.
Can You Buy Colored Contacts Without a Prescription?
Not from a legitimate retailer in the United States.
Federal law requires contact lens sellers to verify that customers have a valid contact lens prescription before shipping any contact lenses, including cosmetic colored lenses.
That includes:
- Colored contacts with vision correction
- Colored contacts without vision correction (plano lenses)
- Halloween contacts
- Costume or novelty contact lenses
If a website is willing to sell colored contacts without asking for a prescription, that's a good reason to shop somewhere else.
What If I Don't Need Vision Correction?
Absolutely!
If you don't need vision correction but still want to change your eye color, you can still wear cosmetic colored contacts with a prescription. Your eye doctor can prescribe plano colored contacts, which are designed to change the appearance of your eyes without correcting your vision.
You'll still need a contact lens exam and fitting to make sure the lenses fit your eyes properly. Once you have a valid contact lens prescription, you can order cosmetic colored contacts online just like you would any other contact lens.
Why Does the Prescription Matter?
A lot of people wonder why you need a prescription if colored contacts don't actually correct your vision.
The biggest reason is that contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye. If a lens doesn't fit properly, it can rub against your eye, reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea, or create tiny scratches on the surface of your eye.
Those problems can increase your risk of irritation, inflammation, eye infections, and, in more serious cases, corneal ulcers or vision loss.
A contact lens prescription helps reduce those risks by making sure the lenses fit your eyes properly. During your exam, your eye doctor checks not only your vision, but also how the lenses sit on your eyes and whether they're a good match for your eye shape and overall eye health.
That's why the prescription requirement applies to all contact lenses, even cosmetic colored contacts that don't contain any vision correction.
How Do You Get a Prescription for Colored Contacts?
During your appointment, your eye doctor will examine your eyes, take measurements, and make sure the lenses fit comfortably. If you're new to contacts, they'll also show you how to insert, remove, and care for them.
If you're specifically interested in colored contacts, be sure to mention that during your exam. Your eye doctor can recommend options that work well for both your eyes and the look you're trying to achieve.
Can You Order Colored Contacts Online?
Yes.
Once you have a valid contact lens prescription, ordering colored contacts online is usually a quick and straightforward process.
At Blue Planet Optics, customers can simply choose their lenses, upload a photo, screenshot, PDF, or scanned copy of their valid contact lens prescription during checkout, and we'll take care of the rest.
If you don't have a copy of your prescription handy, you can also provide your eye doctor's information. We'll call their office and work with them directly to verify your prescription before your order ships.
What If My Prescription Has Expired?
If your contact lens prescription has expired, you'll need to schedule a new contact lens exam before ordering more lenses.
Most contact lens prescriptions are valid for one year, although the exact expiration date can vary depending on your eye doctor and where you live.
Are Colored Contacts Safe?
Yes, when they're prescribed by an eye doctor, fit properly, and worn as directed.
Just like regular contact lenses, colored contacts should always be handled with clean hands, replaced on schedule, and never shared with another person.
Taking good care of your lenses helps keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
FAQ
Can I buy colored contacts without vision correction?
Yes. Colored contacts are available without vision correction, but you'll still need a valid contact lens prescription to purchase them legally in the United States.
Can I use my glasses prescription to buy colored contacts?
No. A glasses prescription isn't the same as a contact lens prescription. Contact lenses require additional measurements to ensure they fit your eyes properly.
Do Halloween contacts require a prescription?
Yes. Decorative and costume contact lenses require a valid contact lens prescription, even if they don't contain any vision correction.
How do I order colored contacts online?
Most online retailers make the process simple. Just choose your lenses, upload your contact lens prescription (or provide your eye doctor's information), and your prescription will be verified before your order ships.