Special effect contact lenses are available as prescription and non-prescription lenses and in a variety of colors and styles. Prescription contact lenses correct a persons's vision; non-prescription lenses do not change a person's vision but the lenses are still considered a medical device. The Food and Drug Administration requires that any type of contact, prescription or non-prescription, be prescribed by a licensed eye-care practitioner.
Significance
Special effect contacts, also called cosmetic or colored contact lenses, require a current and valid prescription from an eye doctor even if the person does not require a prescription to correct vision. Contacts sit on the surface of the eye called the cornea, and the lenses must be fit properly and monitored for the health of the eye. Several appointments are usually necessary to prescribe and check the fit of non-prescription special effect contacts.
Types
Once an eye exam and contact lens fitting is complete, the eye care practitioner recommends the type of special effect contact that will work best. There are many companies that produce colored and special effect contacts.
The style of special effect lenses include extreme colors, lenses that are amplified under black light, wild designs, scary, Halloween-style cat, vampire and pattern designs. Custom, hand-painted lenses are available also.
Cost
The cost of special effect contact lenses is comparable to regular color lenses and depends on the type of lens a person chooses. However, custom or hand-painted lenses cost significantly more.
The total price most eye doctors charge includes the cost of the exam and fitting, the lenses and follow-up care required. An eye doctor verifies the fit of the contact lenses at another appointment several weeks after a person has started wearing the lenses.
It is helpful to check whether special effect lenses are covered under a vision insurance policy. Most vision insurance plans do not cover the cost of non-prescription contact lenses but may pay for the eye exam portion.
Considerations
When scheduling an appointment for a contact lens fitting and eye exam, it is helpful to explain that the appointment is for cosmetic, special effect lenses. Not all eye care practitioners have a wide selection of trial special effect lenses. Trial lenses are used to check the fit of a specific type of contact and test colors and designs. Make sure to confirm that the eye doctor fits special effect lenses.
Warning
Special effect contact lenses should never be shared. Contacts are designed specifically to fit an individual's eyes and could damage another person. The potential for sharing eye infections is also a risk if contact lenses are shared.
