Tinted contact lenses come in both prescription and nonprescription varieties, although the purchase of colored contacts without consultation from a medical professional is not allowed in the United States. Despite the legalities, cosmetic lenses to change the color of the eyes are available online and in stores. Whether tinted contacts are worn for cosmetic reasons or prescribed to correct vision problems, a variety of complications can arise.
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers, infected open sores located on the cornea of the eye, usually start as an injury to the area, such as irritation from a poorly-fitted tinted contact lens, and becomes infected with bacteria, fungi or protozoa. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, symptoms of a corneal ulcer include a white spot on the cornea, pain, sensitivity to light and increased tear production. In severe cases, ulcers form deep into the cornea, accompanied by pus and inflamed blood vessels in the eye. Stop wearing tinted contacts immediately if a corneal ulcer forms, as complications occur, like perforation of the cornea and displacement of the iris.
Eye Infection
Eye infections from contact lens wear occur from irritation caused by the lens, including tinted contact lenses. Infections present with various symptoms, like eye pain, sensitivity to light, discharge from the eye, redness of the eye or eyelids, fever or blurred vision. According to Med Page Today, overnight wear of contact lenses puts wearers at increased risk of infection. To lessen the risk of infection from contact lens use, including tinted lenses, contact lens wearers should understand correct handling of lenses, lens case hygiene and the risk of using lenses incorrectly.
Blindness
Both corneal ulcers and eye infections can lead to blindness if contact lenses, like tinted contacts, are not handled correctly or are overworn, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center. Cosmetic lenses, particularly those purchased without medical prescription, pose a greater risk of trauma leading to blindness since the wearer does not usually receive any information about the proper way to care for contacts or how to wear them, nor are the lenses fitted.
References
- UT Southwestern Medical Center: Fashionable, nonprescription contact lenses may pose a danger to your eyesight, UT Southwestern expert says
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Corneal Ulcer
- "The Jerusalem Post": Contact lens wearers are blind to the risks
- Med Page Today: Risk of Eye Infection Not Diminished by New Types of Contact Lenses
