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Whether you wear Freshlook color contacts, Acuvue 2 Colors, Expressions Colors, or custom-made color or special effect lenses, caring for them is exactly the same. All you need is a good contact lens solution, a contact lens case, a pair of soft plastic tweezers and a couple of minutes.
First of all, you should use a proper contact lens solution for cleaning your colored lenses and storing them at night. Never use ordinary water - it is full of bacteria and won't clean your lenses properly anyway.
The best solution to use is a no-rub multipurpose solution, like Opti-Free Express No-Rub. Most solutions require you to rub your lenses on the palm of your hand to clean them; however, rubbing can damage the color, which is why you need a no-rub solution. It is also a good idea to get a solution marked "for sensitive eyes" - even if your eyes are not sensitive, it can't hurt. Get a large bottle of solution, if you wear your color contact lenses every day. If you only wear them for special ocasions, though, you are better of with a smaller bottle because, once contact lens solution is opened, it is only good for six months.
The days when you needed a saline solution for storing your lenses and a cleaner for cleaning them are long gone - multipurpose solutions have taken their place. A multipurpose solution can disinfect your color lenses and remove protein build-ups, so all you need to do is to put your lenses in a case with fresh solution overnight. Be sure that you buy solution for soft contact lenses, though: solutions for rigid lenses have a different formulation.
If you use disposable contact lenses like Freshlook Colorblends or Acuvue 2 Colors, multipurpose solution is enough. If you wear more expensive hand-painted lenses that supposed to last for a year, though, you should also use protein removing tablets, to prolong the life of your lenses. This is especially recommended if you wear your color lenses every day. The pills are called enzyme or enzymatic cleaner. Soaking your lenses in this type of cleaner, once a month, will keep the color vivid and bright for many months.
For storing your color contacts you will need a contact lens case. It is best to use a case with screw-down lids, so the solution doesn't leak. If you have several color lenses, you can label each case, or get colored cases. You should wash your case with soap at least once a week and let it sit for a few minutes in boiled water, to kill bacteria, then let it dry before putting your lenses back in. It might be a good idea to carry an extra lens case, filled with solution, with you all the time - just in case your color lens folds in your eye or dust gets under it. If this happens, you can just pop out your lenses out anytime you want.
Color contact lens care step-by-step
Many people worldwide wear contact lenses that have been prescribed and carefully fitted by an eye doctor. But with the emergence of many nonprescription contact lenses in the market, healthcare professionals are getting concerned. There is a wide array of cosmetic lenses in the market, from those types that are tinted with color to striking designs perfect for occasions like Halloween. But then, there have been reports of eye problem incidents like infection, loss of vision, scarring, corneal damage and even to the point of permanent blindness caused by these nonprescription contacts.
Whether it is prescription or nonprescription contact lenses, it can cause allergic reactions, corneal ulcers and abrasions and possible infections if not properly fitted and cared for. This can happen especially when people secure them without the eye doctor's guidance.
The eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will examine and evaluate your eyes to prevent eye complications or to prevent the lenses from making worse any existing eye problem that you may have. They will choose lenses that are specific for your eye type and they will instruct you as to the proper care, handling and sterilization of contacts. They will also continue to monitor your eyes to help prevent problems from occurring in the future.
The general public has to be extra careful when it comes to cosmetic lenses that are unregulated and readily available in many novelty shops, beauty salons and online stores. Aside from the fact that you may not know who the manufacturer is, you are not assured if such has been manufactured under sanitary conditions using materials that are safe and approved.
As for people who may have seasonal allergies, wearing contacts can be a discomfort when these allergens begin to act up. You end up having watery, red and itchy eyes.
Contact lens wearers can take on these tips to seek relief from wearing them. Once in a while, you should switch to wearing glasses. You not only give your eyes a break, you reduce your chances of getting an allergy attack as allergens stick to the surface of contacts. Use artificial tears to moisten eyes and to prevent dryness caused by allergens. Regularly clean your contacts with the prescribed solution. When your eyes itch, avoid rubbing them with your hands. See your eye doctor for advice on what eye products you can use that are designed specifically for lens wearers who get allergy attacks.
It is perfectly fine and safe to wear contact lenses as long as you consult an eye doctor and adhere to his guidance.