A contact lens is a corrective, cosmetic, or therapeutic lens usually placed on the cornea of the eye. Some soft contact lenses are tinted a faint blue to make them more visible when immersed in cleaning and storage solutions. Some cosmetic lenses are deliberately colored to alter the appearance of the eye.
People choose to wear contact lenses for many reasons, often due to their appearance and practicality. When compared with spectacles, contact lenses are less affected by wet weather, do not steam up, and provide a wider field of vision. They are more suitable for a number of sporting activities.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has warn that decorative contact lenses pose a number of potential risks to your eyes, including pain, inflammation, serious infection and permanent vision loss. In fact, permanent eye damage can occur from using over-the-counter lenses. Any type of contact lens is a medical device that requires a prescription and proper fitting by an eye-care professional. Decorative lenses are often advertised as if they were cosmetics, fashion accessories or toys. Advertising claims such as one size fits all" or there's no need to see an eye specialist are false.
Only patients who are able to act responsibly in the handling and care of contacts, such as cleaning and disinfecting them to prevent infection, and meet other requirements should be prescribed lenses. For proper-fitting contact lenses, an eye-care professional must measure each eye. An improper fit can scratch the eye and lead to blood vessel growth in the cornea.