PlayInfoBox

Home /Education /Colored Contact Lens Care Guide

Colored Contact Lens Care Guide

Colored lenses are a cosmetic product to look at, but a medical device to your eyes β€” treating them with the same care as any contact lens matters.

What are colored (circle) lenses?

Colored lenses use a pigment layer to change the apparent color or size of the iris, and β€” whether they carry a vision prescription or not β€” they are classified as a medical device in most countries because they sit directly on the cornea. That pigment layer, coated onto or embedded in the lens, also makes their structure more complex than a plain clear lens.

Wash your hands before handling lenses

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them completely before touching your lenses β€” bacteria or debris on your hands transfers directly onto the lens and then into your eye. Strongly scented soap or lotion residue left on your hands can also transfer to the lens and irritate your eyes, so rinse and dry well.

Respect the daily wear time

Stick to the daily wear time printed on the package β€” extended wear reduces the oxygen reaching your cornea, and colored lenses often transmit less oxygen than clear lenses because of the added pigment layer, making the manufacturer's recommended wear time worth following closely.

Use proper lens solution only

Always rinse and store lenses in proper contact lens solution β€” never tap water or saliva, both of which can carry microorganisms that lead to serious eye infections like keratitis. Store lenses fully submerged in fresh solution inside the lens case.

Keep the lens case clean

Clean your lens case daily and let it air-dry, and replace the case itself every one to three months. Even perfectly cared-for lenses won't help if the case they sit in is contaminated β€” always discard old solution rather than topping it off, and leave the case open to dry completely between uses.

Follow the replacement schedule

Respect the replacement schedule printed on the box, whether it's daily, monthly, or another interval, and discard any lens immediately if the pigment layer is peeling or the surface looks damaged. Because of that pigment layer, colored lenses tend to roughen with age faster than clear lenses, which is exactly why sticking to the schedule matters more here.

Stop wearing them if you notice these signs

Redness, pain, blurred vision, or a persistent feeling that something is in your eye are all reasons to stop wearing the lens immediately and see an eye doctor. This is general information, not a medical diagnosis β€” if symptoms last more than a day or two, get it checked rather than waiting it out.

Why the Pigment Layer Needs Extra Care

Because color is applied as a coating or embedded layer rather than being part of a uniform clear material, colored lenses are more prone to surface roughness and discomfort if rubbed too hard or handled carelessly. If a lens starts to feel different than usual, or you notice a scratch or rough patch, stop wearing it rather than trying to push through the discomfort.

General Safety Habits That Apply to Any Contact Lens

Most of what keeps colored lenses safe is the same as any contact lens: clean hands, proper solution, a fresh case, and respecting the replacement schedule. The main difference is that the pigment layer adds one more thing to inspect for damage each time you put a lens in or take it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rinse my colored lenses with tap water in an emergency?

No β€” tap water can carry microorganisms not meant for contact with your eyes and is a known risk factor for serious corneal infections. Use proper lens solution, or if none is available, avoid wearing the lens until you do.

Do colored lenses need more frequent replacement than clear lenses?

Follow whatever schedule is printed on the specific product's packaging β€” daily, monthly, or otherwise β€” but because the pigment layer wears more visibly over time, many people find it worth discarding a colored lens at the first sign of surface damage even if it hasn't reached its official replacement date.