How to put in colored contacts: A comprehensive guide

A broken heart isn't the only thing that will make brown eyes blue. Now, you really can make them blue, or at least look blue (or maybe even purple) with colored contacts. If you're not quite sure how to put in colored contacts, you've come to the right place.

Understanding different types of colored contacts 

Colored contacts aren't just for Halloween anymore. Now you can wear them to work, on a date, or just to freak out your friends.

Prescription colored contacts 

Prescription colored contacts not only correct vision — they also change the appearance of the iris, the part of your eye that has pigment. While they sit directly on the cornea, just like regular contact lenses, they have a clear part that sits over your pupil and a tinted part that covers your iris.

Multifocal colored contacts 

Since regular contacts come in both bifocal and multifocal prescriptions, you can also get colored contacts this way.

Nonprescription colored contacts 

Nonprescription contacts don't correct vision, but they can still change the appearance of the iris. You can buy these in a variety of colors and patterns, but they aren't all safe for your eyes.

Can you put colored contacts over regular contacts?

Say you want to wear colored contacts just for the spookiest night of the year. You might consider ordering nonprescription lenses online and putting them on top of your regular prescription contacts. But don't do that — it's a big no-no.

Overview of layering contacts 

Contact lenses, both prescription and nonprescription, are designed to fit snugly on the cornea. This is what keeps them in place. If you try to layer your contacts, the top lens will constantly fall off the other lens and may even scratch or damage your eye in the process.

Risks and considerations 

If you have a prescription, your lenses are measured to precisely fit over your cornea, and they're made by top brands and manufacturers. When you buy decorative nonprescription lenses online, you don't know where they're made, what they're made from, or what kind of problems you might encounter if you wear them.

How to wear colored contacts safely and comfortably 

If you're still intent on changing your eye color without drinking a magic potion, your best bet is to get prescription colored contact lenses. Here's how to wear them safely and comfortably

Preparing for insertion 

Wash your hands thoroughly with unscented, non-oily soap. Scrub those nubs and really get in there, even under your nails (especially if you've been eating spicy chips). Then, rinse the soap off just as thoroughly. If you've ever gotten soap (or spice from a chip) in your eye, you don't need an explanation as to why this is important.

Dry your hands with something that doesn't have fibers, such as a terry cloth towel. Next, rinse the contact with contact solution to make sure it's clean, and place it in your contact case in fresh contact solution.

Inserting colored contacts 

Now it's time to learn how to put in colored contacts. Look at both sides of the contact and make sure you know which side is colored. Put the colored contact on your dominant finger so it curves up, with the colored side touching your finger. Take your eye drops and dispense two drops into the concave (bowl) part of the contact. Separate your eyelids with your other hand, look down, and bend forward to touch the contact to the lower part of your eye. Blink until it moves into place.

Removing colored contacts 

To remove them, pull down your bottom lid with one hand while you look up, slide the contact down with the index finger of your other hand, and gently pinch the contact with the pads of the thumb and finger to pull it out. There you go, easy-peasy.

Tips for maintaining colored contacts

Now that you're a pro at the old eye-color switcheroo trick, you want to make sure you keep your colored contacts in tip-top shape. 

Cleaning and storage 

You should only clean your lenses with contact lens solution to prevent them from getting contaminated with bacteria. Store your colored contacts in a contact lens case with fresh solution.

Handling and hygiene 

Good hygiene and cleanliness will help prevent infections or red, itchy eyes. 

Order colored contacts online today

Now that you know how to put in colored contacts, you need to know where to get them. Thankfully, we know just the place (wink). Order colored contacts from 1-800 Contacts and get fast, free shipping. We carry top brands that will keep your peepers safe while you try out every color of the rainbow.

FAQs

Can I get prescription colored contacts? 

Yes, many reputable brands make colored prescription contacts.

Are there multifocal colored contacts for presbyopia? 

Yes, many manufacturers that make multifocal contacts also make them in colored contact varieties.

Is it safe to put colored contacts over regular contacts? 

No, contacts are designed to sit directly on the cornea and not on anything else, including another contact.