Colored contact lenses have become a popular beauty accessory, especially among teens and young adults looking to change their appearance without making a permanent commitment. For people with no vision problems, these lenses can seem like an easy way to transform their look—whether purchased from a beauty store, novelty shop, or online marketplace.

But eye care professionals at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) warn that the convenience and appeal of cosmetic contact lenses can come with serious risks. What many users may not realize is that all contact lenses are medical devices, including those worn purely for cosmetic purposes.

When contact lenses are prescribed to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, an eye care professional first evaluates the patient’s eye health and determines the appropriate fit based on the cornea’s measurements. Patients are also given instructions on proper use, cleaning, storage, and replacement.

For someone with healthy eyes who does not need vision correction, however, wearing a contact lens introduces a foreign body to the cornea without providing a medical benefit.

“If your eyes are healthy and you have no refractive error, putting in a contact lens introduces an unnecessary foreign body onto your cornea. You are accepting all the risks of contact lens wear with absolutely none of the clinical benefit,” explains Mary Ellen Sy, MD, Cornea and External Eye Disease Consultant at MakatiMed’s Department of Ophthalmology.

Why Cosmetic Lenses Can Be Risky

Even properly prescribed and quality-controlled contact lenses can cause complications when they are not used correctly. These may include corneal hypoxia, which occurs when the cornea does not receive enough oxygen; microbial keratitis, a potentially serious infection caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or amoebae; corneal abrasions caused by improper handling or an ill-fitting lens; as well as chronic inflammation and dry eye.

For cosmetic lens users, the risks can be even greater, particularly when lenses are purchased without professional assessment and fitting.

According to Dr. Sy, colored lenses also have design differences that can affect the eyes.

“The colored pigment layer is thicker than a clear lens, which further reduces oxygen transmissibility to the cornea. And if obtained without a prescription, they are never fitted to the individual’s corneal curvature and diameter, which creates micro-trauma to the corneal surface,” she says.

A poor fit can repeatedly rub against the cornea, potentially causing injury and creating an opportunity for infection.

Another concern is the source of the lenses. Cosmetic contact lenses may be sold through fashion and novelty stores, market stalls, or unverified online sellers, where consumers may have no reliable way of confirming the safety of the materials, pigments, or manufacturing process.

Purchasing lenses without professional guidance also means users may miss important instructions on proper hygiene, safe wearing times, cleaning and storage, replacement schedules, and warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

“We have seen young, otherwise healthy patients develop corneal ulcers from cosmetic lenses purchased at a market stall. Some have required corneal transplantation. This is preventable blindness, and that is what makes these cases so heartbreaking,” warns Dr. Sy.

Know the Warning Signs

Contact lens users should not ignore symptoms that could indicate an eye infection or corneal injury.

Dr. Sy advises seeking immediate medical attention if a person experiences:

  • Eye pain or increasing discomfort
  • Persistent redness after removing the lens
  • Discharge, excessive tearing, or sensitivity to light
  • Blurred or reduced vision
  • A persistent sensation that something is stuck in the eye
  • Any whitening or opacity on the cornea

“Do not wait for symptoms to improve on their own. Corneal infections can progress from mild irritation to permanent vision loss within 24 to 48 hours,” Dr. Sy says.

Safety Should Always Come First

Whether contact lenses are being used for vision correction or cosmetic purposes, Dr. Sy recommends consulting an ophthalmologist or licensed optometrist before wearing them.

Users should insist on a proper prescription that specifies the appropriate lens brand, base curve, and diameter based on their individual corneal measurements. Contact lenses should also be purchased only from reputable and regulated sources—not novelty stores, market stalls, or unverified online sellers.

Proper care is equally important. Users should follow professional instructions for inserting, removing, cleaning, storing, and replacing their lenses. Regular eye examinations can also help detect early signs of corneal damage before they become more serious.

“No cosmetic trend is worth the permanent loss of vision. If you have questions about contact lens safety or are experiencing any eye symptoms, please seek professional care without delay,” Dr. Sy concludes.

For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632 88888 999 or email [email protected]. Visit Makati Medical Center for more information, and follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and X.