The Truth About Coloured Contact Lens Safety: What Every Buyer Should Know

In recent years, coloured contact lenses have risen in popularity in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many people are now styling their look with coloured contact lenses for Eid celebrations, weddings and social media. They’re an excellent way to elevate your appearance with a subtle eye enhancement and can give you that extra bit of confidence you need when heading out somewhere special. It’s worth noting, however, that not all contact lenses are created equal. There’s been a growing concern around counterfeit or unsafe lenses and it’s very important to balance style with eye safety. At MesmerEyez, we’ve put together a list of things you need to know if you’re thinking about buying coloured contact lenses. 

Are coloured contact lenses safe?

The simple answer is yes. However, there are some caveats and things you should know. If your contact lenses have been properly manufactured and you follow instructions for wear, you should be absolutely fine. Unfortunately, there are some businesses that produce poor quality products so it’s crucial that you only buy from reputable brands that are CE-certified. In addition, you want to check they’ve been made using soft, breathable materials to avoid any soreness.

Are there any risks of buying cheap or fake contact lenses online? 

Cheap, fake or counterfeit contact lenses pose numerous risks. Unregulated sellers use low-quality materials that can seriously increase your chances of sensitivity or complications. Premium brands are usually CE certified, which means that their products meet European Union safety standards and have been assessed to ensure safety and manufacturing requirements have been met. 

What are some common contact lens mistakes that can damage your eyes?

Sleeping in lenses

Your eyes naturally get less oxygen when they’re closed. If you sleep in your lenses you become much more prone to inflammation and infection. Wearing lenses overnight can also make them a bit harder to remove as they can stick more tightly to the surface of your eye.

Sharing lenses

Sharing may be caring but not when it comes to contact lenses. They’re products only designed for individual use and sharing them can spread bacteria and other microorganisms between users. Bacteria isn’t visible to the naked eye so even if someone’s lenses look clean, you’re better off staying clear. 

Overwearing

Here at MesmerEyez, we label the lifespan of each of our products. It is important you follow this guidance and stick to the recommended wear schedule. Wearing them any longer than their lifespan can lead to redness, dry eyes and stinging. We advise our customers to wear their lenses for a maximum of eight hours per day. 

Poor cleaning habits 

Contact lenses should be cleaned after every wear and returned safely to their case. Not doing so can allow debris or bacteria to build up, which can affect hygiene and comfort. Regular cleaning helps keep your lenses in good condition and ensures that they’re comfortable to wear. 

Using expired solution 

The purpose of contact lens solution is to clean and disinfect your lenses. When the solution expires, it no longer does this properly. If contact lenses aren’t being properly cleaned this can cause bacterial growth. 

Touching lenses with dirty hands

Your hands naturally carry oils, dirt and bacteria, most of which is invisible to the naked eye. Even if your hands look clean, it’s imperative that you wash them thoroughly before touching your eyes or contact lenses. Otherwise, you could inadvertently cause infection or eye discomfort, even if you’re following all other instructions down to a T. 

How do I clean and store my coloured contact lenses?

You can clean and store your contact lenses by following the below steps:

1. Remove any makeup you’re wearing thoroughly
2. Wash your hands with soap and water
3. Remove one lens at a time
4. Gently rub and rinse using fresh solution - never water
5. Return lens to case with fresh solution

It’s also worth cleaning your lens case every so often with fresh solution, especially if you’ve opted for longer lifespan lenses. 

Can I wear coloured contact lenses with heavy eye makeup?

In the UAE, women  are increasingly opting for coloured contact lenses in vibrant hues when they have a special event to attend. Naturally, they want to look their very best and so the look is usually coupled with a signature eye makeup look. You can absolutely wear coloured contact lenses with heavy eye makeup, as long as you maintain standards of care. Always apply lenses before makeup; the last thing you want is to have fallout from your eyeshadow getting caught on your lenses. Try to prevent any glitter or makeup residue from entering your eyes and wash your hands thoroughly before and after. When it’s time to wind down, take your makeup off first, wash your hands again and then remove your contact lenses. 

Why are UAE shoppers prioritising contact lens safety?

Currently, beauty trends are on the rise in the UAE. Many people are opting for coloured contact lenses in honey, icy-blue, moss green and pearl grey as a way of elevating their look and overall aesthetic. With the rise in beauty trends, there has also been a rise in awareness around the need for contact lens safety. Some of this is down to the prevalence of counterfeit sellers but it’s also because of the dry UAE climate. People who live in the UAE understand that the weather plays a huge factor in how comfortable contact lenses are to wear, so safety and maintenance has become a huge consideration. 

What are some signs my contact lenses aren’t right for me?

Like everything in life, what works for most may not work for all. Some people may be more prone to eye infections or discomfort so it’s important to know the signs to look out for:

• Redness
• Blurry vision
• Excessive dryness
• Stinging

If you experience any of the above symptoms, clean your contact lenses thoroughly and try them again another day. If problems persist, remove your contact lenses and seek professional advice if symptoms are particularly severe. 

What are some frequently asked questions around contact lens safety?

At MesmerEyez, we understand that safety is extremely important to our customers, so we’ve rounded up your most commonly asked questions, to alleviate any concerns you might have and provide expert guidance:

Can coloured contact lenses damage your eyes?

Coloured contact lenses are very safe if you choose high quality lenses that are CE certified, from reputable sellers. Due to the prevalence of counterfeit sellers in the UAE, it’s always best to do your research before making any purchase. There are some risks associated with poor hygiene so always make sure you follow instructions carefully. 

Can beginners wear coloured contacts?

Yes, MesmerEyez contact lenses are completely beginner friendly. Sometimes, people find the first application a bit tricky and we normally suggest following a YouTube tutorial online. As a beginner, it’s imperative that you follow all instructions and start with shorter wear times, at least initially. 

How long can you wear coloured contact lenses?

It really depends on the type of coloured contact lenses and the guidance from the manufacturer. At MesmerEyez, we typically offer three lifespans: one day, three months and twelve months. That doesn’t mean you can sleep in your three month lenses (never do this), it simply means that if you follow hygiene and cleaning instructions, this is how long the lenses will last. We recommend wearing your coloured contact lenses for no longer than eight hours a day. Always avoid over wearing coloured contact lenses and be sure to remove them if they’re causing any dryness or strain. 

Are coloured contact lenses safe for dark eyes?

Yes, MesmerEyez coloured contact lenses are specifically designed for dark eyes, ideal for darker eye tones commonly seen in the UAE. If you have dark eyes, opaque pigments help colours show a bit more clearly and natural shades like hazel and caramel are very popular amongst UAE customers. It’s worth keeping in mind that quality lenses from premium manufacturers are much more likely to blend well with dark eyes and give a natural appearance. 

Do coloured contact lenses expire?

Yes, all coloured contact lenses have an expiry date and you should be very wary of any sellers that don’t indicate the expiration date of their lenses. Many people don’t know that contact lens solution also has an expiry date, so be sure to check the bottle before use. 

Can you sleep in coloured contact lenses?

No, this isn’t recommended. When you sleep, oxygen is reduced to your eyes and wearing your coloured contact lenses overnight can make you more prone to redness, infection and irritation. Sleeping in your lenses can also make them harder to remove as they can become attached to the surface of the eye. 

Can air conditioning affect contact lens comfort in the UAE?

Yes, this can happen. In the UAE, homes and public places (like malls) usually have air-conditioning to provide respite from the extremely hot and dry climate. This means that people are frequently moving between extreme outdoor heat and heavily air-conditioned places. Sometimes, dry indoor air can cause coloured contact lenses to feel a bit less comfortable over time. In cases such as these, we recommend hydrating eye-drops which can often alleviate any dryness. Staying hydrated is also very important and being sure to choose a reputable manufacturer for your lenses. 

Can sand and dust affect coloured contact lenses in the UAE?

Yes. Any debris, sand or dust can affect your coloured contact lenses. Irritation from airborne particles is a common occurrence and this can sometimes cause discomfort. If you get a grain of sand or dust stuck in your eye, try to avoid rubbing your eyes. Remove the lens from the affected eye, clean it in fresh solution and return it to the eye. If you’re out and about, hydrating eye drops can often help clear any debris. 

Should I buy daily coloured contact lenses or opt for some more long lasting ones?

That entirely depends on your lifestyle. If you intend to wear coloured contact lenses every day, our three or twelve month lenses are probably your best bet. If you’re buying lenses for a one-time, special event, opt for our one day product. If you want to regularly change the colour of your eyes, you might want to get a mix! It’s entirely down to your preferences as an individual. 

Can I wear coloured contact lenses at the beach or the pool?

Generally speaking, you should always avoid swimming when wearing coloured contact lenses. There are water exposure risks and concerns around bacteria when swimming in a public pool or in the sea. Not to mention, if you’re at the beach you have a much higher chance of sand or debris irritating your eyes, especially if you’re wearing contact lenses. If your coloured contacts ever become exposed to pool water or sea water, you need to replace them. 

In conclusion, coloured contact lenses can be very safe, as long as you buy them from the right manufacturer, look after them properly, and maintain high standards when cleaning and storing them. Choosing the right lenses can help you feel both comfortable and confident, as well as giving you a new, sophisticated look. 

MesmerEyez is a British manufacturer committed to creating products of a premium quality, in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Directive. All our lenses are packaged in sterile buffered isotonic saline and are made of breathable, high quality materials. If you have any questions about MesmerEyez or coloured contact lens safety, connect with us on social media today.