Table of Contents
Yes, you absolutely can buy colored contacts that correct your vision, as long as you have a valid contact lens prescription for that specific lens. In the US, decorative lenses are regulated medical devices, even if they have no vision power.
Can You Get Colored Contacts With Your Exact Prescription Power?
In many cases, yes, especially for straightforward nearsightedness or farsightedness (single “sphere” power). Some mainstream colored lenses are available in a range of powers plus plano (no correction).
The catch here is that “colored contacts” are not one product. Each brand and model has its own parameters, so your prescriber needs to fit you in the lens you plan to wear.
If You Have 20/20 Vision, Can You Still Get Colored Contacts?
You can, but you still need a prescription. FDA guidance is clear that decorative lenses require a prescription to help prevent eye injury.
Why a Glasses Prescription Doesn’t Work for Colored Contacts
A contact lens prescription includes fit details that aren’t on a glasses Rx. Think base curve, diameter, and the lens manufacturer or material, plus issue and expiration dates.
This is why “I know my glasses power” doesn’t get you safely into colored contacts.
What Kind of Colored Look Are You After?
Most colored contacts fall into a few buckets:
Enhancement tints: subtle boost to your natural color, usually best on lighter eyes.
Opaque color-change lenses: more noticeable change, designed to show up on darker eyes too.
Costume styles: dramatic patterns. These are where illegal sellers pop up the most, and where problems spike.
The “best” type is the one your eyes can tolerate and your doctor is comfortable prescribing.
What Prescriptions Are Easiest to Match With Colored Contacts?
Single-vision prescriptions tend to be the simplest path. For example, AIR OPTIX COLORS lists availability in plano and a range of plus and minus powers, but it’s also not available with astigmatism correction.
What If You Have Astigmatism?
This is where people hit a wall.
Many popular colored lenses aren’t made in toric form. AIR OPTIX COLORS explicitly says it does not come with astigmatism correction.
Realistic paths:
- ask your eye doctor about specialty or custom tinted lenses (availability varies, and cost can jump).
- decide whether a subtle “definition” style lens is acceptable.
if sharp vision is the priority, stick to the lens design that gives you stable vision.
What About Multifocals?
Colored multifocals exist in some markets and specialty channels, but in the everyday U.S. retail world they are far less common than clear multifocals. So the decision becomes: prioritize color, or prioritize the vision design that supports your day-to-day tasks.
A good way to understand it – if you need multifocal correction, talk to your ECP first, because the choice set is smaller.
Will the Color Look the Same on Everyone?
No, and this is where wearers might get disappointed.
Your natural iris color, limbal ring, lighting, and pupil size can change how the lens reads. Two people can wear the same “gray” lens and get two different vibes. That’s why trials matter, even when you think you’ve already picked “the one.”
How Do You Actually Get Prescription Colored Contacts?
A safe path looks like this:
Eye exam and contact lens fitting.
Your doctor fits you into a specific colored lens brand and parameters.
You get a contact lens prescription and a wear/care plan.
Then you buy that exact lens.
FDA explains what a contact lens prescription includes and why those details exist.
Can You Buy Prescription Colored Contacts Online?
Yes, as long as the seller verifies your prescription.
The FTC’s Contact Lens Rule allows “passive verification.” If the prescriber doesn’t respond within 8 business hours, the prescription can be verified automatically under the Rule’s timing rules.
That also means a legit seller will ask for your prescriber info or your Rx details. If a site lets you check out with no prescription pathway, treat it as a red flag.
Lens.com features 1 Day Acuvue Define, Air Optix Colors, FreshLook ColorBlends, and FreshLook One-Day.
Shop High Quality Stunning Affordable Colored Contact Lenses at Lens.com
How to Spot a Sketchy Colored-Contacts Seller Fast
If any of these are true, then walk away:
They say “no prescription needed.”
They don’t ask for your doctor’s name or contact details.
They market lenses like cosmetics, party supplies, or “one size fits all.”
They don’t list a real brand, lens parameters, or wear schedule.
FDA and AAO both warn that decorative lenses sold without a prescription can seriously harm eyes.
Safety Basics That Matter With Colored Lenses
Colored lenses aren’t automatically “more dangerous,” but the risk climbs when people treat them like makeup.
- Sleeping in contact lenses raises the risk of contact lens–related eye infections by six- to eightfold.
CDC reporting also links a lot of serious corneal infection cases with extended wear or sleeping in lenses.
Quick FAQs
Can I wear colored contacts every day?
Depends on the lens type and how your eyes respond. Daily disposables reduce cleaning steps, while monthlies require disciplined cleaning habits.
Can I share colored contacts with a friend?
Nope. Sharing lenses is a direct path to infection risk and fit problems.
Can I buy “Halloween lenses” at a costume shop?
If they’re sold without a prescription flow, that’s a bad sign. FDA and CDC warn against decorative lenses without a valid prescription. Buy from a retailer online like Lens.com that sells only FDA-approved contacts, colored contacts and ‘costume’ contacts.
Sources
- FDA: Decorative Contact Lenses for Halloween and more: fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/decorative-contact-lenses-halloween-and-more
- FDA: Colored and Decorative Contact Lenses: A Prescription Is a Must: fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/colored-and-decorative-contact-lenses-prescription-must
- AAO: Cosmetic Contact Lenses statement: aao.org/education/clinical-statement/cosmetic-contact-lenses-potential-threat-to-vision
- FTC: Contact Lens Rule guide + FAQs: ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/contact-lens-rule-guide-prescribers-sellers
- CDC: About Decorative Contact Lenses: cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-decorative-contact-lenses.html
Similar Articles
-
Contact Lens-Associated Red Eye (CLARE): What You Need to Know
-
How Does a Contact Lens Fitting Work?
-
Can You Wear Reading Glasses with Multifocal Contacts? A Comprehensive Guide
-
Virtual Holiday Celebrations: Glamorous Themes & Eyewear for Video Calls
-
How Can I Keep My Contacts Comfortable During Winter Travel?
