by Joel Harrison
20. February 2011 12:02

The popularity of coloured contact lenses has markedly increased in recent years, due to the success of such films as the Twilight saga and the eccentric image of numerous pop stars (here, Lady Gaga has been probably the most influential). This prompted many warnings with respect to the safety of such contact lenses, but most eye care experts are positive that – if all the standard rules connected with contact lens wear are followed – coloured contact lenses should not cause any concerns.
For instance, the chairman of Eyecare Trust, Dharmesh Patel, stated that cosmetic contact lenses have ceased to be mere fashion accessories, as many people wearing prescription lenses decide to correct their vision with the use of lenses that change their natural eye colour.
In addition, Patel argues, a number of athletes wear coloured contact lenses, because the ones that are tinted grey or green help them see better in certain conditions.
Still, all contact lens users should remember that coloured contact lenses are also subject to the Opticians Act, and they are only safe if bought from an eye care professional.