Cosplay, the art of dressing up as characters from various media, has evolved into a detailed and immersive hobby. An essential element for achieving an authentic look often involves colored contacts to match the character’s eye color. However, using colored contacts requires careful consideration to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here are some crucial dos and don’ts for cosplayers when using colored cosplay contaccts.
Dos:
- Do Get a Prescription: Even if you have perfect vision, it’s vital to get a prescription from an eye care professional before purchasing colored cosplay contacts. They will measure your eyes to ensure the contacts fit properly, reducing the risk of discomfort or damage to your eyes.
- Do Purchase from Reputable Sources: Always buy colored contacts from reputable vendors who provide FDA-approved products. This ensures that the lenses are made from safe materials and are properly sterilized.
- Do Follow Proper Hygiene Practices: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts. Use only sterile saline or contact lens solution to clean and store them. This helps prevent infections and other eye complications.
- Do Limit Wear Time: Follow the recommended wear time for your lenses, typically no more than 8 hours per day. Over-wearing contacts can lead to dry eyes, irritation, and more severe eye issues.
- Do Carry a Lens Case and Solution: In case you need to remove your contacts while you’re out, always carry a clean lens case and solution. This prevents you from having to store them in unsafe conditions, which can lead to contamination.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Share Contacts: Sharing contacts, even if they are non-prescription, is a significant health risk. It can transfer bacteria between users, leading to serious eye infections.
- Don’t Use Expired Contacts: Using expired lenses can be harmful as the materials degrade over time, making them unsafe for your eyes. Always check the expiration date and replace them as needed.
- Don’t Sleep with Contacts On: Unless specifically designed for overnight wear (and even then, with caution), never sleep with your contacts in. This can decrease oxygen supply to your cornea, increasing the risk of infection.
- Don’t Ignore Discomfort: If you experience any discomfort, redness, or blurred vision while wearing contacts, remove them immediately. Continuing to wear them can exacerbate the problem and potentially cause permanent damage.
- Don’t Skip Regular Eye Exams: Even if you only wear colored contacts occasionally, regular eye exams are crucial. They ensure that your eyes remain healthy and that your contacts fit correctly.
