Medical Uses of Cosmetic Colored Contact Lenses

Abstract

Provided lens care is satisfactory and the patient does not have unreasonable expectations, a tinted contact lens can be a useful device. In view of the cost implication, this is a valuable service provided by the hospital.

The Epidemiology of Cosmetic Treatments for Corneal Opacities in a Korean Population

“…If fitted and handled properly, colored iris contact lenses can be a useful device for treating disfigured eyes [1,2]. Improved contact lens technology has diminished the use of corneal tattooing.…”

“…Due to the tremendous progress in microsurgical reconstructive procedures and immune suppressive therapies, the success rate and indications for corneal transplantation have increased. Cosmetic treatments for corneal opacities are currently used in a small and carefully selected group of patients in whom further surgical procedures will either not result in functional improvement or will not carry risks for phthisis; in these patients cosmetic treatments such as an colored iris contact lens [1,2], a scleral shell prosthesis [3], or corneal tattooing (keratopigmentation) [4,5] may be more appropriate.…”

Microbial keratitis as a foreseeable complication of cosmetic contact lenses: a prospective study

“…Cosmetic contact lenses wear are mainly wear on aesthetic purpose without any medical indications, contrary to the use of hand‐painted contact lenses for medical indications after eye trauma or phthisis for example. In these particular cases, provided lens care is satisfactory and the patient does not have unreasonable expectations, so a tinted contact lens can be a useful device (Cole & Vogt 2006). Contrary to this statement, this study has pointed the highly increased risk of CosCL wear and its potential cost implication when CosCL are dispensed without a prescription or fitting from unlicensed vendors.…”

BCLA CLEAR – Medical use of contact lenses

“…This may be because such patients had greater disturbance to the corneal barrier function and endothelial reserve at baseline and are thus more susceptible and/or that they were less sensitive to early symptoms of hypoxia or infection because of reduced vision. High satisfaction has been reported in 25 of 33 patients fitted with hand-painted cosmetic lenses for cosmetic purposes, finding a 76 % satisfaction regarding lens comfort and 88 % satisfaction regarding lens colour and appearance [728]. The diameter of most soft lenses are approximately 15 mm up to 22 mm (Cantor and Nissel).…”