Ill Fitting Color Contacts - To Wear Or Not To Wear?

nonamousey · #1 (**permalink**) 04-14-2010, 08:33 PM

Hello!

(Been reading this forum for a week or so, now found my opportunity to post a query

)

I recently decided to try out some color contacts because I thought they'd look pretty cool. I went for a natural color as I'm an actor and thought to wear some lenses that were ever-so-slightly unnatural with my skin tone would add 'depth' or something

.

Well, I got the lenses and I was right they definetely 'add' something interesting but subtle in the eyes, which is nice.

However, going back to my one-year old clear contacts prescription I can see that the color contacts base curve is COMPLETELY different from my own... the color contact base curve is 8.6 (Median) and my eyes are 9.1/2? (Flat). As far as I can see, they don't do colored lenses in 9+ base curve. (I ALSO have an astigmatism...)

I have been wearing them for a very short time. The contacts do feel a bit strange, but that might be because I haven't worn contacts for a while and they aren't as uncomfortable as I remember my prescription contacts were (I quit them!). The last time I wore them I could see a slight halo-ing effect around everything...which gave me a bit of a headache, but I don't know if this will continue???

BUT they do help me define my "look" and once seeing my eyes in them the idea of letting them go is difficult. Remember, it's not just vanity, but an understanding of all the subtleties that can make audition panels want to look at you for just those few seconds longer...finding something interesting or 'capturing'...and I think for me highlighting my eyes with colored contacts could be a small part of that.

So, what do you think I should do? Is it dangerous to wear such ill-fitting contact lenses? Or can I wear them if they feel alright (and even if they're a little uncomfortable?) Special occasions only? I'd be really appreciative of any feedback.

Steuhrob · #2 (**permalink**) 06-15-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonamousey

Hello!

(Been reading this forum for a week or so, now found my opportunity to post a query

)

I recently decided to try out some color contacts because I thought they'd look pretty cool. I went for a natural color as I'm an actor and thought to wear some lenses that were ever-so-slightly unnatural with my skin tone would add 'depth' or something

.

Well, I got the lenses and I was right they definetely 'add' something interesting but subtle in the eyes, which is nice.

However, going back to my one-year old clear contacts prescription I can see that the color contacts base curve is COMPLETELY different from my own... the color contact base curve is 8.6 (Median) and my eyes are 9.1/2? (Flat). As far as I can see, they don't do colored lenses in 9+ base curve. (I ALSO have an astigmatism...)

I have been wearing them for a very short time. The contacts do feel a bit strange, but that might be because I haven't worn contacts for a while and they aren't as uncomfortable as I remember my prescription contacts were (I quit them!). The last time I wore them I could see a slight halo-ing effect around everything...which gave me a bit of a headache, but I don't know if this will continue???

BUT they do help me define my "look" and once seeing my eyes in them the idea of letting them go is difficult. Remember, it's not just vanity, but an understanding of all the subtleties that can make audition panels want to look at you for just those few seconds longer...finding something interesting or 'capturing'...and I think for me highlighting my eyes with colored contacts could be a small part of that.

So, what do you think I should do? Is it dangerous to wear such ill-fitting contact lenses? Or can I wear them if they feel alright (and even if they're a little uncomfortable?) Special occasions only? I'd be really appreciative of any feedback.

Hi nonamousey.

I'm sorry nobody noticed you here. I'll try to help now that I've found you. I'm curious as to why you used a year old prescription. It's recommended that people get their eyes checked once a year, and that's when they usually renew their contact lens prescription. If your prescription is for a 9.5 base curve, how did you get something else? No wonder they were uncomfortable.
See you doctor, get an eye exam and a new prescription. That will give you a chance to talk to your doctor about your troubles and he or she can probably help you find some contact lenses that are comfy and cozy. Let us know. Just . . . don't do what I did and wait a few months, okay?