Colored Contacts Safety Guide: What Beginners Need to Know

Colored contacts are safe. But like any contact lens, they need to be used correctly to stay that way.

The vast majority of problems people experience with colored contacts — irritation, infections, discomfort — come from one of three things: buying from unregulated sources, wearing lenses too long, or skipping basic hygiene. None of these are inevitable. All of them are preventable.

This guide covers everything a first-time wearer needs to know to have a safe, comfortable experience with colored contacts.

First: Buy From a Legitimate Source

In the United States, all contact lenses — including cosmetic colored contacts — are regulated as medical devices by the FDA. This means they must meet manufacturing and safety standards before they can be legally sold. Purchasing colored contacts from unregulated sources such as costume shops, beauty supply stores, flea markets, or unlicensed online retailers carries significant health risks. These lenses may not meet FDA standards, may be made from substandard materials, and may not be sterile. The FDA has documented cases of serious eye injuries — including corneal ulcers and permanent vision damage — linked to non-compliant cosmetic contact lenses.

All Savvenart colored contacts are FDA-cleared. That's not a marketing claim — it's the baseline requirement for safe cosmetic contact lenses in the US market.

The Most Common Safety Questions, Answered

Can I sleep in colored contacts?

No. Unless a lens is specifically FDA-approved for extended wear (overnight use), you should always remove your contacts before sleeping. Sleeping in contacts — including colored ones — significantly reduces oxygen flow to the cornea, which increases the risk of corneal hypoxia, bacterial growth, and infection. Even a short nap counts.

If you fall asleep accidentally with your lenses in, remove them as soon as you wake up. Use lubricating drops first if they feel stuck or dry. If your eyes are red, irritated, or your vision is blurry after removal, consult an eye care professional.

Can I shower with colored contacts?

No. Tap water — including shower water — is not sterile and can contain microorganisms including Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism that can cause a serious and painful corneal infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection is rare but severe, and contact lens wearers are at higher risk when lenses are exposed to water.

Remove your lenses before showering, swimming, or any water activity. This includes pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans — not just tap water.

How long can I wear colored contacts per day?

Most colored contacts are designed for 8–12 hours of daily wear. For first-time wearers, start with 4–6 hours and build up gradually as your eyes adjust. Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended wear time.

Signs you've worn your lenses too long: redness, dryness, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, or a feeling that something is in your eye. When any of these appear, remove your lenses immediately.

How often should I replace my colored contacts?

Follow the replacement schedule on your specific lens. Common schedules:

• Daily disposables: One pair per day, discarded after each use. Never reuse.
• Monthly lenses: Replace every 30 days from first opening, regardless of how many days you've worn them.
• Quarterly / 3-month lenses: Replace every 90 days from first opening.

Using lenses beyond their replacement date allows protein and lipid deposits to build up on the lens surface, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.

Can I use water to clean my contacts?

Never. Water — tap, distilled, or bottled — is not a substitute for contact lens solution. It does not disinfect lenses and can introduce harmful microorganisms. Always use a multipurpose contact lens solution or the solution recommended for your specific lens type.

Can I share colored contacts with a friend?

No. Sharing contact lenses — even "just to try" — is one of the fastest ways to transfer eye infections between people. Each pair of contacts should be worn by one person only.

Daily Care: The Non-Negotiables

• Wash your hands with soap and water before handling lenses. Dry with a lint-free towel.
• Clean lenses with fresh solution every time you remove them. Rub the lens gently with solution even if your solution says "no rub" — rubbing removes more deposits.
• Never top off solution in your lens case. Empty the case, rinse with fresh solution, and let it air dry face-down on a clean tissue.
• Replace your lens case every 1–3 months. Cases harbor bacteria even when cleaned regularly.
• Keep lenses away from makeup. Insert lenses before applying eye makeup. Remove lenses before removing makeup.
• Don't use eye drops that aren't contact-lens safe. Check the label before using any drops while wearing lenses.

Warning Signs: When to Remove Your Lenses and Seek Help

Remove your contact lenses immediately and consult an eye care professional if you experience any of the following: sudden or worsening eye pain, significant redness that doesn't resolve after lens removal, discharge from the eye, sudden blurred vision or vision changes, unusual sensitivity to light, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye that doesn't resolve. These symptoms can indicate a corneal infection or other serious condition that requires prompt professional evaluation. Do not attempt to self-treat eye infections.

The Beginner Safety Checklist

Always Do This	Never Do This
Buy FDA-cleared lenses from licensed retailers	Buy from costume shops or unlicensed sellers
Remove lenses before sleeping	Nap or sleep in your contacts
Remove lenses before water exposure	Shower, swim, or use a hot tub in contacts
Clean with fresh multipurpose solution	Use water or saliva to clean lenses
Replace lenses on schedule	Extend wear beyond the replacement date
Wash hands before handling lenses	Touch lenses with unwashed hands
Use your own lenses only	Share contacts with anyone
Remove lenses if discomfort occurs	Push through pain or significant irritation

Ready to Start?

Colored contacts are a safe, fun way to change your look — when you buy the right lenses and use them correctly. All Savvenart colored contacts are FDA-cleared and designed for comfortable daily wear.

Browse our full collection and find your color: Shop Colored Contacts by Color.