Vampire Lenses

Are you headed to a costume party and want that extra something that will make your vampire costume look truly authentic? Or perhaps you're tired of your usual eye color and want to do something out of the ordinary. Vampires are all the rage these days; why not try vampire-inspired contact lenses?

Vampire-style contact lenses can be really dramatic. Unlike colored contact lenses, which simply enhance one's eye color, decorative lenses, also called plano lenses, can change your entire look. Some decorative lenses merely cover the colored part of your eye. Sclera style lenses cover the white parts as well. Some of the images on these lenses can appear to change the shape of your pupil and have a really striking effect.

There are many options for vampire style contact lenses. Red sclera lenses are popular if you want to look like Dracula. There are also black, white, hypnotic spirals, or glow in the dark styles, to name a few. I even saw a pair that boasted a mouthful of fangs surrounding the pupil. If you are not ready to go blood red or pitch black, try a lens with a limbal ring, or a black ring around the iris that defines the eye color. Popular vampire lenses in this style are yellow, red, and pale blue. You may remember this style from Interview With a Vampire. Twilight fans, you can even find some to mimic Edward Cullen's piercing topaz color.

Because plano lenses are cosmetic only, they do not require a prescription; however, it is important to seek the guidance of an eye care professional to ensure a proper fit. Vampire style lenses, like any contact lens, must be properly cared for or there may be adverse affects such as eye infection, irritation, or corneal abrasion. An ill-fitting pair could damage your vision.

It is important to care for your lenses correctly. You must wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses. Always clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses according to directions, and discard your lenses at the appropriate intervals. Never re-use the disinfecting solution, and never share your lenses with someone else.

Vampire style lenses are available everywhere from tattoo parlors and flea markets to your optometrist's office and the Internet; however, the FDA considers plano lenses medical devices and limits their purchase from a licensed eye care professional only. Therefore, if you choose to purchase vampire style contact lenses, it's best to see your eye doctor for a fitting. Many vendors sell One Size Fits All lenses, which can damage your eyes, as corneal shapes vary from person to person.

Cosmetic lenses won't interfere with your vision, so you can be Dracula one night and part of the Cullen clan the next with no harmful repercussions. As long as you follow the usage and care guidelines, your eyes won't remain vampire-like when you remove your lenses.