Looking for a change from your regular contacts? Want an option that will really have people talking? Costume contacts aren’t just available to movie costume designers anymore. Now even you can have eyes that look alien, or cat-like, or whatever you desire.

Thought many people think of purchasing costume contacts only to match their Halloween costumes, you can actually wear costume contact lenses to just about anywhere you can wear regular contacts! There are many costume contact lenses out there that are affordable and comfortable. However, buyers should keep in mind that some lenses use a toxic paint that can cause eye irritation. You should always go with lenses made from a major contact lens manufacturer.

If you want a contact lens that will really make you stand out, try scleral contacts. Unlike other lenses, scleral lenses cover the entire visible part of your eye to create a great effect. However, these lenses are much more elaborate and expensive. Like normal contact lenses, you should consult your eye care professional to fit costume lenses, even if your vision is perfect. A lot of people often ask if they can see while wearing these lenses, with the exception of certain white-out contact lenses, even if the lenses are opaque, a person can see. There are, however, even white-out lenses that can be seen out of.

There are several warnings about the dangers of costume lenses, but the blame does not lie with the lenses. Some users wear their costume lenses of several days at a time without removing them. They share their lenses with friends, or put them in without washing their hands. Costume contact lenses should be treated with the same respect that you would treat a regular pair of contact lenses. They shouldn't be shared and should only be worn for a few hours at a time.

In order to store them, all you need is simple saline solution (or eye drops for contact lenses) and a contact lens case, which can be found in your local pharmacy. Rinse out the lenses in the solution before you insert them in the eyes. Don't forget to wash your hands first! Soak the lenses in the solution inside your lens case when not in use. Also, it's highly recommended to change the solution at least once a week, if you don't intend to use them for long periods of time.

With the proper care, you can use costume contacts to become the alien you've always wanted to be - any day of the week.

Amanda Baker writes for All Things Pondered: http://AllThingsPondered.com