Sclera Contact Lenses...
Are they safe?
This is an understandably common question, seeing as sclera contact lenses go in your eye and it's something that we need to break into two...
Let's start with yes, and then talk about no.
Yes, sclera contacts are safe!
Reputable companies like ColourVue and C-World KSG world produce high quality products to ISO standards and using FDA approved materials like soft polymacon, exactly those used in normal contacts. It means they are fragile, but they are soft and comfortable.
If sclera contacts are carefully stored in sterile saline solution, hands are washed, there is nothing on the surface when it is inserted etc, then yes sclera contacts are safe to wear for short periods of time. You should watch our Wear and Care Guide to help understand what you need to do to ensure that you don't have any problems. As long as the steps are followed and you are careful, you've got nothing to worry about.
Because they're bigger, although they can still slip to the side like regular contacts, they cannot possibly go "behind" the eyeball into the eye socket in the way normal contact lenses (rarely) can.
No, Sclera Contacts are not safe!
If you don't follow the instructions in the wear and care guide and you put them in dirty, sleep in them etc. (read the wear and care guide!!!) then problems can emerge leading to scratched corneas or eye infections. This is why it's so important to be safe.
There are other points of concern to, for example some people don't purchase them from a reputable retailer (Here's some things to look out for poor quality) that you can trust... Well then who knows where they were made or even if they were manufactured in a sterile environment.
Always buy from a reputable retailer. You can learn how to avoid sclera contact lens scams through our separate guide.
Stay safe, follow the instructions and don't use them beyond the use by date. It's just not worth the risk to your eyes, but if you don't take risks, you've got nothing to worry about.