Although they can sometimes serve as correctives toward certain visual aberrant conditions, cosmetic contact lenses are primarily intended for enhancing physical appearance. A cosmetic lens can be determined by color feature or for the intended purpose of novelty or decoration. Bright color cosmetic lenses, such as Freshlook®, are cosmetic contact lenses, although some Freshlook® cosmetic contact lenses do serve as corrective lenses as well. Wild Eyes® and Crazy Eyes®, both among the wide array of novelty contact lenses that boast everything from cat eyes to vampire eyes to patriotic or sports themes to the weird alien eyes used in many science fiction movies, are also cosmetic because they play on physical appearance, not necessarily to make wearers attractive as much as to promote a certain type of look. In a way, all of these novelty or decorative contact lenses are cosmetic colored contact lenses in one way or another because they revolve around creating a mood through the interaction of style and, almost always, colours. A cosmetic lens, then, can be defined as a contact lens that predominantly focuses on color and can synonymously be referred to as a cosmetic color contact lens or, more casually, a cosmetic colored contact lens.

Cosmetic contact lenses, like Wild Eyes®, can be purchased at a reasonable price, but anyone interested in this type of contact lenses should be warned that they can cause injury to the eyes if the custom-fit or type isn’t right, or if the contact lenses are not handled safely and properly. Yes, these are not corrective, but they can still hurt the eyes and even worsen already existing visual aberrations. Regulations have mandated that anyone wanting to purchase any contact lenses, even cosmetic ones, need a valid contact lens prescription from a licensed eye care specialist before ordering them. Any discount contact lens is the same way. Regardless of price or bargain, prescriptions are necessary. Yes, discounts are temporary, but visual health and safety take precedence over any thing else. In the long run, having an eye exam and obtaining a contact lens prescription beforehand will always be worth it. Discounts come and go, so the opportunity to purchase at a lower price will always be around. In the end, healthy vision is of primary importance.

Cosmetic contact lenses have fallen under the category of fashion as well as that of medical treatment, so these serve at least two major influences purposes in the world. This is because physical appeal has been deemed significantly as valuable as being able to see clearly and comfortably. The invention of the contact lens in the first place was for eliminating glasses and enhancing personal attractiveness and self-esteem, so this dual-purpose--visual correction and physical appeal--is inherent in the creation.