A Newbie Cosplayer's Guide to Using Contact Lenses

~by Jessica Bench

Far from being the niche interest it was a few decades ago, cosplay has grown in popularity and acceptance. So much so that the cosplay costume market is poised to see a compound annual growth rate of over 17% by 2030.

The San Diego Comic-Con, also considered one of the foremost cosplay-related events around the world, drums up millions in yearly regional revenue. This year’s four-day events, which include the annual Masquerade Cosplay Competition that’s been a tradition since 1974, reportedly brought in revenue of over $160 million.

At its core, the inclusivity and imagination have helped propel cosplay to the heights. Although more elaborate costumes certainly make a splash, even beginners can be successful so long as they get the character essence and details right. For most cosplayers, this can be achieved with the right pair of colored contacts, given that most film, TV, book, and video game characters are noted for their distinct eyes. Take, for instance, Geralt of Rivia’s yellow peepers or Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki’s pupilless white eyes. That said, while contacts are accessible and effective, it’s important that new cosplayers understand that they can cause serious harm if approached incorrectly. In worst-case scenarios, this won’t just ruin your cosplay attempt but possibly even deter any future efforts. That said, here’s a quick guide to contact lenses for cosplayers.

Sourcing your contacts

While it’s tempting to buy over-the-counter contact lenses (OTC), considering their accessible prices and availability, opting for these can be very risky. For starters, the AAOP warns that these may not be made according to industry safety standards. As a result, there may be toxic chemicals or raised textures that can harm your eye’s delicate tissues. To be safe, it’s better to purchase your colored contact lenses from trusted retailers. Eye care provider Clearly has made a name for itself by only selling the best brands. This includes well-known labels like Alcon and Interojo, which offer natural hues like Mystic Blue and otherworldly ones like Green Envy. Since the brands can come with vision-corrective properties, they’re also a more streamlined choice for cosplayers who would otherwise need to wear their prescription glasses.

Moreover, a trustworthy contacts provider will insist upon a prescription before completing your transaction. While this may seem like a hassle at first, it is actually a worthwhile step to take as it ensures the contacts fit well. Otherwise, you run the risk of wearing lenses that are not only uncomfortable but also likely to move around, fall out, and irritate your eyes. Keeping in mind that most cosplay conventions can run for hours, having contacts that are safe and comfortable will safeguard your overall experience.

Using your contacts

Now that you’ve got your colored contacts, the next order of business is navigating how to wear them properly. If this is your first time wearing contacts, don’t worry if you don’t get it on the first try. As mentioned in this post about a Star Trek fan video, even more dedicated cosplayers sometimes struggle to get their contact lenses in. In most cases, though, this can easily be remedied by adjusting your insertion technique. Rather than just forcing them into your eyes, it helps to pull the eyelids back gently. This way, there is no risk of the lenses getting caught on skin or hair, and they can “hug” your eyeball directly.

Using assistive tools may also help minimize tugging. For example, the brand AITIME offers a helpful contact lens application aid that helps keep the eyes open using only one hand. This leaves the other free to maneuver the colored contacts into their proper position properly. Such a tool is also worth investing in if you’ve got long nails or if you’re the type of person who applies their cosplay makeup beforehand since it will prevent you from accidentally scratching yourself and the colored contacts.

Additionally, it can lower the chances of you accidentally smearing your makeup and potentially getting it on your contact lenses. Remember, once the lenses are in, you’ll want to roll your eyes to get them to settle. It’s important never to prod or rub your eyes since this can hurt your eyes and the lenses.

Contact lens care

Unlike other props or accessories that you may use in cosplay, contact lenses typically don’t need touch-ups meaning they’re pretty low maintenance. However, since these are still medical devices that go into your body, it’s essential that you know how to store and sanitize them before, during, and after use.

The most important thing to remember is that your contacts always have to be clean. Colored contacts may obscure the presence of dirt or debris, which is why it’s safer to rinse your contacts with a dedicated solution before and after use anyway. That said, you cannot use plain water as this may harbor bacteria and other foreign matters. For instance, a woman who had years of experience wearing monthly lenses lost vision in one eye after getting them underwater.

Unfortunately for her, this happened after amoebas from the water latched onto the contacts and were passed into her cornea. So, even if you’re using daily colored contacts that come with their own pre-packed contacts fluid, it’s best to just buy a whole bottle from brands like Bausch + Lomb and Purilens, which are sold from chains like Walmart or Walgreens. When not in use, you’ll also want to keep your contacts in their own waterproof cases away from direct light. This will help prevent any fading, drying, warping, or tearing that can hurt you or destroy the contacts.