Contact Lenses and Passport Photos: Rules and Recommendations

A contact lens is a corrective lens that is worn directly on the eye. Contact lenses are custom-made lenses designed to correct vision and fit comfortably on the eye. They float on a thin layer of tear fluid without touching the cornea, the clearness front part of the eye.

A well-fitting contact lens allows the cornea to receive sufficient oxygen, minimizes lens movement on the eye, and maintains the natural shape of the eye.

Contact lenses provide an alternative to traditional eyeglasses for those who require vision correction.

Types of Contact Lenses

There are two main types of contact lenses:

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These are hard lenses made of durable materials that allow oxygen to pass through. They tend to have a longer lifespan but may be less comfortable due to their rigid nature.
• Soft Contact Lenses: These are made of flexible polymers that become pliable when in contact with moisture. Soft lenses are larger and more comfortable to wear compared to RGP lenses, as they conform to the shape of the eye.

Rules for Wearing Contact Lenses in Passport Photos

Colored contact lenses are usually not allowed, as the passport photo must depict the person's true eye color. The person's own eye color should be clearly visible in the photo.

The entire eye, including the iris and the pupil, should be fully visible without any obstructions.

Any reflections or glares caused by the contact lenses should be minimized as much as possible. If it is not possible to prevent reflections or glares from the contact lenses, it may be required to remove the lenses temporarily for the passport photo.