“A great way to give you a subtle or dramatic change is with
colored contact lenses. Manufacturers currently make a wide
range of different color contacts in both prescription and
non-prescription form with colors available to make your eyes
sizzle!”
There are four types of colored contact lenses; visibility
tints, enhancement tints, opaque color tints and light filtering
tints, each offering something a bit different.
Regardless if you will be purchasing color contacts for
prescription or plano (non-prescription) form you will need to
have a valid eye prescription. In the United States it is law
that you have a prescription for any contact lenses purchases,
whether they are prescription or not. An eyecare practitioner
can include any optometrists, ophthalmologist or even opticians
(in some states). This is because it is necessary to achieve the
right shape, lens size and material for each individuals eyes.
Improperly fitted lenses can lead to serious eye problems and
infection.
Once you have the proper eye prescription you are free to
purchase your colored discount contact lenses wherever you
please. It is also important to have a yearly check up to ensure
your lenses are still fitting properly and you prescription
hasn’t changed.
Four Different Tints:
Colored contact lenses are available in four different tints.
The visibility tint usually has a light blue or green tint added
to the lens, for the sole purpose of helping you to better see
the lenses during insertion and removal. The tint also aids in
seeing if they are dropped, because the tint is so light they do
not affect eye color. The enhancement tints are a solid (yet
translucent) tint that is not much darker than the visibility
tint but does affect the wearer’s eye color. As the name implies
the lenses enhance the existing color of the eyes. The
enhancement tints are a nice yet subtle change for those just
wanting to add a bit of intensity to their eye color.
Color tints are a deeper, opaque tint allowing the wearer to
dramatically change their eye color. For anyone wanting a
completely new look these are the color contacts to choose. Some
of the lovely tints available come in colors such as; blue,
gray, true sapphire, green, turquoise, Caribbean aqua, sea green
and pacific blue to name a few. The various tints are usually
made up with a series of colorful shapes, lines or dots to mimic
the look of the natural eye.
Special Effects Contact Lenses:
Costume and theatrical lenses also fall into the same category
of opaque color contacts. These special effect lenses are
available in prescription and non-prescription form. The lenses
are an excellent choice for any theatrical production,
television or advertising needs, and for most people a great
addition to any Halloween costume. The special effect contact
lenses come in exciting designs like jaguar, cat eye, alien
zebra, blackout (changing the eye color to black), white-out
(changing the eye color to white), red hot, bloodshot and wolf
designs. The special effect contact lenses are just as safe as
your regular contact lenses provided they are cared for in the
same way. Check with your eyecare practitioner for the proper
cleaning regimen, and remember to never share your lenses.
Sports Contact Lenses:
The light-filtering tints are specifically made for use in
sports. The special lenses enhance certain colors while muting
others. One of the popular light-filtering tints comes in optic
yellow, the color of tennis balls and golf balls. The tints
allow for the ball to stand out against the background therefore
making it easier to target, the colored contacts are also an
excellent option for spectators.
Shy or Outgoing -There is a Color for You:
For those purchasing colored contacts for the first time
deciding what color is best can be a difficult decision
especially with all the options available. Personality has a lot
to do with what color might be most appropriate for you. If you
are a bold and outgoing person who doesn’t mind being the center
of attention, a color that is opposite your natural eye color
might be best. An example would be someone with brown eyes
wearing contact lenses in a green or blue shade. On the other
hand if you are a bit more reserved and shy you may choose
lenses that don’t get you quite as noticed, an example would be
a blue eyed person going with a shade of gray. The enhancement
tints are great for a deepening affect that doesn’t change your
eyes at all, but still manages to give a sparkle to your look.
The advantage to the disposable color contacts is with all the
available choices if you purchase a pair that you don’t feel
best suit your given personality and appearance you can always
switch them to a different color at little cost.
If your colored contacts are for prescription wear you’ll want
to choose lenses that are compatible with your needs and find a
wear schedule appropriate for you. Some examples of the
different disposable lenses available are; frequent replacement
contacts which are replaced monthly or quarterly; disposable
lenses needing replacement daily, weekly or every two weeks and
the traditional or reusable lenses which need replacing about
every six months or longer. The replacement schedule that will
be best for you is based on how your eyes behave while wearing
the lenses. Some people need to replace their lenses more
frequently as their eyes produce more protein and lipids
(causing build-up on the lenses) than others. Whether you decide
on a regular pair of lenses or disposables will depend on your
individual needs.
Conclusion:
It is important when owning colored contacts to never share the
contacts, even if they are just for novelty use in
non-prescription form. This is because sharing lenses can
transmit harmful bacteria leading to possible eye infections or
serious eye conditions. Another reason to never share is that
your contact lenses are fitted specifically for you, sharing
with someone else can cause abrasion or eye damage.
The color contact lenses are a unique and fun way to change or
enhance your look. With all the available colors it might be
difficult to make a choice. It is important to remember that
colored contact lenses are medical devices and if not properly
prescribed and fitted a person could suffer discomfort,
abrasion, swelling and in some instances permanent eye damage.
Always treat your contact lenses with care to ensure proper eye
health.