Cosmetic Colored Contact Lenses

Many of colored contact lenses are available with and without vision correction so even people without a need for vision correction can wear them, as well as people who have astigmatism, or need bifocal contact lenses. The center of the lens, the part that lies over your pupil, is clear so you can see.

An enhancement tint is a solid but translucent (see-through) tint. An enhancement tint changes your eye color. As the name implies, it’s meant to enhance the existing color of your eyes. These types of tints are usually best for people who have light colored eyes and want to make their eye color more intense. Color tints are deeper, opaque tints that can change your eye color completely. Usually they are made of patterns of solid colors. If you have dark eyes, you’ll need this type of color contact lens to change your eye color. Color contacts come in a wide variety of colors, including green, amethyst, blue, gray, violet, and hazel.

SofLens Natural ColorsFreshlook Color LensesYou can enhance your appearance with lenses in any color imaginable: from subtle natural iris coloring to dramatic shifts, such as dark brown to light blue and green.

The companies that make colored contact lenses have gone all out to mimic the natural look of the colored portion of the eye, called the iris (such as FreshLook®, SofLens® and Adore Contact Lenses).

When Should Contacts Not Be Worn

Wearing contacts while sleeping can cause eye irritation, discomfort and, sometimes, corneal disorders. Only extended-wear lenses can be worn full time.

Overnight wear of contact lenses increases the risk of serious contact lens-related complications. Do not wear contact lenses overnight or on a continuous basis (24 hours a day, including during sleep) unless prescribed by your eye care professional.

As a rule, lenses should not be worn while swimming, or sitting in sauna.

Important information for contact lens wearers

Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, contact your eye doctor immediately.

While color contacts can be fun, doctors warn wearers not to share their colored lenses — or any contact lenses, for that matter — with friends, and not to swap colors with friends. Exchanging lenses can also transmit harmful bacteria, which can lead to an eye infection or other potentially dangerous eye conditions.

Advices for Contact Lens Wearers

* Wash, rinse and dry your hands before handling the lenses
* Don’t wear damaged lenses
* Carry identification stating that you wear contacts, so they can be removed in case of an accident
* Follow your doctor’s instructions about regular checkups
* Learn to insert and remove lenses correctly
* Be careful applying makeup; apply makeup only after insertion of lenses
* Do not rub eyes while wearing lenses
* Do not wear your contact lenses while swimming or sitting in sauna
* Do not wear lenses while sleeping, or continuously, unless specifically prescribed by your eye care professional
* Don’t use any eyedrops on your lenses without your doctor’s approval
* Do not reinsert your lenses without disinfecting them
* Don’t share your contact lenses with friends.