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What to Know About Colored Contact Lenses

Colored contact lenses are experiencing significant growth and increasing popularity in recent times, both among those who wear prescription contact lenses, and those who just want to have a different tone, or eye colour.

What to Know About Colored Contact Lenses

What are colored contact lenses?

There are two main types, the first being prescription lenses that correct your vision, like regular contact lenses, but also changing or enhancing your eye color. 

The second type of colored contact lens are those that solely alter your eye color, which are also known as 'plano' lenses. These contain no prescription, allowing virtually anyone to wear them, though they still require the same eye care, maintenance and regular eye examinations that a contact lens wearer is subject to.

This has opened up the idea of contact lenses to those who don't require them for vision correction purposes, whether it's for daily use or special occasions.

How safe are colored contact lenses?

While the idea of colored contact lenses has been somewhat tarnished by ideas of them being unhealthy and damaging for your eyes, if purchased from a reputable source and used with the same level of care and maintenance as ordinary lenses, they are just as safe.

Reputable manufacturers, such as Ciba Vision, now produce a variety of colored contact lenses in their Air Optix range, meaning dependable and tested options are now easy to find.

It is important to note that colored contact lenses should be treated the same as regular ones, with an eye care professional helping to fit and test the lenses. It's also crucial to immediately stop the use of any contact lens if you start to notice discomfort, redness, soreness or any other eye issues, before immediately contacting your eye doctor.

Different types of colored contact lenses

Colored contact lenses can typically be split up into the three categories of enhancement, color and theatrical lenses.

Enhancement lenses keep much of your natural eye color on show, as they bring a subtle effect to the eyes, helping them to appear more crisp and vibrant. For those looking to change their color entirely, color tint lenses are opaque, completely covering your original eye colour and providing a wholly new transformation.

Lastly, theatrical lenses come in all colors and designs, generally creating a non-natural appearance for your eye, which can be the perfect solution if you are looking to dress up as an entirely different entity.

Colored contact lens maintenance

Colored contact lenses should be maintained and treated the same as regular lenses, meaning that keeping them hygienic is vital for the continued health of your eye. Your eye doctor will be able to advise on the best practices for maintenance, with regular cleaning and disinfection considered essential.

Last word

If you have always wanted eyes a different shade or color, why not give colored contact lenses a try; you might just fall in love with your new look.