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 designs available for people with 
astigmatism and those needing bifocal correction. 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 contact lenses wherever you please. It is 
also important to have a yearly check up to ensure your lenses 
are still fitting properly and your prescription hasn’t changed.

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.

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 
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.

The light-filtering tints are colored contact lenses 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.

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.

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.