While most eye frames and lenses are used for corrective measures, some people choose colored contact lenses to change the appearance of their eyes. Whether you need it to correct your vision or not, you will need to get a doctor’s prescription. This is because contact lenses can damage your eyes if they are not fitted or worn properly.
In this article, Eye and Vision Care gives an overview of what you need to know about colored contact lenses before you purchase one.
What Are the Different Types of Colored Contact Lenses?
Colored contact lenses are designed to mimic your iris, which is the colored part of the eye. This area is made up of many colorful shapes and lines. Colored contact lenses feature a series of small colored dots and radially arranged colored lines and shapes to make your eyes appear more natural.
There are many tints of colored contact lenses. A visibility tint is usually a light blue or green tint that is added to the lens. This is to help you see it better during insertion and removal, or if you drop it. This type of tint is fairly faint and does not affect your eye color. Meanwhile, an enhancement tint is a solid but translucent tint that is a bit darker than a visibility tint. If you’re looking for ways to enhance the natural color of your eyes, you might want to consider this.
Additionally, color-blending lenses are designed with tints that become more opaque from the outside edges. This provides you with a more natural-looking new eye color. If you have dark eyes, an opaque tint might be what you need. This non-transparent tint can completely change your eye color. The special-effect contact lenses you see in movies or shows fall under the opaque tint category.
How Can I Choose the Ideal Colored Contact Lenses for Me?
Before purchasing colored contact lenses, you should get an eye exam first to have your eyes checked. Your eye doctor will also be able to help you find the right fit for your lenses. If you do not want to alter your appearance much, they might recommend enhancement tint lenses. These can define the edges of your iris and make your natural color more vibrant. For those with naturally light-colored eyes, a warm-toned contact lens, such as light brown, is a great way to go.
On the other hand, people with dark eyes might want to consider opaque colored tints. A lighter honey brown or hazel-colored lens is a smart choice if you’re opting for a natural-looking change. If you want to stand out, vivid colors, such as green, blue or violet, should do the trick. For a more unique look, some manufacturers also offer custom-tinted contact lenses.
What Are the Drawbacks of Colored Contact Lenses?
There are also some drawbacks when it comes to your colored contact lenses. When you’re blinking, there might be some instances wherein the colored portion of the lenses will slide over the pupil. This will create a less natural appearance, especially if you’re wearing opaque colored lenses. Also, keep in mind that the size of your pupil changes to adjust to the light conditions. At night, your pupils may be larger than the clear center of your lenses, which may affect your vision.
What Are Some Safety Measures I Should Know About?
To keep your eyes safe, you must clean your colored lenses properly. Like clear contact lenses, your colored contacts should be regularly disinfected to avoid contamination. Remember to follow your eye doctor’s instructions regarding how long you should wear your lenses and when you should replace them.
You should also avoid sharing your contact lenses with other people. Your lenses are medical devices that are specifically made for you. You might also transmit harmful bacteria if you exchange lenses with your friends. Don’t wear your colored lenses if your eyes are red or irritated as well. This may be a symptom of an eye infection or other serious problems. As such, be sure to immediately contact your eye doctor once you experience any health issues.
For more inquiries on colored lenses, turn to Eye and Vision Care. To book an appointment, you may fill out our contact form. We offer eye care services in Virginia. For residents in Ashburn, call us at (703) 722-8688; in Fairfax, call (703) 961-9119; in South Riding, call (703) 957-3384; and in Haymarket, call (703) 659-4430.