Contacts are one of the most versatile medical devices on the market today. Not only can they resolve certain medical diagnoses and treat vision problems, but they can also be used to alter the appearance of the eyes. Here is some information about colored contacts, the types available, and their specific uses.
Types of Colored Contacts
There are three main types of colored contacts available at most optique stores. Some colored contacts offer a more dramatic change than others, and each is used for a different purpose.
Visibility Tinted Lenses
A tinted lens is helpful for those who worry about dropping and losing contacts. A very small amount of color is added to the lens to make it more visible during the insertion process as well as making them easier to find if dropped. Most contacts come with this tinting, and the very light coloration does not change the patient’s eye color at all.
Enhancement Tints
An enhancement tint is a see-through tint that is added to a contact lens to make the natural eye color of a patient more pronounced. This type of colored contact is generally used by individuals with light blue, green, or hazel eyes to darken the color, rather than change it altogether. The result is a richer version of the original color.
Opaque Tinted Lenses
Opaque tinted lenses are by far the most dramatic of the three and are designed to completely change the color of the wearer’s eyes. Whether it is a person with dark brown eyes wishing to change to blue or green or a person with green eyes wanting to flaunt violet irises, opaque tinted lenses make it possible.
Customized Tinted Lenses
In addition to the three main categories, contacts can also be customized to suit the specific needs of the patient. This can be a wonderful option for someone with a defect, injury, or other problem in the eye. Contacts can be customized to match the other eye or to enhance the appearance. Some athletes even customize contacts to improve their vision in their particular sport. Whatever the unique need, there is a good chance that a contact can be customized to meet it.
Prescription or Non-Prescription?
Colored contacts can come in both prescription and non-prescription varieties depending on the need of the individual. Prescription contacts can correct vision problems such as myopia or hyperopia while also changing or enhancing the color of the eyes. Non-prescription colored contacts, also called plano color contacts, are worn purely for cosmetic reasons and do not alter vision at all. However, cosmetic contacts still require a prescription, even if they are only meant for cosmetic purposes. Never order contacts without a prescription from a doctor. Doing so is both illegal and potentially harmful to the health of the eyes.
Colored contacts can be a wonderful way to change your appearance and add a pop of color to your face. Whether you are wanting to enhance your natural color, or change your eye color entirely, there are options on the market for you.