Question: What Are Color Contacts?
Answer:
Color contacts can be worn by just about anyone -- regardless of whether you need contact lenses to see better. In fact, nowadays, you can change your eye color every day to match your outfit. Very similar to regular contact lenses, color contacts are available for people with perfect eyesight as well as for people with dark-colored eyes (which used to have a harder time changing their eye color in the past with older types of colored contacts).
You can wear color contacts even though you have perfect vision, as they can be made with or without corrective power. Color contacts made without corrective power are often referred to as "plano" contact lenses. Color contact are available in two types: enhancement tints and opaque tints.
- Enhancement Tint Color Contacts: Enhancement tint color contacts do not change the color of your eyes, but "enhance" and brighten it. These color contacts are best for people who have light-colored eyes that desire a more intense, deeper color. Enhancement tints are translucent (see-through) lenses, allowing some of your natural eye color to show through. Enhancement tint color contacts are available in a variety of colors to brighten or deepen the natural color of your eyes.
- Opaque Tint Color Contacts: Opaque tints are deeper-colored tints that are used to change your eye color completely. People with dark eyes need these types of color contacts to change their eye color, as enhancement tints are not dark enough to cover their natural dark eye color. Opaque tint color contacts are available in many colors, including hazel, green, blue, violet, amethyst and gray.
Even though it's fun to change the color of your eyes, it is important to remember that color contacts are medical devices that must be worn with care. Color contacts, like regular contact lenses, must be properly cleaned and disinfected to protect your eyes. Never share color contacts, as exchanging lenses can transmit harmful bacteria that can lead to eye infections or other unwanted eye conditions. If you’re considering getting color contacts, you should have an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional. Even though it is possible to buy color contacts without a valid prescription (from beauty salons, flea markets, video stores or online), doing so is illegal and extremely dangerous. (Purchasing any type of contact lens without a valid prescription is against federal law.) It is very important for the health of your eyes and vision to be educated on methods of cleaning, disinfection, safe wear-times and follow-up exams.
Source:
American Optometric Association. Contact Lenses. AOA, 2006-09.