COLORED CONTACT
LENSES: THE BASICS

Prescription colored contacts are available in single-vision prescriptions, which correct vision at only one viewing distance. Single-vision prescriptions correct refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness (with or without astigmatism).

However, colored contact lenses are not able to accommodate bifocal or multifocal prescriptions, which require lenses to have two or more corrective powers. These lens types correct near, far and sometimes intermediate-range vision.

Colored contact lenses that offer no vision correction may be referred to as “non-prescription” because they don’t include a vision-correcting prescription. But even without vision correction, you need a contact lens exam and prescription from an eye doctor to buy colored contacts.

The tint of colored contact lenses varies in intensity to fit every preference. Some contacts are slightly tinted to emphasize your current eye color, while others are more opaque to fully transform the color of your eyes. Here are the different tint options for colored contact lenses:

Visibility tint

• Faint tinting to the lens that will not affect your eye color
• Also called a handling tint, it helps you locate your contact if you drop it, or when inserting or removing it from your eye
• Most regular contacts come with a light blue or green visibility tint

Enhancement tint

• Solid but translucent tint that is slightly darker than visibility tint
• Designed to enhance your natural eye color, or make it more intense, rather than change it completely
• Work best on light-colored eyes

Blended tint

• Gradient effect that gradually becomes more opaque from the outside edges in as it blends translucent and opaque tints
• Offers a more natural appearance while still changing eye color

Blended tint

• Opaque tint
• Highly pigmented and non-translucent tint that covers the natural eye color
• Great option for people whose natural eye color is dark
• Comes in many colors and special effects options

Just like with regular contacts, there are some important things you should do — and things you should avoid — to keep your eyes healthy and prevent contact lens complications.

You SHOULD

• Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contacts.
• Practice proper lens care, such as cleaning, disinfecting and storing your contacts properly.
• Stop wearing your contacts if you are sick, are experiencing severe allergies or eye strain, or have an eye infection.
• Replace your contacts according to their replacement schedule (daily, monthly, etc.).

You SHOULD NOT:

• Share your contact lenses. Sharing contacts exponentially raises your risk of developing an eye infection. Plus, your contacts were specifically prescribed to correct your vision and fit your eyes, not someone else’s.
• Continue wearing contacts if your eyes become irritated when wearing them. Talk to your eye doctor if you experience discomfort when wearing your contacts.
• Wear your contacts longer than their intended use.
• Sleep, swim or shower in your contacts.

If you’re looking for a way to change your look and express your individuality, colored contact lenses may be right for you.