Color contact lenses can be used to change the color of the eye anytime, even one in the morning and another in the evening. Contact lenses are more useful if the color of the eye has to be strengthened, that is, green colored eye can be made greener with a contact lens. The main advantage of color contact lenses is that even people without visual problems can use colored contact lenses.



There are four types of colored contact lenses: opaque color tint, visibility tint, enhancement tint and light filtering tint. Color contact lenses come with either visual correction (called" Plano" lenses) without visual correction.

Opaque color tints are also called as costume or theatrical lenses. These lenses are used in movies for special eye effects.

Visibility tint: A visibility tint is usually a light blue or green tint added to the contact lens. This color is exclusively used to help to see them better if dropped on the floor, during insertion and removal. Since they are very light, they do not affect the original color of the eyes.

Enhancement tint: As the name implies, enhancement tint is used to enhance the existing color of the eye. It is used by people who want to make the color of their eyes more intense. It is a solid translucent tint that is a bit darker than visibility tint.

Color tints: Color tints are usually made of patterns of solid colors and come in a wide range of colors like hazel, violet, blue, green and gray. They dramatically change the color of the eye and are deeper, opaque tints.

Color contact lenses are manufactured to look as natural as possible, some are available with a series of tiny colored dots on the lens and the center of the lenses are clear for visibility. A more recent development is the Light filtering tints designed for sports use since they enhance certain colors like yellow for tennis balls. Thus the ball stands out against the background making it easier to target. Light filtering contact lenses are also exclusively manufactured for golfers to distinguish between the various greens on a golf course. Other contact lenses for trap shoolers, skiers and other sports enthusiasts and even for spectators are also available.

There are certain disadvantages of color contacts. During blinking, the colored portion may slide over the pupil. To accommodate varying light conditions, the size of the pupil changes and therefore at times the pupil may be larger than the center of the lenses. At such times, the vision may be slightly affected.

Color contact lenses can be worn on a disposable basis, daily wear basis or an extended week basis. Colored contact lenses can be worn up to one week continuously before being removed and cleaned. After removal the lens must be cleaned, rinsed and disinfected well. They should be cleaned in solutions approved by the FDA and manufactured by reputable companies-never compromise on quality, never leave the lenses exposed to dust or air. While the lenses are in use a lubricating solution can be used, if recommended, to give comfort.

Colored contact lenses have all the advantages of an ordinary lens and are available both as around the clock lenses and monthly lenses. Most of the color contact lenses have inbuilt ultraviolet radiation protection that protects eyes against the sun's injurious rays. Ultraviolet blocker is provided in a clear form and does not disturb the vision.

Any persistent problem of the eye should be consulted with an eye doctor.