At the moment, it's believed that very few contact lens users realize that they're possible candidates for colored contact lenses. Many of them don't know that there has been a large increase in the availability and color choices for colored lenses. Even when they do realize it, most are hesitant at first to give colored contact lenses a try.

But this shouldn't be a cause for concern. The new color can be a slight or a big departure from your original eye color, and that is partly what makes trying out colored contact lenses a lot more fun.

Although your vision might not require them, you must get a prescription from an eye doctor before you can get colored contact lenses. A "plano prescription" is the name given to a prescription for contact lenses which do not correct eyesight.

It states how wide and how curved each eye is and is meant to ensure that you get properly fitting lenses. Of course if they are not right for you, it won't be hard to tell. The discomfort you experience will be painful and unremitting.

Some people mistakenly believe that they can share colored contact lenses if these aren't prescribed for correcting vision. Don't do it! This can be an extremely dangerous habit.

The size and shape of the lenses can be all wrong for another person. They may cause pain, and - if the lenses were not properly cleaned - even serious eye infection from harmful bacteria.

When considering the world of colored contact lenses, there are many options to consider, and it is best to understand all of them.

Opaque colored lenses, for instance, are the best choice for a person who wishes to change the color of his eyes completely. Colored lenses are in fact tinted, and in addition to changing color, you will discover other kinds of tints, but not all of them are formulated to change the color of a person's eyes.

Another good thing about colored lenses is that they are simpler to handle because they're more easily seen. If you've ever dropped your clear contact lens on the floor or seen someone else searching for theirs, you know how hard these are to find.

Colored tint lenses, however, are more visible to the eye and are therefore easier to locate after you have dropped them. Enhancement tints have a stronger tint that can even intensify and enhance a person's natural eye color.

Lots of people who play outdoor sports prefer lenses that provide UV/UB ray protection. The special tints on these lenses can minimize glare in order to aid vision and improve performance.

Regarding solar protection, there are even colored contact lenses that become darker like sunglass lenses when they are exposed to sunlight. When indoors, the color becomes transparent again.