There are so many brands of colored contact lenses on the market today, you are bound to find the exact shade you're searching for. Selecting the correct color selection depends on your natural eye color, hair color, skin tone, and the degree of change you want. Ophthalmologists and optometrists will let you have a free in-office trial to see whether a given type of lens is right for you. Don't purchase unless you are completely satisfied with the change you see in the office, since a lens that looks good in an advertisement may not look good on you.

Colored contact lenses range from slightly tinted to completely opaque. The lightest tints enhance natural eye color without changing it, while it is possible to change the color of even dark brown eyes with the completely opaque lenses. Technology and design have improved considerably since colored contacts were first introduced onto the market, and the new color looks completely natural. Rather than being monochromatic, newer models combine at least 3 shades to create subtle, natural depth.

The lowest level of color is called a visibility tint. These colored contact lenses are lightly tinted to make it easier for the wearer to find the lens if it is dropped. Such a light tint does not affect eye color. Enhancement tints are translucent colors meant to enhance the natural eye color. These are slightly darker than a visibility tint. Color tints are darker and more opaque lenses that change eye color, and these come in a wide array of specialty colors, including amethyst, violet, and green.

There are even novelty lenses available for costume parties and Halloween, featuring such patterns as cat and reptile eyes. This can be a great way to complete a costume.

Because only the area covering the iris is colored, these lenses do not color the wearer's vision. The opening for the pupil has been optimized in size so that the colored portion will not be noticed by the wearer. The exception is specialty contact lenses with a light-filtering tint. These colored contact lenses are designed for athletes and sports fans. They enhance certain colors and mute others, just like sunglasses. For example, contact lenses for tennis players would enhance optic yellow, the color of tennis balls.

Colored contacts are available for people with perfect vision, but it is still safest to buy them ( the first pair, anyway) from an optometrist, who will perform a pre-sale eye exam to rule out any eye problems that would make wearing contacts inadvisable. Conditions which would preclude contact lens wear are the inability to produce enough tears (dry eye syndrome), constant exposure to fumes, a history of viral infection of the cornea, or an inability to take proper care of contact lenses with regard to hygiene.

Colored contacts are available in all the same prescription strengths as regular contacts, as well as for patients with astigmatism. Like standard contact lenses, they come in disposable as well as non-disposable brands. For instance, Dura-Soft sells non-disposables, while other manufacturers such as Fresh Look sell disposables. Depending on the brand and how well the non-disposables are cared for, they can last for 45 to 180 days.

Colored lenses require the exact same care as regular contact lenses. Never share your contacts lenses with anyone.

Once you have had an eye exam and have settled on the brand you like best, many websites offer great deals on contact lenses. One pair of colored contacts usually retails for around $15-$20, depending on the brand, and two pairs for $25- $36. However, shopping around on several websites may net a special sale for a lower price.

Once you get your first pair of colored contacts, you may like them so much that you purchase additional colors to match your every mood or outfit.