Are there different types of colored contacts?

If you want to dress up your appearance, there's really no limit on what you can do these days. Dye your hair, bedazzle your nails, wear colored contact lenses -- the possibilities are endless. But when it comes to buying colored contacts, you might have realized that there are, in fact, too many options. Let's go over different types of colored contacts to help you decide which ones are best for you. 

What are colored contacts?

Colored contacts are lenses designed to look like the iris, which is the colored part of your eye. Because this area is made up of unique shapes and lines, some color contacts are decorated with colored dots or lines to give the lenses a more natural look. Because the part of the lens that sits on your pupil is clear, you'll still be able to see clearly with colored contacts. 

What are the different types of colored contacts?

Most colored contacts are available in both non-prescription and prescription to fit your needs. These are the most common types of colored contacts (or color tints): 

• Enhancement tint - A solid tint just dark enough to enhance the natural color of your eyes. Colored contacts with this type of tint usually are best for people with light-colored eyes who want to increase the intensity of their eye color. 

• Opaque tint - A non-transparent tint that can completely change the way your eye looks. If you have naturally dark eyes, you'll want this type of tint. Color contacts with opaque tints come in a large variety of colors, including blue, green, hazel, violet, brown, and gray. Costume contact lenses (such as white, black, red, or cat eye) also fit into this category. (See tips on buying safe contact lenses for Halloween here.) 

• Toricolors  - Tinted lenses specificaly for people with astigmatism. This is a new product we've been anticipating for awhile now. Check out toricolor lenses here. 

• Visibility tint - A light blue or green tint that can be added to help you find your contacts easier during insertion or if you drop it. This type of tint is not cosmetic and doesn't change your eye color. 

Which types of colored contacts are the best?

To find the right colored contacts for you, follow your contact lens prescription and always order from an FDA-approved supplier. Since all of our contacts are FDA approved, they require a contact lens prescription just like any other brand.  You may be able to try our ExpressExam and receive a prescription for colored contacts if you have an existing contact lens prescription. For more details, reach out to one of our experienced agents anytime.

You can also visit your eye care provider for a routine exam and mention that you'd like to try colored contacts. Your eye doctor will help you decide on the best option for your prescription and eye shape. Then you'll be ready to change your eye color just as often as you change your clothes.