Cosmetic contact lenses come in a variety of tints and patterns, offering you a fun and dramatic way to change your appearance. Even those who don't normally wear contacts or glasses can enjoy the stunning visual effects of theatrically designed lenses. Cosmetic contact lenses are popular with people of all ages, from kids to adults.

Colored lenses are also alternatives for individuals who have suffered eye trauma or are vision impaired. In some cases, lenses may be custom-designed to offer outstanding results.

Cosmetic Contacts vs. Corrective Contacts

Cosmetic contacts, available in gas-permeable and soft lens styles, can be worn for several weeks or discarded after one use. Most manufacturers carry lines of contacts exclusively designed for temporarily altering a person's eye color. Non-corrective, or plano lenses, along with their prescription counterparts, enhance natural eye color or noticeably change it.

Few differences exist between cosmetic and corrective contacts. The only real difference is that cosmetic contacts often don't contain a prescription and don't improve vision.

Choices in Cosmetic Contacts

You might have seen actors in the movies or on television sporting cosmetic contacts. These nonprescription colored contact lenses allow actors to achieve certain looks that otherwise would be unattainable.

Cosmetic lenses in outrageous patterns are also widely known as theatrical, novelty or costume contacts. These special effects are wildly popular and are attention-grabbers wherever they're worn. Costume contacts can make your eyes look cat-esque, demonic or completely white by covering your pupils.

Colored Cosmetic Contact Categories

Colored cosmetic contacts fall into three categories:

• Color Tints: Color-tinted contacts add the most drama and depth to your eyes. You can get sports team logos in your contacts, or you might want a pair featuring graphic flames or zebra patterns. Individuals with congenital eye deformities, traumatic eye injury or light sensitivities can also take advantage of color tints with the guidance of a professional.
• Enhancement Tints: Actually translucent, these colored contacts increase the beauty of existing eye color. As the name implies, theses cosmetic contacts enhance, or intensify, with a solid-shaded surface that mimics normal eye patterns.
• Light-Filtering Tints: Outdoor enthusiasts are finding that light-filtering lenses can be extremely helpful in battling bright sunshine. For instance, golfers gain visibility with a green-gray tint, and amber shades appear to help baseball players by filtering out blue. These contacts also provide limited UV protection.

Risks of Using Cosmetic Contacts

All contact lenses can cause eye infections or injury if they are not properly cared for or are worn incorrectly. Cosmetic contacts purchased over the counter or from a non-regulated company present greater danger.

If possible, have the lenses fitted by a professional because eye shape varies from person to person and an ill-fitting lens could increase the risk of injury or irritation.

When wearing costume contacts, individuals should:

• avoid them if they suffer from allergies or dry eye syndrome
• avoid dusty or windy environments as much as possible.
• not wear these lenses at night, as some cosmetic contacts cannot accommodate pupil. enlargement, which is vital to nighttime vision.

How to Purchase Colored Contacts

By law, you must have a prescription to purchase cosmetic contacts, whether or not the lenses are for vision correction. Be wary of any company or retailer that offers lenses without an eye doctor's approval. Imports not regulated by the FDA carry a higher risk of eye damage.

Licensed practitioners will gladly help you make the right choice in cosmetic lenses, whether it's for everyday enhancement or for a special event.

Making a Choice in Everyday Colored Contacts

Eye color genes dictate the natural color of your eyes. However, with colored contacts you can choose your eye color. Most colored contacts are inexpensive, which allows for experimentation.

A rainbow of colored lenses is available, including:

• aqua contacts
• blue eye contacts
• blue-gray contacts
• brown contacts
• green contacts
• hazel contacts
• violet contacts.

When choosing a color, think about how people will react to your eye color. Studies have shown that people perceive gray-eyed people as more intelligent and those with blue eyes as gentle by nature. Green translates to sexy while individuals with brown eyes are considered to be more trustworthy.