"A great way to give you a subtle or dramatic change is with colored contact lenses. Manufacturers currently make a wide range of different color contacts in both prescription and non-prescription form with colors available to make your eyes sizzle!"

There are four types of colored contact lenses; visibility tints, enhancement tints, opaque color tints and light filtering tints, each offering something a bit different.

Regardless if you will be purchasing color contacts for prescription or plano (non-prescription) form you will need to have a valid eye prescription. In the United States it is law that you have a prescription for any contact lenses purchases, whether they are prescription or not. An eyecare practitioner can include any optometrists, ophthalmologist or even opticians (in some states). This is because it is necessary to achieve the right shape, lens size and material for each individuals eyes. Improperly fitted lenses can lead to serious eye problems and infection.

Once you have the proper eye prescription you are free to purchase your colored discount contact lenses wherever you please. It is also important to have a yearly check up to ensure your lenses are still fitting properly and you prescription hasn't changed.

Four Different Tints:

Colored contact lenses are available in four different tints. The visibility tint usually has a light blue or green tint added to the lens, for the sole purpose of helping you to better see the lenses during insertion and removal. The tint also aids in seeing if they are dropped, because the tint is so light they do not affect eye color. The enhancement tints are a solid (yet translucent) tint that is not much darker than the visibility tint but does affect the wearer's eye color. As the name implies the lenses enhance the existing color of the eyes. The enhancement tints are a nice yet subtle change for those just wanting to add a bit of intensity to their eye color.

Color tints are a deeper, opaque tint allowing the wearer to dramatically change their eye color. For anyone wanting a completely new look these are the color contacts to choose. Some of the lovely tints available come in colors such as; blue, gray, true sapphire, green, turquoise, Caribbean aqua, sea green and pacific blue to name a few. The various tints are usually made up with a series of colorful shapes, lines or dots to mimic the look of the natural eye.

Special Effects Contact Lenses:

Costume and theatrical lenses also fall into the same category of opaque color contacts. These special effect lenses are available in prescription and non-prescription form. The lenses are an excellent choice for any theatrical production, television or advertising needs, and for most people a great addition to any Halloween costume. The special effect contact lenses come in exciting designs like jaguar, cat eye, alien zebra, blackout (changing the eye color to black), white-out (changing the eye color to white), red hot, bloodshot and wolf designs. The special effect contact lenses are just as safe as your regular contact lenses provided they are cared for in the same way. Check with your eyecare practitioner for the proper cleaning regimen, and remember to never share your lenses.

Sports Contact Lenses Help Enhance Your Game:

The light-filtering tints are specifically made for use in sports. The special lenses enhance certain colors while muting others. One of the popular light-filtering tints comes in optic yellow, the color of tennis balls and golf balls. The tints allow for the ball to stand out against the background therefore making it easier to target, the colored contacts are also an excellent option for spectators.

Shy or Outgoing -There is a Color for You:

For those purchasing colored contacts for the first time deciding what color is best can be a difficult decision especially with all the options available. Personality has a lot to do with what color might be most appropriate for you. If you are a bold and outgoing person who doesn't mind being the center of attention, a color that is opposite your natural eye color might be best. An example would be someone with brown eyes wearing contact lenses in a green or blue shade. On the other hand if you are a bit more reserved and shy you may choose lenses that don't get you quite as noticed, an example would be a blue eyed person going with a shade of gray. The enhancement tints are great for a deepening affect that doesn't change your eyes at all, but still manages to give a sparkle to your look.

The advantage to the disposable color contacts is with all the available choices if you purchase a pair that you don't feel best suit your given personality and appearance you can always switch them to a different color at little cost.

If your colored contacts are for prescription wear you'll want to choose lenses that are compatible with your needs and find a wear schedule appropriate for you. Some examples of the different disposable lenses available are; frequent replacement contacts which are replaced monthly or quarterly; disposable lenses needing replacement daily, weekly or every two weeks and the traditional or reusable lenses which need replacing about every six months or longer. The replacement schedule that will be best for you is based on how your eyes behave while wearing the lenses. Some people need to replace their lenses more frequently as their eyes produce more protein and lipids (causing build-up on the lenses) than others. Whether you decide on a regular pair of lenses or disposables will depend on your individual needs.

Conclusion:

It is important when owning colored contacts to never share the contacts, even if they are just for novelty use in non-prescription form. This is because sharing lenses can transmit harmful bacteria leading to possible eye infections or serious eye conditions. Another reason to never share is that your contact lenses are fitted specifically for you, sharing with someone else can cause abrasion or eye damage.

The color contact lenses are a unique and fun way to change or enhance your look. With all the available colors it might be difficult to make a choice. It is important to remember that colored contact lenses are medical devices and if not properly prescribed and fitted a person could suffer discomfort, abrasion, swelling and in some instances permanent eye damage. Always treat your contact lenses with care to ensure proper eye health.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Eyewear-4U http://www.eyewear-4u.com, an eyewear site featuring fashion eyewear, sports eyewear, prescription eyewear, discount sunglasses and contact lenses as well as accessories.