For many years, contact lenses have been prescribed and used strictly for vision correction purposes. But lens technology has improved on the functionality of lenses these past decades. It also allowed lenses to become a true cosmetic device, bringing attractive fashion color options to the wearer.

Color contact lenses came onto the market in the mid 1980s and have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. With the freedom to source their contacts at whatever venue they choose (with a valid prescription), wearers have also begun to think beyond just the corrective nature of lenses. They have discovered, through Internet surfing and media advertising, that contact lenses have a stylish factor and can be used to enhance or change their appearance.

There are three basic types of color contacts. A visibility tint does not affect eye color but instead carries a light blue or green hue as a means to see it better as you insert or remove it. This tinting also helps to locate the lens if you should happen to drop it. An enhancement tint is darker and is designed to amplify the natural appearance of light-colored eyes. Opaque color tints are the deepest in hue and can completely change someone’s eye color, especially those with dark eyes.

Another line of contact lenses that fall within the category of opaque color tints is the costume, or theatrical, lens. Until recently, these contacts were used primarily in the film and television industry to help transform actors into aliens, demons, or vampires. Now, these ‘fun’ contact lenses are widely available to general consumers. Eyes can have the look of jaguars, werewolves, zebras, and any number of other effects for Halloween, costume parties, and the like.

Color contact lenses appeal to a wide segment of consumers because of their cosmetic nature, but their corrective value is just as important. Color contacts are available not just in plano (non-powered), but also for near- and farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. They also come in convenient disposable brands.

Much enjoyment can be had with color contact lenses, but always keep in mind that they remain controlled medical devices. Do not let the fun factor cause you to think of them just as accessories, which may lead you to relax your caution and care. They must be prescribed by an eye doctor and, like other contacts, are not to be shared or traded. Do not even think about purchasing them in beauty salons, novelty stores, or at flea markets—which, aside from being extremely unsafe, is illegal. In addition to providing proper fit and prescription, many eye doctors will also help you in selecting the color contact lens that will best accentuate your look.