New to colored contact lenses? Read the information below to learn the basics and better understand how to choose suitable lenses.

What Are Colored Contact Lenses?

Colored contact lenses are lenses placed directly on the cornea. Depending on the product, they may be used to change or enhance the appearance of the eyes and may also provide vision correction.

Based on the rigidity of their materials, contact lenses are generally divided into three main categories:

• Rigid lenses

• Semi-rigid lenses

• Soft contact lenses

For people with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, prescription colored contact lenses may provide both vision correction and cosmetic enhancement. They can make daily activities, travel, and outdoor activities more convenient while also helping wearers achieve their preferred eye color and appearance.

Certain types of contact lenses may also be used by eye care professionals as part of the management of specific eye conditions. However, contact lenses should not be used to diagnose or treat an eye condition without professional guidance.

Before purchasing or wearing colored contact lenses, it is recommended that you receive a proper eye examination from an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or other qualified eye care professional. A professional examination can help determine whether you are suitable for contact lenses and identify the correct prescription, base curve, and lens specifications for your eyes.

Colored Contact Lens Printing Technologies

There are three main technologies commonly associated with the coloring and printing of colored contact lenses.

1. Surface Printing Technology

With surface printing technology, color pigment is printed on either the outer or inner surface of the lens.

This production method is relatively simple and inexpensive. However, lenses made using this method may provide a less comfortable wearing experience, and the printed color may be more vulnerable to fading or damage.

For these reasons, this technology has gradually been replaced by more advanced production methods and became much less common after around 2010.

2. Sandwich Printing Technology

Sandwich printing is one of the most widely used methods for manufacturing colored contact lenses.

With this technology, the color pigment is enclosed between two layers of lens material. Because the pigment is sealed inside the lens rather than being exposed on the surface, it helps prevent the color from fading and reduces direct contact between the pigment and the eye.

The manufacturing process is more complicated, but many colored contact lenses currently available on the market use this method.

3. Integrated Color Technology

The third method incorporates the color pigment into the middle layer of the lens material during production.

Like sandwich printing, this method helps prevent the pigment from fading or coming into direct contact with the eye. Its production structure may also be simpler while still providing a smooth and comfortable wearing experience.

Contact Lens Materials

Colored contact lenses may be manufactured using several types of materials. Three commonly discussed categories include:

• Conventional hydrogel materials

• Silicone hydrogel materials

• Non-ionic materials

When selecting materials, several factors should be considered, including:

• Wearing comfort

• Lens fit

• Moisture retention

• Softness

• Oxygen transmissibility

Considering these factors, we mainly select silicone hydrogel materials for applicable products. Silicone hydrogel lenses are designed to allow more oxygen to pass through the lens material than many conventional hydrogel materials, although actual performance depends on the specifications and design of each individual product.

Colored Contact Lens Patterns

Colored contact lenses are available in many different pattern designs, including:

• Radial patterns

• Dot patterns

• Mist or vapor-style patterns

• Circular patterns

• Irregular patterns

Each pattern creates a different visual effect when worn. Some designs provide a soft and natural appearance, while others create a more noticeable or defined look.

The pattern printed on a colored contact lens does not change its prescription power.

One-Tone, Two-Tone, Three-Tone, and Four-Tone Lenses

Colored contact lenses can also be categorized according to the number of colors used in their designs.

1. One-Tone Lenses

One-tone contact lenses use one main color throughout the lens design.

Black and brown are among the most common one-tone colors. These lenses generally provide a simple and consistent color effect.

2. Two-Tone Lenses

Two-tone contact lenses combine two colors or design elements.

They often include a black or dark outer ring, which can make the iris appear larger, more defined, and more sparkling.

3. Three-Tone Lenses

Three-tone contact lenses include an additional color compared with two-tone designs.

The combination of several colors can create a more layered, blended, or natural-looking transition between the pupil area, the main iris color, and the outer ring.

Different three-tone patterns are available to suit different natural eye colors and personal styles.

4. Four-Tone Lenses

Four-tone colored contact lenses add another color or design layer to a three-tone pattern.

In addition to the colors used within the main iris design, four-tone lenses may include a gray or black outer ring to create a stronger enlarging and defining effect.

Oxygen Transmissibility

Some people who are new to contact lenses may initially experience discomfort while wearing colored contact lenses.

One possible reason is that the cornea is not receiving enough oxygen. Unlike many other parts of the body, the cornea receives oxygen directly from the surrounding air. A contact lens covers the cornea, so its oxygen transmissibility is an important factor in lens performance and wearing comfort.

If a lens does not allow sufficient oxygen to pass through, the wearer may experience discomfort or other eye-related problems.

When choosing colored contact lenses, you should carefully review the product’s oxygen-transmission properties, material, recommended wearing time, and replacement schedule.

Individual comfort may vary, so an eye examination and professional fitting are recommended.

Contact Lens Wearing Tips

1. Remove Your Lenses Before Sleeping

Always remove your contact lenses before sleeping unless the specific lenses have been approved for overnight wear and an eye care professional has advised you to wear them overnight.

Removing the lenses gives the cornea more access to oxygen and helps reduce the risks associated with improper extended wear.

2. Contact Lens Power May Differ From Glasses Power

Eyeglasses sit a short distance in front of the eyes, while contact lenses rest directly on the cornea.

Because of this difference in distance, known as vertex distance, the appropriate prescription power for contact lenses may differ from the prescription power used for eyeglasses, particularly for stronger prescriptions.

For some people with myopia, the contact lens power may be lower than their eyeglass power.

Do not select contact lens power solely by copying your eyeglass prescription. Consult an eye care professional to determine the correct contact lens prescription.

3. Remove Your Lenses Before Swimming

Always remove your contact lenses before swimming.

Water may contain microorganisms that can contaminate the lenses and increase the risk of eye irritation or infection. This applies to swimming pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs, and other bodies of water.

You should also avoid showering while wearing contact lenses unless otherwise advised by a qualified eye care professional.

Important Reminder

Colored contact lenses are products worn directly on the eyes. Always follow the product instructions, replacement schedule, hygiene requirements, and advice provided by your eye care professional.

Never share contact lenses with another person. Do not wear expired, damaged, contaminated, or improperly stored lenses.

If you experience pain, redness, blurred vision, unusual discharge, sensitivity to light, swelling, or persistent discomfort, remove the lenses immediately and seek professional eye care.