Colored contact lenses are accessories that allow you to change the color of the iris. They can be graduated, therefore real medical devices to correct vision problems, or not. Non-prescription lenses are purely aesthetic. To get a good result, choose a pair that will make the most of you.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Pair of Contact Lenses
Step 1. Discover the world of colored contact lenses
Aesthetic lenses change the color of the iris. They can be similar to the natural color (so they will help to enhance it) or completely different. The result varies from person to person.
- Opaque lenses are intended to fully cover the natural color of the iris. If you have dark eyes, you will need this type of lens to change the natural color.
- There are also lenses that have the sole function of enhancing the natural color of the eyes. If you have them clear, they can simply liven them up, but in some cases they change them too. However, they have no effect on dark eyes.
- Consider colored contact lenses that define the outline of the iris (the Adore brand produces them). They create a discreet yet intense effect, especially for light eyes. The result is discreet because you do not immediately understand what is different about the person who wears them, but at the same time you certainly notice a change.
- Personalized contact lenses (such as prosthetic ones) or specific for sports are becoming more and more popular. The latter have both an aesthetic and a practical function, because the color can favor one's sporting performance. Colored lenses can reduce glare, improve contrast sensitivity, and increase depth perception. For example, a tennis player might wear green contact lenses to see the ball more clearly.
Step 2. Determine the color of your skin
A dark complexion can be hot or cold. In the first case, it has a yellow or peach undertone, while in the second it has a pink, red or bluish undertone. There are people who have a neutral complexion, halfway between hot and cold.
- Do you have a complexion that tends more to the olive? If so, you have a warm undertone. Do colors like bright white, black or silver look better on you? It is possible that your undertone is cool, and brown, amber or green lenses will likely suit you best.
- If you have lighter skin, the best way to tell if it has a warm or cool undertone is to look at the veins. If they turn blue, you probably have a cool undertone. If they look green, it is likely to be hot.
Step 3. Consider the natural color of your eyes
Many dark-skinned girls have dark eyes, but that's not a universal rule. If you have light eyes, you can achieve a subtle effect with green or blue contact lenses. If they are dark, you may want to choose opaque lenses.
- Hazel or honey-brown lenses are more natural for dark eyes, while light-colored lenses, such as blue, purple or green, tend to be more noticeable.
- You can also decide to enhance the natural eye color by using contact lenses of a similar shade.
Step 4. Consider the hair
After the skin, the hair is the first thing that is noticed by others in the eye area. If your hair is dark, consider dark lenses, such as dark blue or purple.
- If you have eye-catching hair color (for example platinum blonde) or two-tone, you may want to choose equally intense lenses, such as opaque emerald green or ice blue.
- If you don't dye your hair, the intense effect lenses can look even more eye-catching. Try out different colors before making a final decision.
Step 5. Think about the effect you want to achieve
Do you prefer an eye-catching result or do you just want to enhance the natural eye color? Colored contact lenses can help have both effects.
- If you have dark eyes, using clear or bright contact lenses will definitely make them stand out.
- You could buy various types of lenses to try out different effects on different occasions. For example, you could buy a pair to go to work and another to go out.
Step 6. Observe the effect under different lights
Consider variations in the result from low to bright light. Gradually move from one area to another (if necessary, have a small mirror handy) to examine the changes.
- Consider where you will wear colored lenses most often. Are you going to wear them to go dancing or for everyday life?
- If you've narrowed it down to two colors, try one on each eye at the same time and examine the effect based on the intensity of the light. This will make it easier for you to choose.
- Remember that you can always buy more than one pair of colored lenses for different purposes.
Step 7. Talk to an eye doctor
Remember that contact lenses, even cosmetic ones, are medical devices. While they don't require an eye prescription, they should fit your eye. Optical stores will always ask you for a recipe.
- Lenses that do not fit the eye or that are of poor quality generally cause eye injury or infection.
- Avoid buying them on the internet, at a costume shop, at the flea market or on the street.
Part 2 of 2: Caring for Contact Lenses
Step 1. Learn about the different types of contact lenses
Whether they are graduated or aesthetic, there are different types. Almost all lenses are soft, so they are flexible and allow the cornea to oxygenate. They can be daily (disposable), weekly, fortnightly or monthly. There are also rigid ones (RGP, "rigid permeable gases").
- Contact lenses can also be bifocal.
- Although the lenses are fortnightly or monthly, you must take them off every night before going to sleep.
- RGPs may be the most suitable lenses for allergy sufferers.
- The RGPs once had a reputation for "falling out" of the eye, but with the new models the convenience and portability have been greatly improved.
- Soft lenses are more likely to shift under the eyelid or fold into the eye.
Step 2. Wear your lenses following any instructions given to you
Lens wearers are at increased risk of corneal infections. Using them without following directions (such as wearing daily ones for a week or keeping them at night) can damage the cornea temporarily or in the long term.
- Protein accumulations occur especially with soft lenses and lenses that can be used for a long time. This can cause allergies.
- Poor hygiene or misuse often causes infections.
Step 3. Learn about the risks associated with wearing contact lenses
The lenses are quite widespread and easy to carry, but the use is not without dangers. Eye infections, corneal scratches, allergic reactions with symptoms such as itching, redness and tearing are among the most common side effects, even if you follow all the instructions.
- If you decide to wear them, you must make a commitment to take care of your lenses and eyes.
- If you wear cosmetic lenses, make sure they are from a reputable brand.
- All contact lens sellers will require you to have an eye prescription, even if they are not prescription. The fact is that this device has to adapt to your eye conformation: if the lenses are not suitable, they could damage your eyes or even cause blindness.
Step 4. Consider your medical history
If you tend to have frequent eye infections, chronic dry eye or bad allergies, the lenses won't be comfortable at all. You should avoid them even if you work in an environment full of airborne particles.
- If you think you will have a hard time cleaning and caring for your contact lenses, you may want to avoid wearing them.
- If you wear contact lenses, you need to take them off every night. In the event that your evening commitments are rather variable and the hours are irregular, you should prefer glasses. If you are planning to use only cosmetic lenses, be sure to carry a case with you to store them when your eyes feel fatigued and need to take them off.
Step 5. Keep your lenses clean
Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching them. It is recommended to clean the case every day and change it at least every 3 months.
- Never share your lenses with someone else.
- Homemade contact lens solutions can cause serious eye infections. This product should always be bought in an optical shop.
Step 6. Watch your eyes
If you start to experience eye discomfort or fatigue, take off your lenses and see your eye doctor. If your eyes start to hurt, itchy, redden, and watery, you may have an infection or injury. If they become particularly sensitive to light or your vision is blurred, go to the ophthalmologist.
- If you feel the presence of a foreign body in the eye, it is possible that it is a corneal abrasion.
- When you notice these symptoms, take off your contact lenses right away.
Advice
To be on the safe side, buy contact lenses from an optician
Warnings
- Don't buy any lenses, especially on the internet. They should be from a reputable brand and fit your eye.
- Never clean or freshen contact lenses with saliva.
- Remember that all lenses carry risks, including corneal abrasions, allergic reactions, even blindness.
