Contact Lenses and Care
Wearing Colour Contact Lenses
5 mins read
Imagine what life was like before the modern age. If you were nearsighted, or had any other vision problem, there was nothing you could do about it. You staggered about in a haze, unable to see properly—bumping into things (when you weren’t falling into or off them).
Then came the breakthrough—glasses. These were undoubtedly a great step forward, but initially they were ugly objects, fitted with thick, heavy distorting lenses. Then improvements brought in spectacles which corrected vision more accurately—and technology which did so via lighter, well-designed lenses and frames.
Since then, we have done remarkable things as a species, but one of the most life-enhancing has been the next major vision correction development: soft and rigid contact lenses. Today, these can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism or a combination of all three—all at once. Even presbyopia can nowadays be corrected with contact lenses.
So if you have ever thought that modern life represented a step backwards, compared to a romantic or preferable past, think again.
A lens to play with colours
All this progress paves the way for another innovation: the arrival of colours contact lenses. You may have perfect sight and just want a cosmetic change, a complement to a new outfit for a special occasion. Maybe something scary for Halloween. Well, there are non-prescription lenses available, but the good news is that almost anyone wanting to add colour to their prescription lenses can join the party as well.
You can change your appearance simply by popping a colour piece of polymer onto your eye, built around a precise prescription. It’s been possible for some time, but the effect is rare enough to pack a real punch when you try it. Just be ready for comments ranging from “there’s something different about you, but I’m not sure what” through to “Wow, look at those eyes!”.
Colour contact lenses can do amazing things, adding depth, definition and brightness. Friends and family really will notice the change, even when you use a colour lens to subtly enhance your natural eye shade. If they don’t notice the change right away, that’s a compliment to your choice: your lenses fit right in and the new look really suits you!
How do multifocals work?2
The most established form of spectacles for people with presbyopia is the simple pair of reading glasses. These correct for near vision, but if you look through them into the distance, all you see is a blur. Anyone who uses reading glasses soon gets used to pushing them down their nose—peering over the top to talk to someone, watch TV or focus on a computer screen. Hence the name ‘half-readers’.
The next step up is a pair of bifocals. As the name implies (bi meaning two), traditional bifocal lenses incorporate two different prescriptions. The top half covers distance vision and the bottom ‘window’ is for near distance vision, such as reading.
Which colour contact lens is right for you?
A good way to select your new look is to use a virtual colour contact lens try on to preview your appearance with a particular eye colour. Then visit your optician for an eye check, contact lens fitting and prescription.
If you choose to wear daily disposable lenses, you can then experiment further, trying different colours with different outfits—or to suit your mood. Daily disposables are super convenient, letting you choose a new colour for every occasion, then move on to another colour for the next day or occasion. If you plan on wearing just one favorite colour every day, you might prefer to go for monthly contact lenses. It’s up to you.
Start with a fitting from an eye optician
We always advise sourcing quality lenses from your eye optician, so that you stay close to a trusted and safe source of fitting and guidance, but there are multiple online options too. Just make sure you order the right ones!
And remember: prescription colour contact lenses are often sold in multipacks of the same corrective strength, so if your eyes require different prescriptions, you’ll need to order a box per eye. The bonus is you’ll have a backup or the next replacement pair, ready to go.
Have fun with colour, and protect your eyes
If you are already used to wearing contact lenses, moving to colour contact lenses represents no more of a change than ordering a new supply. If however, you are not used to lenses, or shifting to a different type, it’s vital to remember that cosmetic improvements will come at a price if you don’t care properly for your lenses and eyes. This includes professional fitting, then following the instructions on how to apply, remove and care for the lenses.
This means you need to handle daily disposables or monthlies with respect and keep them clean. Soak monthly contact lenses in fresh, clean solution overnight; never wear your contact lenses when sleeping, showering or swimming; always insert and remove them with clean and dry hands; and only use lenses for as long as instructed.
The result? Contact lenses that will add colour and excitement to your life!
Products You Might Be Interested In
FRESHLOOK™ ONE-DAY COLOR
The perfect choice for those who want fresh new lenses every day. A daily lens that enhances your eye colour.
AIR OPTIX™ COLORS
Enhance your eye colour in our replacement coloured contact lens.
OPTI-FREE™ PUREMOIST™
Excellent disinfection1,2 and long-lasting moisture3-5
REFERENCES
1. Gabriel MM, McAnally C, Bartell J. Antimicrobial Efficacy of Multipurpose Disinfecting Solutions in the Presence of Contact Lenses and Lens Cases. Eye Contact Lens. 2018;44(2):125-131.
2. Kern J, Kappell G, Callan M, et al. Antimicrobial properties of a novel contact lens disinfecting solution, OPTI-FREE™ EverMoist™. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2011;34(Supp 1):S30.
3. OPTI-FREE™ Puremoist™ package insert; Alcon data on file.
4. Lally J, Ketelson H, Borazjani R, et al. A new lens care solution provides moisture and comfort with today’s contact lenses. Optician. 2011;241(6296):42-46.
5. Davis J, Ketelson HA, Shows A, Meadows DL. A lens care solution designed for wetting silicone hydrogel materials. ARVO Meeting Abstracts April 11, 2010 51:3417.
For contact lenses and contact lens care: Consult your eye care professional for wear, care, precautions, warnings, contraindications and adverse effects.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
All content on this website is for informational purposes only, always talk to your health professional regarding your eye health or medical conditions.
©2025 Alcon Laboratories Pty Ltd. AUS: 1800 224 153; Auckland NZ: 0800 101 106. ANZ-VC-2500021
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