Key Takeaways
- Coloured contact lenses are available with prescription correction for nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia)
- A contact lens exam and valid prescription are important, even for purely cosmetic lenses.
- Only purchase lenses from approved sources to reduce the risk of damage to your eyes.
- Different tints work differently depending on your natural eye colour.
- Proper care and fit are just as important for coloured lenses as they are for regular contacts.
You’ve probably seen coloured contacts on social media or in stores and wondered if they could work for you, especially if you already wear glasses or regular contacts. At Orchard Park Optometry, we think colourful contacts are a great option, but it is important to go through a professional to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Yes, coloured contact lenses are available with prescription options, so you can change your eye colour and correct your vision at the same time.
What to Know Before Your First Pair
A Prescription Is Still Required
Contact lenses are medical devices. That applies to every type, including coloured ones. Even if you have perfect vision and want coloured lenses purely for looks, we still require a valid prescription and a proper contact lens fitting before we recommend you wear them.
A contact lens exam checks more than just your vision. It measures the shape and size of your eye to find a lens that fits properly, and it also helps decide on a type that could work if you have specific concerns like dry eye. An Optometrist can assess both your prescription needs and the right fit for your specific eyes, so you’re not guessing when it comes to something that sits on your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye).
Not All Coloured Lenses Are Recommended
It’s important to know that not all contact lenses are made equal. Coloured contacts sold at costume shops, pop-up kiosks, or some online retailers may not be approved by Health Canada. They may not meet Canadian regulatory requirements for health & safety.
Wearing unapproved lenses raises your risk of eye irritation, corneal damage, eye pain, and in some cases, serious infections that can lead to blindness. We recommend sticking to lenses sourced through a licensed eye care provider to keep your eyes protected. Once you have your lenses, following proper contact lens care routines is very important.
Types of Coloured Contact Tints
Subtle to Dramatic Options
Not all coloured lenses make the same kind of change. There are 3 main tint levels, each giving a different result:
- Visibility tint: A faint blue or green tint added only to help you find a dropped lens, which adds no colour change to your eye.
- Enhancement tint: A translucent tint that deepens or intensifies your natural eye colour without completely changing it.
- Opaque tint: A solid, non-transparent colour that fully changes the appearance of your eye colour.
Which Tint Works for You?
Your natural eye colour plays a big role in which tint will actually show up the way you want it to. If you have light-coloured eyes, an enhancement or blended tint may give you a soft, natural-looking change.
If you have dark eyes, you’ll likely need an opaque tint for the colour difference to be visible at all. An enhancement tint on dark eyes may not have the effect you’re looking for. Our team at your contact lens fitting can show you samples and help you match the right tint to your natural colouring.
Wearing and Caring for Coloured Contacts
Daily Habits That Matter
Coloured contacts follow the same care rules as regular contacts. Here are some general guidelines for taking care of contact lenses:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses.
- Never sleep, swim, or shower while wearing contacts.
- Never share your lenses with anyone, even family members.
- Replace your contact lens case every 3 months, or as directed on the packaging.
- Never top up old contact lens solution.
These are just some beginning contact lens care tips. During a fitting, our team can go through all the guidelines with you so you feel informed and confident to take care of your lenses.
Comfort and Fit
Coloured lenses tend to be slightly thicker than standard clear contacts. Most people adapt to this quickly, but it’s worth knowing before you try them for the first time.
If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or like something is stuck in them, take the lenses out. Don’t push through discomfort.
Whether they’re daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, follow the recommended replacement schedule. Using them past their intended wear period raises your risk of irritation and infection. If dryness becomes a pattern, it may be worth asking the doctor about dry eye treatment options that can make lens wear more comfortable day-to-day.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting
During a contact lens fitting, our team can walk you through what’s available and help you find something that suits your eye colour, vision needs, and comfort preferences. Orchard Park Optometry is open 7 days a week, making it easier to find a time that works for you. Whether this is your first time wearing contacts or you’re switching from clear lenses, we encourage you to book your appointment today.
