Created: 12/19/2019
Updated: 02/19/2021 18:42:21Share:
*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
There are many varieties of colored optical products, which are selected depending on the dark or light shade of the eyes. There are also types of lenses that change the natural color or pattern of the sclera or iris.
Colored lenses look very unusual, but they are a little more difficult to wear than regular contact models to improve vision. Despite the aesthetic function, optical products that change the shade of the eyes are classified as medical products and many of them correct vision. Also, some colored models do not allow oxygen to pass through well and are less comfortable to wear. Therefore, an ophthalmology consultation is necessary.
To choose the best colored lenses, you need to pay attention to a number of parameters before purchasing them. The first is the purpose of the purchase
. If you need products that change the shade of your eyes, then you can choose them yourself. When you need vision-correcting lenses, you should contact an ophthalmologist who will select the diopters.
The second rule is the manufacturer
. It is better to buy models from well-known and trusted brands that guarantee quality.
In order not to spend a large amount of money on colored lenses, it is recommended to choose models with a short service life, for example, 1-30 days. It will also help you understand how comfortable it is to wear optical products and whether they match the image and the desired result.
Our experts have compiled a rating of the best colored lenses for beginners, teenagers, and those with light or dark eyes. Optical products have been selected based on actual user experience and detailed information provided by the manufacturer.
The best colored lenses for light eyes (tinted)
Such lenses are unable to fully change the color of the iris. They give it a certain shade or emphasize the natural one. Most often, such models are monochromatic and translucent, and do not have a pronounced iris pattern. Their task is to slightly change the existing shade: for example, make greenish or bluish from gray. But they will not be able to radically change the color. All the models in this section are made from polymacon, so they are not too expensive, but quite comfortable and common.
Tips for caring for lenses
As such, daily color lenses do not require any care due to the specific wearing conditions.
However, it is worth remembering that you need to put on the lenses carefully so as not to damage or tear them. If minor damage appears on their surface, then you can forget about comfortable use.
Hygiene must be observed. Put on and remove lenses with clean hands, washed with soap and dry. This will prevent infection or dirt from getting into your eyes.
After being in a very dusty or smoky room, it is better to replace the lenses with new ones, since dust, smoke, and paint destroy their surface.
To avoid discomfort and prevent the lenses from drying out in the eyes, it is recommended to moisturize the ocular surface and the surface of the lenses using drops.
The best colored lenses for brown eyes
The dark color of the iris is more difficult to cover up. And therefore, if you need to radically change the color, brown eyes require completely different models. For this purpose, there are other lenses that do not allow the original color to show through. But, as a rule, in bright light, due to the constriction of the pupil, the natural iris is still visible. Colored lenses have a pronounced iris pattern and more saturated colors. This combination suits dark eyes well, but on light eyes it can create an unnaturally bright shade with a too pronounced pattern. However, the effect of combining light eyes and colored lenses will be stunning.
Comparison of the best products
I have combined the main parameters of colored lenses from different manufacturers listed in the rating into a table. This will help you clearly compare different models. In addition, the table will help you choose the best, fashionable and safe eye accessory.
Lens model | Replacement frequency, months | Moisture content, % | Material | Peculiarities | Price, rub |
Air Optix (Alcon) Colors | 1 | 33 | Lotrafilcon in | Daytime, silicone hydrogel | 850-1281 |
ADRIA Glamorous | 3 | 43 | Polychema | Oxygen permeability - 22 Dk/t | 950-1200 |
ILLUSION Fashion Luxe | 1 | 45 | Hilafilcon a | Hydrogel, Luxe line | 649-650 |
FreshLook (Alcon) Dimensions | 1 | 55 | Femfilcon a | Pack of 6 lenses | 1600-2300 |
Bausch & Lomb SofLens Natural Colors New | 1 | 38,6 | Polimakon | Oxygen permeability - 14 Dk/t | 758-1100 |
ADRIA Elegant | 3 | 55 | Metafilcon a | Hydrogel | 950-1352 |
ADRIA Color 1 tone | 3 | 38 | Polimakon | Hydrogel | 950-1200 |
Optosoft Tint | 6 | 60 | Filkon 3a | One lens per package | 559-620 |
Ophthalmix Butterfly One Day | 1 day | 58 | Polychema | — | 230-399 |
Belmore Illusion Colors Elegance | 3 | 38 | Polimakon | Oxygen permeability - 24.5 Dk/t | 680-810 |
I will note the favorites of the rating.
The best carnival lenses
In some situations, you may need to change the color to a completely unnatural one. For example, depict a cat's eye or a thorn. Then carnival lenses will come to the rescue. They come in two types: regular and scleral. The latter completely cover the eye, applying some shade, pattern, etc. to the white. Ordinary ones simply hide the natural color of the iris, making it patterned or colored. Such lenses are often used for carnivals (hence the second name) and cosplay of various characters from the fantasy world.
Features of colored correction lenses
Features of colored lenses with diopters are as follows:
- They have a multilayer structure.
- The central zone (pupil area) is not colored.
- Compared to regular lenses, colored lenses are less wet, so they cannot be worn for long hours (it is recommended to remove them at night).
- Diopters of colored lenses - from -20 to +20.
- There are special types of lenses painted in natural color. They are indicated for patients with iris disorders where the natural pigment is unevenly distributed or missing in any area.
There are several types of colored correction lenses.
- With indicator paint. It is only with a stretch that they can be called colored, since they do not radically change the color of their eyes. There are only light blue and light green indicator lenses, which are easier to put on and take off.
- Tinted. They are suitable for light-eyed people and increase the intensity and saturation of the natural color of the iris by only 20%, which is why the look appears deeper.
- Colored. These lenses can either correct eye color or completely change it. They are suitable for any eye color, can be plain or contain 2-3 pigmented layers. Luminous lenses also fall into this category.
- Rainbow ones. Unlike the previous group, the pigment in iridescent lenses is distributed unevenly, but chaotically in the form of diverse rays.
- Fully painted. These lenses are suitable for people with high light sensitivity. They are distinguished by uniform coloring of the entire surface, including the central part.
A separate group consists of carnival lenses, which are rarely used and mainly for photo shoots and masquerades. Due to low demand, they are almost impossible to find on sale.
Useful video
The most popular colored lenses:
Advantages
The main advantage of colored contact lenses is the ability to change or adjust eye color, thereby obtaining the desired shade. It is thanks to this property that they have gained such popularity.
Other advantages include:
- comfortable wearing;
- safety;
- large selection of colors and shades;
- the ability to choose a manufacturer and, accordingly, prices;
- hypoallergenic;
- easy to care for, put on and take off;
- the ability to hide iris defects.
Versions that colored lenses are dangerous, irritate the mucous membranes and contribute to vision impairment have no scientific basis.
Innovative beauty lenses 1-Day Acuvue Define
1-Day Acuvue Define beauty lenses are the most popular at the moment. According to manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, these optical products were developed by women for women. They allow you to restore clarity of vision and highlight the natural beauty of your eyes. These contact correction products are available in two versions: Natural Shimmer and Natural Sparkle. In the first case, the effect is achieved by enhancing the contrast between the protein shell and the iris. Thanks to this, contact correction products give the eyes a unique radiance. “Natural Shine” lenses have a special rim located around the edges. It harmoniously combines with the pattern of the iris, which allows you to transform your eyes in an original way and make your gaze as deep as possible.
These optical products are made of modern technological material Etafilcon A with optimal moisture content and oxygen permeability. They are suitable for use by people with high corneal sensitivity, dry keratitis and a tendency to allergies. The thin structure of these optical products includes a special moisturizing component that softens friction and makes the operating process as comfortable as possible.
These Acuvue beauty lenses have a daily replacement schedule, which is considered the most practical, safe and convenient available today. During the day, protein and lipid deposits do not have time to accumulate on their surface. These optical products do not require cleaning - you do not have to buy a container and a multifunctional solution. An additional advantage of the model is the presence of a UV filter to protect the eyes from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. This is especially true when using optics on the beach, as well as at a ski resort, where the sun's rays are reflected from the snow.
The main advantages of these lenses:
- They highlight the natural beauty of the eyes - giving them a natural shine and radiance.
- Makes the look more expressive and deep.
- Provides high clarity of vision.
- Suitable for people with hypersensitive eyes.
- Equipped with a UV filter to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation.
- They have the safest and most convenient replacement schedule (every 1 day).
Are there any contraindications for such products?
Colored, tinted and carnival lenses are less oxygen permeable than products intended for vision correction. Therefore, it is not recommended to wear them continuously for more than 4-5 hours, much less leave them overnight.
Otherwise, the contraindications for such products are the same as for optical ones: it is better not to use them during periods of acute allergies, infectious eye diseases or conjunctivitis. Do not wear items that are damaged or have expired. They should only be removed and put on with clean hands.
Consumer Reviews
Julia: I periodically wear Acuvue 1-day define lenses. Comfortable to use, easy to get used to. The only drawback is the small color palette (2 options).
Olga: My love is the new beauty lenses from Acuvue. I have light blue eyes, I highlight the color with Sparkle. Unlike other products, I am comfortable using them all day long, I don’t feel tired or dry eyes.
Alina: I use daily colored lenses from Acuvue with a UV filter. Everything is fine, except the high price.
Choosing the right lens color
What kind of look do you want to create - natural and elegant or theatrically spectacular? The answer to this question determines the choice of color. However, your own eye color is often a decisive factor when choosing colored lenses, since not all contact correction products can cover it completely.
For light eyes
If you want to keep it natural but still experiment with color, choose tint or colored lenses with a loose tint. For example, if you have gray eyes, try choosing grass or aqua lenses that enhance the original color. If you want dramatic changes, play with your look by trying on warm shades - nut or honey. The contrast with your natural cool color can transform you beyond recognition.
For dark eyes
The best option for dark eyes would be opaque, densely colored lenses. To enhance your color, you can try gold or honey lenses. And for a radical transformation, try blue, purple or dark green. Even blue ones can be suitable, provided that their coloring is sufficiently dense.
Your color type
One more hint. To avoid a feeling of disharmony, you should take into account your color type of appearance , which is determined by the shade of your skin and hair. Blondes and fair-haired girls with golden and fair skin are most suitable for warm colors - golden, nutty, rich brown.
Owners of blue-black, cool brown hair, platinum blondes and other “snow queens” should opt for aquatic, violet-lilac, emerald green, anthracite lenses, which add frostiness to the image without disturbing the harmony.
Who are beauty lenses suitable for?
These optical products will be appreciated by lovers of natural and discreet beauty. Unlike color and tint models with coloring pigment, they do not change the appearance of the iris. Thanks to this, the eyes retain their natural beauty, but at the same time become more mysterious and attractive.
Lenses of this type are great for everyday use, as they can be combined with any look, regardless of makeup, hair color, eyebrows and skin. They are universal. The beauty model from the Acuvue Define series is suitable for people with an active lifestyle, since it does not require maintenance - just put on a new pair in the morning, and take it off in the evening and dispose of it. This is incredibly convenient on the road: during a business trip, travel, etc.
Beauty lenses are a real godsend for modern fashionistas who want to attract the attention of others, but are not yet ready for dramatic changes in appearance. Using these optical products, you can transform yourself in an original way, preserving the natural shade and pattern of the iris.
Who are these lenses suitable for?
- For girls who want to highlight the natural beauty of their eyes while maintaining the natural shade and pattern of the iris.
- For modern fashionistas who dream of visually enlarging the iris and creating a “doll-like” look.
- For those who want to attract attention, but are not yet ready for a radical change in appearance.
Do colored lenses distort color reproduction?
Colored contact lenses do not stain the area where the pupil itself is located. Therefore, the world around you will remain exactly the same for you as it was before using such products. The only thing that can be attributed to the disadvantages of this option is that, depending on the lighting, the pupil either narrows or expands, so its size does not always correspond to the boundaries of the transparent zone. Depending on the reaction of the pupil, a small part of your natural iris may be visible, or you may begin to see the colored part of the lens, which may create a slight blurred effect.
Tinted products are fully colored, but rather weakly, so the change in color rendering may be insignificant and not cause any inconvenience.
Is the dye contained in the lenses dangerous?
For the manufacture of any contact correction products, only safe dyes are used that do not cause allergies or otherwise cause harm to your health. In addition, the dye is located inside the product, and not on its surface, so it does not come into contact with the eye or skin of the eyelids. An important rule that must be followed when purchasing not only colored, but any contact agents in general - purchase them only in specialized salons or pharmacies. Never buy such a product second-hand, and certainly don’t use someone else’s lenses.