Color contacts are contact lenses that people use to alter their eye color. These lenses are available for those who require corrective lenses or for cosmetic purposes.http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/colors.htm Color contacts cost about 50 to 80% more than regular contact lenses.http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/faq/color-cls-expensive.htm Color contacts that have no corrective power are also called plano lenses. They have several cosmetic purposes, such as for theatrical use or for costumes.http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/colors.htm

Even though they come in varieties for people who do not need corrective lenses, color contacts are still considered medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In order to buy plano lenses legally, people need to have prescriptions for them. This is because an eye care professional needs to fit the lenses to a person's eyes to ensure that appropriate lenses are used.http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm071572.htm Poorly-fitting plano lenses have been shown to damage the eye severely enough to jeopardize the eyesight.http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/news/releases.php?release=1670

When classifying color contacts, the tint of the lens is used.http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/contact-lenses-colored-soft-hard-toric-bifocal There are four types of tints for color contacts:

• Visibility - these are usually a light blue or green. The sole purpose of the tint is to make it easier for people to see the lenses when they are not in the eyes. These color contacts have no effect on eye color.
• Enhancement - these are solid yet translucent lenses that are darker than visibility lenses. They are designed to intensify the existing color of someone's eyes. For example, if a person has light blue eyes, then these lenses will create a deeper color of blue.
• Color - this is the darkest tint of color contacts. These lenses can completely change the color of a person's eyes. They are available as either corrective or plano lenses. Whether corrective or not, they are completely colored except for the center of the lens. The pupil is left clear so the wearer can see.http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/colors.htm
• Light Filtering - These make certain colors stand out to the wearer, while dulling others. Sports participants may use them to highlight the color of a ball or other item.http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/contact-lenses-colored-soft-hard-toric-bifocal

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.