Wearing coloured contact lenses for the first time
Can I wear coloured contact lenses without a prescription?
Yes, you can buy coloured contact lenses both with or without a prescription. There's nothing wrong with wearing coloured contact lenses just for cosmetic purposes: they're just as popular as corrective contact lenses. Who wouldn't want a colourful upgrade?
Coloured contact lenses with prescription
Prescription coloured contact lenses are designed to look amazing while correcting eye conditions, as traditional prescription contact lenses do. They can correct myopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness). If you don't remember what your prescription is, or you do not know how to read it, we have put together a handy 'how to' guide, to answer any questions you may have. If you still feel unsure, contact us via our friendly customer service team who will be happy to help you by phone, email, and webchat.
Remember to make sure your prescription is valid before ordering coloured contact lenses. That means it should be issued within the last 2 years, as vision quality can change over time. Don't hesitate to book an appointment with your optician if you need to renew your prescription - keeping eye tests routine is key to lasting eye health.
Coloured contact lenses without a prescription
Coloured contact lenses for cosmetic purposes can also be called 'plano' coloured contact lenses. These are designed for those who do not need vision correction, but still want to experience the benefits of coloured contact lenses for everyday wear or a fancy dress party.
In this case, just select ‘plano' lenses by choosing a power of 0.00. Lots of lens wearers choose coloured lenses as an accessory to complete a look, but might not be familiar with how to clean and care for contact lenses. Plano' lenses need to be treated like any other normal contact lenses, so it's important to get to grips with maintenance and care routines.
Coloured contact lenses with prescription
Prescription coloured contact lenses are designed to look amazing while correcting eye conditions, as traditional prescription contact lenses do. They can correct myopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness). If you don't remember what your prescription is, or you do not know how to read it, we have put together a handy 'how to' guide, to answer any questions you may have. If you still feel unsure, contact us via our friendly customer service team who will be happy to help you 24/7 by phone, email, and webchat.
Remember to make sure your prescription is valid before ordering coloured contact lenses. That means it should be issued within the last 2 years, as vision quality can change over time. Don't hesitate to book an appointment with your optician if you need to renew your prescription - keeping eye tests routine is key to lasting eye health.
Coloured contact lenses without a prescription
Coloured contact lenses for cosmetic purposes can also be called 'plano' coloured contact lenses. These are designed for those who do not need vision correction, but still want to experience the benefits of coloured contact lenses for everyday wear or a fancy dress party.
In this case, just select ‘plano' lenses by choosing a power of 0.00. Lots of lens wearers choose coloured lenses as an accessory to complete a look, but might not be familiar with how to clean and care for contact lenses. Plano' lenses need to be treated like any other normal contact lenses, so it's important to get to grips with maintenance and care routines.
Types of coloured contact lenses
How big of a difference do you want coloured contact lenses to make on your look? Are you going for a subtle enhancement or a big, bold change? Whatever your preference, you'll find the right type of lens for you.
- Opaque coloured contact lenses are designed to significantly alter your eye colour. These lenses contain a non-transparent shade and are available in varied colours such as green, blue, brown, hazel and grey. You are probably used to seeing this kind of lens around Halloween time, where lots of people like to experiment with coloured lenses.
- Colour-enhancing contact lenses are ideal to achieve a natural and yet impressive look. These lenses contain a light coloured hue which intensifies and defines the natural colour of your eyes. Keep in mind that the intensity of the effect depends on your natural eye colour. For example, those with dark eyes will not be able to achieve lighter shades using these contact lenses, because their natural colour will still come through. Instead, there's a bit more choice for those with lighter eyes. It's like dying your hair: trying to dye dark hair a much brighter colour won't give you that bright a result, but darker shades show up perfectly on those with lighter hair.
- Opaque coloured contact lenses are designed to significantly alter your eye colour. These lenses contain a non-transparent shade and are available in varied colours such as green, blue, brown, hazel and grey. You are probably used to seeing this kind of lens around Halloween time, where lots of people like to experiment with coloured lenses.
- Enhancing colour contact lenses are ideal to achieve a natural and yet impressive look. These lenses contain a light coloured hue which intensifies and defines the natural colour of your eyes. Keep in mind that the intensity of the effect depends on your natural eye colour. For example, those with dark eyes will not be able to achieve lighter shades using these contact lenses, because their natural colour will still come through. Instead, there's a bit more choice for those with lighter eyes. It's like dying your hair: trying to dye dark hair a much brighter colour won't give you that bright a result, but darker shades show up perfectly on those with lighter hair.
Are there coloured contact lenses for astigmatism?
Yes, toric coloured contact lenses are very much a thing! They're available to those with some cases of astigmatism.
There are not many brands for this particular type of lens on the market, meaning that prescriptions available for astigmatism are limited. We recommend that you consult an optician to know which brand is right for you.
How do coloured contact lenses work?
The surface of coloured lenses contains coloured pigments that are designed to mimic the appearance of your iris.
The iris is the coloured area of your eye and it consists of ribs and dots made up of different shapes and tints. Coloured lenses imitate the iris whilst enhancing the natural colours and patterns of the eye, giving a subtle amplified effect. You might be wondering: how can I see through a coloured contact lens? Won't that make it harder? The answer is simple: much like corrective contact lenses, the central part of your eye – known as the pupil – remains uncovered. As we are able to see the world through the pupil, you can see everything around you clearly, with no obstructions at all.
Why use coloured contact lenses?
Coloured lenses can be used to enhance your natural eye colour. They are a great accessory: whether you want to upgrade your everyday look or want to impress your friends at a fancy dress party. Just like with clothes or make-up, you can use coloured contact lenses to express your style, personality and mood. That's why there are tons of creative ways to wear them!