Prescription colored contact lenses help restore your vision, while also enriching or altering the natural color of your eyes. While the range of color options available to choose from is wide, every color selection isn't ideal for every person, in terms of the look they're going for. Learn more about choosing tinted contact lenses to help with the selection process.
Subtle vs. Dramatic
Colored contact lenses could easily be characterized into two categories; subtle and dramatic. As you decide which color lens to choose, figure out which of the two categories describes the type of look you're going for. If you want a subtle change, pick a color that is closer to your natural eye color.
For instance, honey or hazel colored lenses would create a subtle change for someone with natural brown eyes. On the opposite end, turquoise or green lenses would create a more dramatic effect. Eye doctors often have trial lenses. Test out different colors to see how much of a change you want.
Skin Tone and Hair Color
Regardless of whether you want a subtle or dramatic change, if you want the prescription lenses to look natural, remember that your skin tone and hair color are a factor. In terms of skin tone, typically, the lighter the complexion, the lighter the color of the eye, and the darker the complexion the darker the color of the eye.
With hair color, it's good to create a contrast between the color lenses and the hair. For example, if you have brown or brunette hair, brown contact lenses aren't always the most ideal option. Amethyst, turquoise, blue, and green would create better contrast and still look natural.
Tint Saturation
Tint saturation is a reference to the level of tint the lens has. Two main tint options include non-transparent and enhancement. Non-transparent lenses fit more into the dramatic category. Sometimes referred to as opaque, these lenses have a greater color saturation, and as a result, they completely alter the color of your eyes.
So, if you have dark brown eyes and want blue eyes, you'll want a non-transparent lens. Enhancement tips have less color saturation, and as their name suggests, are intended to heighten the natural eye color. For instance, for someone with dark green eyes, an enhancement lens will make the green more alive and vivid.
Speak with your eye doctor for more help with choosing the right colored contact lenses.