Are you torn between Cosmetic Color Contact Lenses and Prescription Contact Lenses? This question frequently arises among individuals who wish to change the appearance of their Eyes while also managing potential vision problems. While these two types of Color Lenses may seem similar, they have fundamental differences that impact their use and choice. Let's explore these distinctions in detail to help you make the best choice according to your needs.
What are Cosmetic Color Lenses?
Cosmetic Contact Lenses, also known as plano color lenses or non-prescription color contact lenses, are designed exclusively to alter the appearance of your eyes. They do not have any optical power and therefore do not provide any vision correction. Their sole purpose is aesthetic: to change the color of your iris or create special effects.
These Color Contact Lenses are for people who have perfect vision and simply want to experiment with different Eye colors. They allow you to go from brown to azure blue, adopt an enchanting emerald green, or even try fantasy shades for special occasions.
What is a Prescription Color Contact Lens?
Prescription Color Contact Lenses combine two functions in one: vision correction and aesthetic modification of Eye color. They incorporate an optical prescription identical to that of classic clear contact lenses, while offering the same color change possibilities as cosmetic lenses.
These Prescription Color Contact Lenses are perfect for people with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism who wish to correct their visual impairment without giving up changing the appearance of their eyes. They represent a practical and elegant two-in-one solution.
Differences in Prescription for Color Contact Lenses with Correction
The major difference lies in the optical prescription. Non-prescription Color Contact Lenses have a power of 0.00 diopters, which means they are optically flat and do not alter how light reaches your retina. They function as a simple colored layer placed on the eye.
Prescription Color Contact Lenses, on the other hand, are manufactured according to a precise prescription established by an eye care professional. They can correct myopia (blurry distant vision), hyperopia (difficulty with close-up vision), or astigmatism (distorted vision). Parameters include spherical power, cylindrical power, and axis for astigmatism, as well as the base curve and diameter adapted to your eye.
Range of Color Contact Lenses with Prescriptions Available
The range of Color Contact Lenses has expanded considerably in recent years. You can now find Prescription Color Contact Lenses to correct myopia up to approximately -20.00 diopters and hyperopia up to approximately +15.00 diopters, depending on the brand.
Colored Toric Lenses for astigmatism are also available, though sometimes in a more limited range of colors. However, colored progressive or multifocal lenses for presbyopia remain rare on the market. Presbyopic individuals will often have to choose between full correction with clear lenses or color change with cosmetic lenses in addition to reading glasses.