Protecting Your Eyes

Getting colored contacts for astigmatism can be difficult. Colored contacts are an attractive and fun way to change your appearance, but they are not generally manufactured by larger brands for those who have astigmatism. Astigmatic lenses are thicker, which can make coloring a challenge. Because there are not many manufacturers, it's likely that you'll need to be a bit creative in your approach.

1. Ordering Contacts From Another Country

Japan and Korea both have "circle lenses" which are made in a variety of colors and are manufactured for astigmatism. These lenses are made by smaller manufacturers; they will be more expensive but also come in a large variety of colors. These contacts are usually fairly affordable but caution does need to be involved in the purchase; other countries may have different manufacturing regulations. It may also take longer to receive contacts from another country, so this should be factored in when ordering or re-ordering. 

2. Working With a Special Effects Company

Special effects companies print colored contacts in a variety of styles and patterns and they often do have toric (astigmatic) lenses available. The only issue here is cost: these lenses are usually annual and fairly expensive. Annual lenses can also present some issues for patients who have sensitive eyes or deal with allergies. Nevertheless, the advantage of using a special effects company is the extraordinarily wide variety of lenses and the very high quality of the prints.

3. Getting a Modified Prescription

If your astigmatism is slight or on only one eye, you can get an adjusted prescription that will not overly affect your vision. This will give you ordinary contact lenses, which can be found in a variety of colors easily. A modified prescription is not possible for those who have very abnormal eye curvature. There are other advantages to getting an ordinary prescription as well. Ordinary contacts are usually less expensive and more comfortable; astigmatic lenses are fairly thick. For some people, an ordinary prescription may actually give them better vision because the contact will not shift the way an astigmatic lens may.

As always, you should check with your optometrist every time you order contact lenses. Your eye health is important -- ordering off brand contacts could be dangerous if you don't verify them with a medical professional. Manufacturers are working towards the production of astigmatic colored contacts, and some of the larger manufacturers may begin developing them soon. 

For more information and assistance, visit an eye clinic, such as Eye Clinic Of Fairbanks.