Color Contacts Articles and News

News, Views and Articles relating to Color Contact Lenses and Eye Care.

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Location: United Kingdom

Monday, September 25, 2006

Seven Questions About Contact Lenses Answered

Q: Is it safe to wear soft contact lenses during asleep?


A: Some soft contact lenses are approved for sleeping by the
FDA. These lenses have been tested for safety, but it is vital
to follow the rules as prescribed by your practitioner. It is
not safe to sleep in daily wear lenses. Your eyes could
experience permanent damage due to a lack of oxygen.


Q: Is it safe to order contact lenses online?


A: Contact lenses are a prescription medical device. By law,
they cannot be sold without a valid prescription. There is
nothing wrong with ordering lenses online as long as you have a
valid, new prescription from your eye care practitioner and you
are having regular check-ups to make sure your lenses are
fitting well and your eyes are healthy. Do not let any contact
lens company change the brand or type of lenses you are wearing.


Q: Is it safe to switch contact lens solution?


A: Each contact lens care solution has a different chemical
makeup. Some use harsh preservatives that cause sensitivity and
even allergy in a high percentage of users. Some can discolor a
patient's contact lenses, making them useless. Sometimes the
chemicals in one lens cleaning system can improperly combine
with the chemicals in another system when they are used in
combination, causing a reaction for the user.


Q: Is it safe to swim with the soft contact lenses in?


A: It is highly recommended to wear goggles if you swim with
soft contacts on your eyes. There are nasty bugs living in
swimming pools. One of them, called acanthameba, can cause
horrible pain and damage to your eye. The water can change the
way your lenses fit, making them too tight and causing severe
eye health problems. So, either take them out for swimming or
wear goggles. Or you can use one-day lenses.


Q: Why do some contact lenses feel drier than others?


A: Contact lenses are made from different plastics and silicones
that have different characteristics. Some have more water
content than others. All contact lenses are subject to
evaporation while on the eye. The rate of this happening depends
on many factors: humidity, wind, temperature, your health, what
medicines you are taking, how much you blink, the care system
you use, how clean the lenses are, etc. A few contact lenses are
now available that are made from plastics that resist
dehydration and evaporation.


Q: Why blood vessels grow into the color of the eyes?


A: When contact lenses are over worn, the cornea has been
starved for oxygen during overnight wear. This oxygen
deprivation stimulates the growth of new blood vessels
(neovascularization) into the cornea where blood vessels usually
do not exist. The farther into the cornea they grow, the more
problematic they can be. When the contact lens wear is stopped,
the blood vessel growth stops, but the vessels themselves
remain, though the blood within them may disappear - so called
ghost vessels. Depending on the severity of the
neovascularization, resuming contact lens wear may not be
possible.


Q: Why some people, wearing rigid gas permeable contact lenses,
perceive irritation in their eyes after gusts of wind.


A: Unlike soft lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses are smaller
than the cornea. They float on the tears, moving up and down
with every blink. A gust of wind can blow dust and other
airborne material into the tears, which then carry this material
under the lenses upon blinking. This occurs less often with soft
lenses since they are covering the entire cornea. Eye drops can
help solve the problem.


About the author:


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By Marissa D. Clarke, The Miami Herald Sep. 14--The Neighbors Ticket: A Few Things To Do This Week Go Beyond Color at the four-artist exhibition on display at the LuzMa Gallery, 2855 Coral Way.
Source: www.redorbit.com

Apple Releases Aperture 1.5 (RedNova)
PHOTOKINA 2006, COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today released Aperture(TM) 1.5, a major update to the all-in-one post production tool for photographers that delivers enhancements across each phase of the entire workflow.
Source: www.redorbit.com

Optical Profiler features color-coded display. (ThomasNet)
Pobin Oasis (Optical Automatic Smart Inspection System) allows users to measure multiple dimensions on part instantly and simultaneously. Accurate to 0.0002 in., non-contact video profile measurement and inspection system displays measurements in drawing dimensioning format and saves them for inspection archival or built-in quality control reporting. Product gives actual measurement as well as
Source: news.thomasnet.com

LOCAL EVENTS (San Jose Mercury News)
SOUTH BAY 5th Annual Community Recognition Dinner. 5 p.m. Sept. 30. Hyatt San Jose, 1740 N. 1st St., San Jose, $75 per person or $750 for a table of 10. (408) 993-1234. http://hyattsanjose.hyatt.com/ property/index.jhtml.
Source: www.mercurynews.com

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Disposable Color Contacts - Are They Any Good?

The days when color contacts were unbelievably expensive are long gone. As the manufacturing costs go down, disposable color contact lenses appear. These days you can find monthly, weekly and even daily disposable color contact lenses. But how do disposable color contacts compare with traditional color lenses, in terms of quality and health issues?

Disposable color contacts are a recent development, and they become progressively more popular. Sometimes it is not obvious whether the lenses are disposable or traditional (annual replacement schedule). The easiest way to spot the difference is to look at the package - if they are sold in a box (usually 6 lenses per box), then the lenses are disposable; if they are in a phial and the price is indicated per lens, then they are traditional color contact lenses.

Advantages of disposable color contacts


  • The more often you replace your contact lenses, the healthier your eyes will be. So disposable color contacts are better, from the health point of view - they are thinner, more comfortable, and proteins don�t have enough time to build up on them.


  • Trying different colors is easier, too, since you can buy 3 or 4 boxes of different disposable color contacts for the price of a pair of traditional color lenses.


  • If you lose or break a disposable lens, no worries! Just take another one out of the box



However, the main difference between disposable color contacts and annual replacement (traditional) lenses is that high quality traditional lenses are hand painted. Hand painted color lenses like Illusions by CibaVision create a more natural look than digitally printed lenses. None of the disposable color lenses is hand painted - it simply is not cost effective for the manufacturer.

See pictures of disposable color contacts and hand painted contacts

Best disposable color contacts

Freshlook is one of the more popular brands in disposable color contacts. Freshlook offers you three collections: Freshlook Colorblends - opaque color contacts for people with dark eyes; Freshlook Impressions, which are partially transparent enhancement lenses designed to brighten naturally blue or green eyes; and Freshlook Dimensions, the unique designs of which make your eyes appear larger and deeper. All Freshlook color lenses are monthly disposable.

Acuvue 2 Colors by Johnson and Johnson is also a good choice. Acuvue 2 Colors offers opaque color lenses, for people with dark eyes, as well as enhancement lenses, for light eyes. Acuvue 2 Colors are 1-2 week disposable color contact lenses. They are also FDA approved to be worn for a week continuously, which means that you can sleep in them.

Recently released 1 Day Acuvue Colors are the first daily disposable color contact lenses. They look the same as Acuvue 2 Colors opaque color lenses, but you don�t have to worry about cleaning, disinfecting and storing them. 1 Day Acuvue Colors are ideal for people who only want to wear color contacts for special occasions; this way, you can wear fresh lenses every time.

Expression Colors by Cooper Vision also comes as opaque colors, for dark eyes, and enhancement colors, for light eyes. Expression lenses are monthly disposable color contacts.

See comparison and pictures of color contact lens by different brands

Prescriptions for color contact lenses

Most disposable color contact lenses come in plano (no correction) as well as with corrective powers. Sometime people think that if they have a perfect vision and want color contacts purely for cosmetic effect, they can just order a box online without consulting an optometrist. This is not true, though: all contact lenses - including plano color lenses - are medical devices, so you can�t buy color contact lenses without doctor�s prescription.

However, after getting your prescription, you don�t have to buy your color contacts from your optometrist. Many reputable contact lens retailers sell color contacts online and ordering your color lenses through the Internet can save you a lot of money.

About the Author

Tanya Turner is a contact lens and eye health expert and a founder of www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about all types of contact lenses including color contact lenses reviews and pictures
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Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses for many people. They offer a less noticeable alternative to corrective vision, however, they can be expensive to purchase. The contacts and the supplies that are needed to care for them can far out weigh the price of a pair of glasses. Therefore, many people are interested in where to get cheap contact lenses and supplies. Follow these tips to help you in your search.

A fairly new way to purchase cheap contact lenses is through mail order centers. These companies are generally wholesalers that are able to secure a good price on the contacts because of the amount they promise to purchase from the manufacturer. As with purchasing on the internet, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a trustworthy company, even if they do have cheap contact lenses.

Another way to get good quality, cheap contact lenses is to ask about pricing between private label and generic label contact lenses. Many contact manufacturers make lenses for private companies as well as for generic pricing. These are exactly the same lens, but differ on pricing alone.

Looking online may be a good source of cheap contact lenses, but it is a buyer beware world. When purchasing anything on the internet can be risky, this is especially true when you want to buy medical equipment. This is not to suggest, however, that the internet is a bad place to get contact lenses, just be sure that you are dealing with a reputable supplier.

If you have optical insurance available to you, this is also a way to get cheap contact lenses. Many insurance companies cover not only glasses but also contact lenses as long as they are used for a vision correction issue. Be sure to check with your contact lens supplier to be sure that they participate in your insurance plan.

Most people tend to think that buying their contact lenses from the eye doctors' inventory is the most expensive way to get them. This isn't always the case; often times your doctor will have special pricing for a large supply of contact lenses. If you are willing to buy your lenses a year at a time, your doctor will probably, be able to match the prices of other suppliers.

If you find that, you can get cheap contact lenses by ordering them either online or through some other mail order company, ask about services such as shipping times, shipping rates and return policies. The answers to these specific questions will help you to determine if the company you are thinking of buying from is legitimate.


About the Author:

John Mancini has been writing about Contact Lenses online and offline for a long time. Visit http://find-contact-lenses.net or http://contact-lenses-web.com to read more about matters like color contact lenses and contact lens online.

Source: www.isnare.com

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Contact Lenses Or Eyeglasses? Which Option Is Best For You?

Which is better, eyeglasses or contact lenses?

This bout is scheduled for 5 rounds�

There is no cut and dry answer to this question. While eyeglasses vs contact lenses is not a bout that would sell out Ceasar's Palace, it is of importance to most of us who rely on vision correction.

Because the eyeglasses vs contact lenses debate is of such interest to so many, Let's look at the general pros and cons for each type of vision correction.

I'll give you the facts and you can then decide for yourself which is best for you.

Round 1 - Quality of Vision:

Eyeglasses provide crisp clear and consistent vision straight ahead. There are not many variables to vision throughout the day because with glasses you are looking through a solid piece of plastic.

Contacts give you good straight ahead vision, however it is not as consistent as with glasses. Soft lenses are made of plastics and water and are therefore prone to change with environmental variables. For example, air conditioners and circulated air can cause your lenses to dehydrate leading to blurred vision. To clear your lenses, all you need to do is blink.

Round 2 - Distortions:

Eyeglasses again, give you great crisp vision straight ahead. Anything that is not straight ahead will have an element of distortion. The stronger your correction and the more astigmatism you have, the greater the distortion will be. If you are nearsighted (minus lenses) everything will seem small and far away with glasses. If you are farsighted (plus lenses) everything will appear larger and closer.

Because contact lenses rest directly on the eye, distortion is drastically reduced. In fact, people who have high corrections and are new to lenses often take a little time to get used to seeing without distortion. Contacts give you more true to life vision.

Round 3 - Peripheral Vision:

Eyeglasses do not give you any peripheral vision. Any area of the lens you look through except the optical center will give you a distorted image. If you are wearing glasses, your entire head needs to move to see an image clearly, which makes backing up a car very difficult for many.

Contact lenses provide a full range of vision; furthermore, you can move your eyes only and still see clearly. Peripheral vision is a huge plus of contact lenses.

Round 4 - Comfort:

When properly fit, eyeglasses can be very comfortable. With new lightweight lens materials and frames, most any prescription can look and feel good. The higher the prescription and the larger the frames, the thicker (and heavier) the lenses will be.

Contact lenses, when fit correctly, are also extremely comfortable. Regardless of the correction, there is no heavy frame on your face or thick lenses to weigh you down. Certain eyes may take a little more time and patience to find a comfortable fit. In my experience; most anyone can wear comfortable contact lenses.

Round 5 - Style:

Frames can be stylish. No doubt about it. It's the lenses in the frame that can make them, err� not so chick. High minus lenses have thick edges and give the appearance of small beady eyes. High plus lenses have thick centers and give the appearance of large, magnified, eyes.

With contact lenses, nobody has to know you are wearing them. Unless you want them to know you wear lenses. In this case you can wear colors or theatrical lenses to accessories your eyes.

The results are in: Now you have the facts, you can decide for yourself which is best for you. With the comfort and ease of contact lenses today, there is nothing wrong with wearing contacts part time and glasses the rest of the time.

About the Author

Steve Cogger is a contact lens specialist in New York City. His website, www.All-About-Contact-Lenses.com provides information for all lens wearers
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John West, Ph.D, Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at Kent State University and NorTech Fellow, today announced the new FLEXMatters Initiative to a global audience at the opening of the International Display Research (IRDC) Conference held at the Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) on the campus of Kent State University.
Source: www.sys-con.com

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Color Contact Lenses - Do They Work on Dark Eyes?

Do you want to change dark eye color to something different, but you are unsure if color contacts will work for your eyes? If you have brown eyes and tried color contact lenses several years ago, you were probably disappointed. Color contacts of the previous generation ether gave your eye color only a very slight change or your eyes looked blue but completely unnatural.

Creating color lenses that would truly transform brown eyes into sky blue or emerald green is a very difficult task, but modern color contact lenses can do it. The trick is to select the lenses that would work for you.

There are two types of color contacts - enhancement color contacts and opaque color lenses. Enhancers usually come in different shades of blue, green and gray and are designed to make your natural eye color look brighter. They are translucent and create a natural-looking effect. Unfortunately, enhancement color contacts work only for light eyes. Over brown eyes, enhancers would be either completely invisible or create only a very light tint that was not enough to change your color.

Opaque color contacts, on the other side, are specially designed for brown eyes. As the name suggests, they aren't transparent; only the center of the lens is clear, so you can still see. Opaque lenses aren't solid color, of course: they simulate the natural pattern of a human eye. See comparison of color contacts for dark eyes.

However, not all opaque color contacts do a good job of recreating a natural pattern. Here, I will highlight the brands that create a vivid, but natural-looking, effect.

Freshlook Colorblends by Ciba Vision looks very realistic, because the base color for each lens is actually a mix of three different shades - just as it usually is in the human iris. The lens is lighter toward the middle and darker at the edge, with a pattern imprinted on it. The color created is vivid, but dark, so Freshlook Colorblends won't make your eyes appear light. Freshlook Colorblends are monthly disposable color lenses. In my opinion, Amethyst and True Sapphire are their best colors. See pictures of Freshlook color contacts

Acuvue 2 Colors Opaques also create a beautiful, realistic effect. Like all Acuvue contacts, Acuvue 2 Colors is a comfortable lens. The lenses are designed to be replaced every two weeks - this is what the "2" in the name means. Acuvue 2 Colors is manufactured by Johnson ' Johnson.

Illusions, also by Ciba Vision, can transform your brown eyes into light blue or green. The effect they create is truly amazing. One drawback of Illusions, though, is that they are traditional, annual replacement contact lenses, which means that they are thicker and not as comfortable as Freshlook or Acuvue.

Problems opaque color contact lenses can create.

One proble is that a lens can slip a little on your eye, so part of your brown iris is visible. Most people, however, don't worry about it, because the brown is visible only under close scrutiny; otherwise, it blends with the black of your pupil.

Another problem is that opaque color lens might affect your vision. As you know, pupils get larger or smaller, depending on the lighting conditions - it is smallest under a bright light and largest in the dark. Since the clear part of color contact lens isn't adjustable, in low light situations, part of your pupil will be covered by the opaque lens and your vision will be decreased. It doesn't mean that you won't be able to see in the dark, just not as well as you would see if you weren't wearing your contacts. For this reason, driving at night while wearing your color contacts isn't recommended - at least, not until you know for sure how they affect your eyes.

If you wonder how you will look with different eye colors, give color contacts a try. Eyes are the focal point of your look, and you would be amazed how different you appear with eyes of a different color.

About the Author

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of contact lenses with reviews and pictures

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Whether you�re a professional athlete, or a spirited player of many outdoor activities, a sport tinted contact lens will finally give you that competitive edge you have been looking for in protective eyewear!

Bausch & Lomb and Nike have combined forces to introduce a sport-tinted contact lens called MAXSIGHT�, and this evolutionary soft contact lens product offers two glare-resisting tints available in prescription, and non-prescription lenses. Their purpose is to help improve the athlete�s and recreational wearer's vision performance in bright distracting lights, and allow them to focus more on their game or activity that requires a clear field of vision.

Whether you�re playing rugby, baseball, golf, or even outdoor basketball, there are times when wearing sunglasses become an inconvenience. I�m sure you would agree with me that as the game gets physical, you will always have in the back of your mind that your sunglass frames may go flying off at any moment, fog up, or at the least cause blind spots in your overall peripheral vision. Factor in hot sunny humid days, and the sweat causing your eyewear to slip, not only becomes annoying, but also a disruption to your overall performance!

How Do These Tinted Vision Lenses Work, You Ask?

There is a patented Light Architecture concept that filters certain wavelengths of light, which allows them to visually enhance key elements in the sport activity you�re playing. Whether it is a baseball, or a golf ball, the lenses filter out blue light, and help improve critical details in your sporting environment by manipulating the remaining colors to offer a clear visual range. This is very important when the glare of the sun needs to be reduced for you to properly keep focused during fast paced activity.

Depending on what type of sports you participate in, there are two types of tints that benefit certain sport needs. If you were involved in soccer or tennis for example, where there are fast moving balls in variable light conditions, you would benefit from an amber lens. For people golfing, running, or playing football, the grey-green lens is best for you to prevent the sun's glare, and provide more visual comfort.

Now don�t get these optical performance lenses mixed up with other tinted lens products! The major difference between Nike's tinted lenses is that they cover the entire surface of the contact lens, and in addition the tints are specially formulated to block certain wavelengths of light. Unlike many other soft contacts on the market today, they�re normally a cosmetic tint only, and don�t have maximum eye protection from the elements. To date, this lens is the only commercially available sport-tinted contact lens on the market!

You Need A Vision Prescription For Nike's Tinted Lenses!

If you�re truly serious about improving your vision during your desired sporting activity, then you must contact an eye care professional and get fitted for these lenses! They are available for people that require vision correction, and as well for people who do not need vision correction. Once you purchase your pair, they will be the exact same as daily wear lenses, which will need to be replaced monthly. Of course this can vary depending on how often you wear them, and what your eye doctor recommends in regards to the duration you can wear them.

I�m sure at this time you�re wondering when and where you can get your hands on a pair of these lenses. These tinted lenses have recently been cleared by the FDA on April 26, 2005 and are available to you by many of the large online and retail eye care professionals later this summer. The best way to find out more information is to go directly to Bausch & Lomb�s website at: www.bausch.com/ , however, I�m certain you will know when they're out, by the mass advertising campaigns taking place.

Your vision is a critical element in any sport you participate in, and with technology taking sport lenses to the next level, I�m sure most athletes will welcome this new addition. Keep one thing in mind as you research this product, is that even though they protect you from UVA and UVB at a certain level, they are not a complete substitute for sunglasses. You will find out that these lenses only cover part of your eye, and do not protect your entire eye tissue. This is important information to know before you purchase these tinted lenses.

About the Author

About the author: William is the owner and the author of �Order Contacts Online 1st� available at www.order-contacts-online-1st.com A great source to order Colored Contact Lenses online! Compare contact lens sites, and find all the styles of colored contacts in prescription and non-prescription lenses.


Friday, September 15, 2006

How to Get Free Color Contact Lenses



Did you know that it is possible to get a trial pair of color
contact lenses absolutely free of charge? Find out how you can
get a free trial pair - or even several pairs - of beautiful
color contacts.







Large color contact lens manufacturers have to compete for your
attention. Some of them are even willing to give you a free
trial color contact lenses, hoping that you will like the lenses
and stick with the brand. Currently, you can get free pairs of
Acuvue 2 Colors and Freshlook color lenses.







Many people search for free color contacts online; unfortunately
it is not this simple. All contact lenses - including color and
special effect lenses - are medical devices, so you can't just
order a trial pair and have them delivered to your home without
having a doctor's prescription







However, there is a way to get a free pair. First, go to the
official site of the contact lens manufacturer. There you will
find a link that says "try for free", or something like that.
You will have to fill in a form, but the company will either
mail or e-mail you a certificate, that allows you to get a trial
pair of color lenses from your eye doctor. If it is an e-mail,
you will have to print the certificate.







With the certificate in hand, make an appointment with your eye
doctor, to get your prescription and a trial color lenses. Make
sure to ask in advance if this particular doctor has heard of
color lens certificates and can give you a trial pair.







Tip: print 2 certificates for different brands of color contacts
and ask the doctors for two pairs so you can compare the comfort
and look.







When discussing, with your doctor, what brand of color contacts
would be best for you, make sure to go for a popular brand,
which you can order from online contact lens shops. Some doctors
tend to prescribe brands that you can only order through their
office. While there might be a good reason for the arrangement,
an optometrist's motivation can often be simply to monopolize
your custom. Unfortunately, you would probably have to pay 3 or
4 times more than if you were prescribed a popular brand of
color contacts, which you can buy online.







After you get your trial pair of color lenses, wear them for a
few hours. Look in a mirror under different light conditions -
you will be amazed how different your eyes will look under the
sunlight, compared to interior lighting. You should try your new
lenses for comfort as well as a good look - watch some TV, try
reading a phone book (usually the smallest type) and see how
well your eyes feel when you work with your computer. Typically,
you can wear a trial pair for a few days.







If your trial lenses look good under different lights and feel
comfortable, then it is time to order yourself a box of these
lenses. When you buy color contacts online, the prices are quite
affordable.




About the author:



www.1-Contact-Lenses-Consumer-Guide.com
published by Tanya
Turner helps you chose href="http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contac
ts.html"> best color contact lenses . It provides reviews,
photos andcomparisons, of all types of color contact lenses.
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If you are in the market for colored contacts, you need to look for the best way to purchase them. By the best, we mean getting high quality products that are priced right. The good news is that you can find a wide range of options to consider in this regard. Most of those that are looking for color contacts are looking for a good option but also want to get a good price. Here's how to do just that.

No matter if you need prescription colored contacts or non prescription, you will need to visit your eye doctor before attempting to purchase them. This is because your eye doctor will need to insure the health of your eyes and size your eyes. Once they do this, though, do not purchase your colored contacts there. In fact, unless they are having some really great sale, it's not even worth stopping after you get that prescription.

Instead, take your prescription for colored contacts and go on the web. The retailers on the web can often offer you the lowest prices on contact lenses period. They do this because they specialize in it. They will likely have the most unique selection of contacts to select from, if that is what you are looking for. Or, they will have the perfect color combination for your needs. With so many to select from, it may take you a bit of time to determine which the best is for you.

When looking for and purchasing colored contacts on the web, you should consider several things. You should always purchase them from reputable dealers. You should take the time necessary to determine which of these dealers is offering you the lowest price. And, you should insure that they are offering some sort of guarantee for your needs as well. The guarantee should provide for the quality of the colored contacts. That is, if you find that something is wrong with them or that they are not fresh but poor quality, you should be able to get your money back or get a new pair.

Some online websites will offer you color contact samples to help you to find the best color for your needs. This can be very handy when you will be purchasing colored contacts that will change the color of your eye from light to dark or dark to light. Also, if you would like just a subtle change, go for a colored contact that offers to enhance you eye color instead of just changing it. Some people will have trouble with going from a dark colored eye color to that of a light. These free samples and guarantees can help you to get the best possible product without the cost of large investments.

Anyone that is in the market for colored contacts should consider the wide range of products they have available to them. Take your time to find the right location to purchase them from. Then, make sure that you shop around at least a bit to find the lowest price on them. Then, you will have the eye color that you want and need and the very best product to provide this to you.

About The Author:
Donna Somerkin specializes in eyewear http://www.i-color-contacts.com and http://www.color-contacts-i.com

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

How To Find Cheap Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses for many people. They offer a less noticeable alternative to corrective vision, however, they can be expensive to purchase. The contacts and the supplies that are needed to care for them can far out weigh the price of a pair of glasses. Therefore, many people are interested in where to get cheap contact lenses and supplies. Follow these tips to help you in your search.



A fairly new way to purchase cheap contact lenses is through mail order centers. These companies are generally wholesalers that are able to secure a good price on the contacts because of the amount they promise to purchase from the manufacturer. As with purchasing on the internet, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a trustworthy company, even if they do have cheap contact lenses.



Another way to get good quality, cheap contact lenses is to ask about pricing between private label and generic label contact lenses. Many contact manufacturers make lenses for private companies as well as for generic pricing. These are exactly the same lens, but differ on pricing alone.



Looking online may be a good source of cheap contact lenses, but it is a buyer beware world. When purchasing anything on the internet can be risky, this is especially true when you want to buy medical equipment. This is not to suggest, however, that the internet is a bad place to get contact lenses, just be sure that you are dealing with a reputable supplier.



If you have optical insurance available to you, this is also a way to get cheap contact lenses. Many insurance companies cover not only glasses but also contact lenses as long as they are used for a vision correction issue. Be sure to check with your contact lens supplier to be sure that they participate in your insurance plan.



Most people tend to think that buying their contact lenses from the eye doctors' inventory is the most expensive way to get them. This isn't always the case; often times your doctor will have special pricing for a large supply of contact lenses. If you are willing to buy your lenses a year at a time, your doctor will probably, be able to match the prices of other suppliers.



If you find that, you can get cheap contact lenses by ordering them either online or through some other mail order company, ask about services such as shipping times, shipping rates and return policies. The answers to these specific questions will help you to determine if the company you are thinking of buying from is legitimate.


About the Author:

John Mancini has been writing about Contact Lenses online and offline for a long time. Visit http://find-contact-lenses.net or http://contact-lenses-web.com to read more about matters like color contact lenses and contact lens online.


Source: www.isnare.com
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CBC News, Canada - Aug 22, 2006
A recent US outbreak of corneal infections associated with a contact lens solution may have been related to external contamination, researchers said Tuesday. ...

Source: news.google.com

TPS names Pizza Hut murder suspects (The Terrell Tribune)
Revenge and robbery appear to have been the motive behind Sunday's double homicide at Pizza Hut in Terrell, according Richard Peavy of Terrell Police Service, which on Friday arrested Anthony Jerrell Holliman, 19, and Bianca Newman, age unknown, on capital murder.
Source: www.terrelltribune.com

Hermit crab never stops teaching me (Jacksonville Daily News)
Some years ago a fisherman told me how interesting crabs are, and how humans will never figure them out. He talked about them with a sparkle in his eye that I thought revealed a great respect, if not a little emotion, for his prey.
Source: www.jdnews.com

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Halloween Contact Lenses - It is Party Time!

Want to make your costume really amazing? Then you will need to change your eyes as well and Halloween costume lenses can help with that. Find out how to get the best looking costume lenses without paying a fortune.


Who offers best selection of Halloween contacts


Have you already planned your costume and are now looking for the right Halloween contacts to go with it? Or do you just want to browse for costume lenses until you see a pair that you really like, and make the costume to match? In either case, you should first check out the two most popular collections of Halloween contact lenses - Crazy Lenses by Cooper Vision and Wild Eyes by Ciba vision. Both brands offer high quality, affordable Halloween contact lenses that create great effects.


The most popular Wild Eyes lenses are:


  • Alien

  • Blackout and whiteout

  • Hypnotica

  • Cat eye

  • Ice fire

  • Red hot


While favorites among the Crazy Lenses are:


  • Black, red and white spiral

  • Whiteout

  • Wolf

  • Fire

  • Bloodshot


See more Wild Eyes and Crazy Lenses Halloween costume contacts with pictures.


If you didn't find a suitable design from Wild Eyes or Crazy Lenses, there are many other collections from individual artists on the Internet. See other costume contact lens collections.


How much do costume lenses cost?


If you think that theatrical costume lenses are very expensive, you might be pleasantly surprised - you can pick up an exciting looking pare of Halloween costume lenses for about 40 dollars. Mass produced lenses like Crazy Lenses and Wild Eyes are very affordable. You can save even more if you order them online.


On the other hand, hand-painted, custom-made costume lenses could cost a few hundreds of dollars. Particulary expensive are scleral costume lenses, which cover not only your pupil and iris, but the entire visible area of your eye. Also, custom-made lenses are usually painted to order, so you would need to order them several weeks in advance.


How to care for your Halloween costume lenses


Caring for your Halloween costume contacts is quite simple - all you need is a no-rub multipurpose solution, a pair of plastic tweezers and a contact lens case. You can get it all from any chemist shop. There is no special solution for costume contact lenses so you can use any multipurpose solution - only make sure it's marked "for soft contact lenses". If you have several pairs of scary contacts, each should live in its own case.


Step by step care for costume lenses:



  1. always wash your hands with soap before handling contact lenses

  2. pick up the lens gently with tweezers (be careful not to tear it), place it on your fingertip and rinse it with a no-rub contact lens solution

  3. now it is ready to put in your eye

  4. after taking your costume lenses out, give them another rinse and place them in their case with fresh solution, until the next time you use them.


If you are not planning to wear your lenses for several weeks, it is recommended that you change the solution and rinse them once a week. If you forgot to do so and your lenses spent a few weeks in their case unattended, give them a double rinse and place them in fresh solution for at least a couple hours before wearing them.


For people who wear corrective or color contact lenses every day, costume lenses will feel pretty much the same as usual. If you never wore contact lenses before, at first you might feel a slight discomfort and an urge to rub your eye. One suggestion is to use lubricant drops, which you can buy from any chemist shop. Also, start wearing your lenses a few days before the party - a couple of hours the first day, 3-4 hours the second day, and so on.


Get yourself a pair of exciting and scary Halloween contacts and be the center of attention at any party!

About the Author

Tanya Turner is a color contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide which provides you with information about all types of contact lenses including Halloween special effect contacts, and costume contact lenses reviews
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Very few people are actually satisfied with their appearance. Some will go to great lengths to achieve a look that they consider acceptable. If you wear contacts and you're interested in changing your appearance but you want to use a subtle approach, you may want to consider color contact lenses. You can choose from a variety of natural s including blue, hazel, and green. There are numerous types of these lenses available that vary in the amount of tint used to create the lenses. If you have trouble seeing your contacts during insertion, for example, you don't want to actually change the of your eyes; you just want to be able to see your contacts better. Contacts with a light tint would work better for you.

Color contact lenses aren't just for people who require corrective lenses. There are just as many types of non-prescription contacts that can alter and/or enhance your eyes available. Of course you should obtain assistance from an eyewear professional so that the contacts fit securely on your eyes, and also to obtain important information regarding the use and care of the lenses. Color contact lenses are becoming more common for athletes interested in improving their skill. Race car drivers, for example, can benefit from color contact lenses with an amber tint because this can filter out shadows that can interfere with the driver's vision.

Have you ever noticed someone's eyes that you were certain were not their own? One of the issues associated with wearing color contact lenses is buying a set that complements your eye and skin . If your skin and eyes are naturally light, you have the good fortune of being able to wear just about any type of ed lenses. People with dark eyes and/or skin are best suited with opaque lenses. Instead of covering the eye with a solid , opaque color contact lenses actually complement the natural of the eye using a pattern of several s. If your eyes are somewhere in the middle or you want to try a in contrast to your eye , you should contact an eye specialist to discuss your options.

About the Author

Brad Triggs provides more information on Color Contact Lenses at his website: http://www.MyDiscountLenses.com/colored-contacts.htm

Thursday, September 07, 2006

5 Complications Associated With Lasik Surgery

If you are a wearer of glasses or contact lenses then you have probably looked into the possibility of getting LASIK eye surgery performed. This surgery has become increasingly popular as the costs associated with it have come down and the number of doctors performing it has gone up. While you are looking into have the procedure done, be sure to check out the complications that can arise from this, mostly uncomplicated, surgery.



1- The most obvious danger with any surgery that is being performed on your eyes is the loss of sight. This is also true with LASIK eye surgery, although it is not a very common consequence. A more common issue with this procedure is actually the partial loss of vision. This includes losing bands of sight on the reading chart, if this happens the use of glasses or contacts will not be able to correct the situation.



2- There are a fair amount of people that complain of distorted vision as a result of the LASIK procedure being performed. These complications include seeing halos around objects, blurred vision, and an increased difficulty seeing in adverse conditions such as nighttime or foggy weather. This is because of the diminishing contrasts in colors in these types of situations.



3- Another common complication that can arise from the LASIK surgery is the condition known as dry eye. This is when the eye does not produce enough tears to keep the eye moist. There are people that have this issue without ever having LASIK surgery; however, there is a very high incident rate among recent patients after the surgery. Most people do experience some relief from dry eye after about a month or so into the healing process. However, for most patients, the symptoms do not disappear entirely.



4- It is important to note that if any of these complications do arise because of your decision to get the LASIK surgery done on your eyes, that corrective eyewear will no longer be an effective solution to your vision dilemmas. Be sure to consider this when researching the surgery.



5- Talk to your surgeon about all of the risks that are associated with the LASIK surgery. You will need to weigh them against the potential gains in your self-esteem and even perhaps the future savings of not having to purchase glasses or contact lenses. Your doctor will be happy to talk to you about these potential problems and let you know how you can help to avoid having them happen to you.


About the Author: John Mancini has been writing about Eye Surgery online and offline for a long time. Visit http://ez-laser-eye-surgery.info or http://laser-eye-surgery-center.com to read more about matters like laser eye surgery and eye surgery.


Source: www.isnare.com
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Planning to make your costume complete with a pair of Halloween contact lenses? Then there are a few things you should know before you order yourself a pair of scary special effect contacts.

1. Can I see when wearing costume lenses?

Yes: the center of most special effect lenses - including black-out lenses - is clear, so you can see. The only exceptions are white-outs, frost and other designs that have to hide pupils. These lenses must be worn only one at a time.

2. Do special effect lenses come with or without corrective power?

People with good vision can get any special effect contact lenses for Halloween with zero power (plano lenses). Some collections come with corrective powers as well - for example, costume lenses from Wild Eyes and Crazy Lenses. Usually only minus corrective powers are avaliable, though, and they never go farther than -6.

See designes of Halloween contact lens with and without prescription.

3. Are Halloween special effects lenses comfortable?

If you get high quality lenses like Crazy Lenses or Wild Eyes, they will feel comfortable in your eyes. However, don't expect that you won't feel the lens at all, especially if you are not used to wearing contact lenses. Also because of the opaque color layer, costume lenses block the flow of oxygen to your eyes, so they might feel irritating after several hours of wear. Eight hours is the recommended upper limit, for wearing costume contacts.

4. How long do Halloween costume lenses last?

Most special effect contact lenses are traditional replacement lenses, which means that they last for a year. Actually, if you don't wear your lenses every day and take good care of them, brand-name lenses like Wild Eyes can last up tp 18 months.

There are also monthly disposable Crazy Lenses by Cooper Vision, which last for about 30 days. These lenses are a great choice if you plan to wear your scary contacts only during Halloween. They are also cheaper than yearly lenses.

5. Are there any health risks related to contacts for Halloween?

There are a lot of FDA warnings about Halloween contact lenses. However, most problems occur because people don't follow a few simple rules, which any contact lens wearer should know. Here they are:

  • Visit an optometrist before you get your lenses. Contacts are not a one-size-fits-all proposition - a doctor needs to measure your eyes for the best fit
  • Buy your costume lenses only from registered contact lens retailers. Never buy them from a gas station or beauty salon.
  • Never share your lenses with anybody - it is a sure way to pick up an eye infection
  • Don't wear your special effect lenses for longer than 8 hours in a row and never sleep in them
  • Wash your hands with soap before handling your lenses
  • Carry a contact lens case filled with solution with you, so you can take out your lenses if your eyes start to feel irritated
  • Never wear a damaged lens
If you follow these rules and the care instructions that come with all brand name special effect lenses, your scary contacts should not give you any health problems

6. What is the price range of Halloween contacts?

Mass produced lenses like Wild Eyes and Crazy Lenses are quite affordable. You can get a pair cat eyes, hot red, spirals or black-outs for $60-$80.

There are also companies that offer handpainted special effect contact lenses with hundreds of very interesting designs. These lenses are called theatrical contact lenses and would cost you $200 or more, per pair.

7. Where is the best place to order costume contacts for Halloween?

Your optometrist can get them for you, but this way you will pay more than necessary. Your best bet is to order your special effect lenses from an online contact lens store. You just need to be careful and make sure that you are dealing with a trusted online contact lens retailer.
About the Author

Tanya Turner is a color contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide, which provides you with information about all types of contact lenses including Halloween contacts reviews and photos

Monday, September 04, 2006

Latest Fashion Trends in Color Contact Lenses

Color contact lenses are really hot today. They work better than any eye make-up, making your eyes truly stunning. But there are so many of them! Find out what "eyes" are currently in fashion and how these colors can transform your look.

About half of the people wearing color contact lenses don't have any vision problems - for them color contacts are just fashion accessories. With color contacts, you can change your eye color to match your mood. Or you can stick with one brand and color that works best for you, and make it a permanent part of your look.


Favorite colors - ocean blue and sea green


The most popular color is blue. Many people with brown eyes dream of having blue eyes and some who are born with blue eyes wish that their natural color was brighter. If you want a truly vivid blue, try Freshlook Colorblends True Sapphire (for dark or light eyes). True Sapphire looks especially stunning if you have dark hair. Durasoft 2 Colors Sky Blue creates a subtle, very natural look. And if you are after a very light blue color, try Illusions Opaques in Soft Blue.


Green is another favorite. Green eyes have always been considered a sign of sexuality, so many gray, blue and brown eyed people get green color contact lenses when they feel wild. If you have dark eyes, opaque lenses like Acuvue 2 Colors Jade Green, Freshlook Colorblends Green or Durasoft 2 Colors Green work really well. To make light eyes green, we suggest Acuvue 2 Colors Enhancers Emerald Green or Durasoft 2 Colors for light eyes Jade Green.


Amethyst also deserves special mention. It is not as popular as blue or green, yet it creates a great mysterious look. It works best for people with dark eyes and medium to dark skin. Unlike blue or green, naturally amethyst (violet) eyes are very rare, so your look is guaranteed to be noticed. Freshlook Colorblends Amethyst creates a very nice effect, and it works equally well on light and dark eyes.


See pictures of colored contacts by most popular brands


Color contacts that make your eyes look deeper and larger


Changing your eye color is not the only way to brighten your eyes. People who are happy with their natural color can wear "definition ring" contact lenses. The lens is mostly clear, but it has a dark border. This outline gives your natural color more definition, which makes your eyes appear larger and adds depth.


A good example of "definition" color contacts is Freshlook Dimensions by Ciba Vision. Dimensions come in aqua, blue and green. The lens gives your eyes a hint of color and a beautiful impression of depth.


Color contacts - illuminating effect


It isn't only color that makes eyes stunning. Did you even notice that some people have eyes that sparkle with life and happiness? A similar effect can be achieved with Freshlook Radiance lenses. Starburst patterns imprinted in the lens make your eyes appear sparkling and full of life. These lenses come in Moonlight, Eden, Autumn and Sunrise. As enhancement contact lenses, Radiance give you only a hint of color, but don't change it. However, illumination makes a big difference and draws attention to your eyes.



About the Author

www.1-Contact-Lenses-Consumer-Guide.com published by Tanya Turner helps you chose best color contacts . It provides comparisons, photos and reviews of all types of color contact lenses.
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EX series cameras, including WV-CP240EX (120 Vac), WV-CP242EX (12 Vdc), and WV-CP244EX (24 Vac), feature 480 TV lines of horizontal resolution and 50 dB signal-to-noise ratio. F1.2 lens captures images in lighting as low as 1.1 lux. Image refinement features include automatic light control, automatic gain control, auto-tracing white balance, back light compensation, and aperture correction.
Source: news.thomasnet.com

Largan said to be supplying 3-megapixel lenses to Sony Ericsson (Digi Times)
Largan Precision is shipping 3-megapixel handset-use lenses to Sony Ericsson, the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) cited rumors as indicting. But the lens maker declined to comment on the rumors, only saying that the world's major handset vendors are all Largan's clients and the proportion of its 3-megapixel lens shipments remains low, according to the paper. Largan also supplies
Source: www.digitimes.com

Put your old videos on DVD -- fast (NorthJersey.com)
Do you have a closet full of old home movies on VHS tapes? Save some space -- and ensure that the film lasts for generations -- by using a service to transfer them to DVD.
Source: www.northjersey.com

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Contacts Provide Diverse and Plentiful Choices

Whether you�re wearing contact lenses for the first time or you�re a current wearer seeking a new option, the choices have never been so diverse and plentiful.



The technology and designs available will make you�re contact lenses wearing experience a comfortable and convenient one. Some of the wonderful contact lens types include; disposable contact lenses, colored contact lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, toric and bifocal lenses and extended wear lenses.



The first step for anyone wanting to wear contact lenses is a visit to an eyecare practitioner, even if you just want to change eye color. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and in some states opticians are considered to be eyecare practitioners and can write a valid contact lenses prescription. In the United States contact lenses can only be legally purchased with a written contact lens prescription.



You�re eyecare practitioner will first check to see if you can safely wear contact lens, most people can, there are however some who cannot. Next you�re eyecare practitioner will do a thorough examination of both eyes and a contact lens fitting to determine you�re contact lens prescription. It is important to remember that contact lenses are medical devices and if not properly prescribed and fitted a person could suffer discomfort, abrasion, swelling and in some rare instances permanent eye damage. Regular eye exams are necessary to ensure any problems are looked at and taken care of.



Benefits of Wearing Contacts:

There are many benefits to wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses are so delicately designed that the wearer doesn�t even know they are there. Contact lenses eliminate the barriers that eyeglasses provide with the line of sight from above, below and the sides of the eyes, allowing for incredible peripheral vision while reducing and often eliminating image distortion often caused by eyeglasses.



Disposable Contacts:

Disposable contacts are the most common type of discount contact lenses. They offer both health and convenience benefits, and are a favorite among eyecare practitioners and consumers alike, because of the wonderful health benefits and convenience they offer. Disposable lenses designs should be worn for a certain amount of time, thrown out and replaced with a fresh pair of lenses. There are three main types of disposable contact lenses; disposable contact lenses which can be discarded and replaced every two weeks or sooner (some are daily); the traditional or reusable contact lenses that are replaced approximately every six months or longer and the frequent replacement contacts which are replaced monthly or quarterly. There can be confusion between what is known as the replacement schedule and the wearing schedule. The replacement schedule is the difference between disposable, traditional or reusable and frequent lenses, and exactly how often they are discarded and replaced. Whereas the wearing schedule refers to how often you�re contact lenses are removed but not necessarily discarded. Usually the name of the contacts such as daily wear or extended wear will refer to how often the lenses should be removed.



Color Contact Lenses:

Color contact lenses are a great way to either give yourself a subtle or dramatic change to your look. The color contact lenses are available in both prescription and plano (non prescription) form. There are four types of colored contact lenses; visibility tints, enhancement tints, opaque color tints and light-filtering tints. The visibility tints usually come with a green or light blue tint added to the lens, and this is primarily so you can see well during insertion and removal or if the contact lenses are dropped. The visibility tints do not affect eye color. Enhancement tints are a solid (yet translucent) tint that also does not affect eye color. What they do as the name implies is enhance the existing eye color of the wearer.



Color tints are the deeper, opaque tints that dramatically change the wearers eye color. These lenses are great for anyone wanting a dramatic change in their eye color and appearance. The color contacts are available in a wide variety of colors, including green, hazel, violet, blue, amethyst and gray. Lastly the light-filtering tints are a great option for sports enthusiasts. These special contact lenses are designed for specific sports use as they enhance certain colors. One color of the light-filtering tints is the optic yellow, because this is the color of tennis balls and some golf and softballs the lenses enhance the yellow while muting other colors, making the ball stand out against the background.



Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses:

Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) are probably the highest quality lenses available today. They offer excellent quality of vision (some will say crisper vision), durability, and retain their shape better when blinking. The lenses allow for oxygen to reach your eye therefore creating more comfort and better eye health. The lenses have a more lengthy adjustment period than the soft lenses and must be worn everyday to maintain the comfort level, otherwise if not worn everyday it will take time to adjust to again.



Bifocal and Toric Lenses:

A comfortable and convenient way to correct presbyopia (aging eyes) is with bifocal contact lenses. These contact lenses can replace the bifocal eyeglasses that we are used to seeing on people. The bifocal contacts are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses, and in disposable or frequent replacement wear. Toric contact lenses treat the eye condition known as astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea). The toric contact lenses have only become available recently in soft contact options. The lenses are available in disposable, frequent replacement, multifocal and color varieties of lenses.



Extended Wear Lenses:

Extended wear contact lenses are the most convenient of all the contact lenses. Extended wear allows for overnight wear up to thirty days. Most of the extended wear contact lenses available can be worn without removal for up to seven days, there are only a couple of brands that can be worn for up to thirty days of continuous wear. There is a higher health risk compared with the nightly removal lenses. The nice thing about the extended wear lenses is you don�t have to worry about lens care, you must be sure however to discard and replace your lenses according to their wear schedule to avoid any risk of infection. A nice option in the extended wear lenses is the flexible wear lenses. This allows you to nap or occasionally sleep in your lenses, perhaps on a weekend trip, while only wearing the lenses on a daily wear basis.



Conclusion

Everyone�s individual needs and preferences will come into play when selecting their contact lenses. With the wonderful assortment of contact lenses available there is a lens that will offer both comfort and convenience to the most particular of consumers.
Valerie Giles owns and operates Eyewear-4U http://www.eyewear-4u.com, an eyewear site featuring fashion eyewear, sports eyewear, prescription eyewear, discount sunglasses and contact lenses as well as accessories. The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.
-
Whether you�re wearing contact lenses for the first time or you�re a current wearer seeking a new option, the choices have never been so diverse and plentiful.

The technology and designs available will make you�re contact lenses wearing experience a comfortable and convenient one. Some of the wonderful contact lens types include; disposable contact lenses, colored contact lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, toric and bifocal lenses and extended wear lenses.

The first step for anyone wanting to wear contact lenses is a visit to an eyecare practitioner, even if you just want to change eye color. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and in some states opticians are considered to be eyecare practitioners and can write a valid contact lenses prescription. In the United States contact lenses can only be legally purchased with a written contact lens prescription.

You�re eyecare practitioner will first check to see if you can safely wear contact lens, most people can, there are however some who cannot. Next you�re eyecare practitioner will do a thorough examination of both eyes and a contact lens fitting to determine you�re contact lens prescription. It is important to remember that contact lenses are medical devices and if not properly prescribed and fitted a person could suffer discomfort, abrasion, swelling and in some rare instances permanent eye damage. Regular eye exams are necessary to ensure any problems are looked at and taken care of.

Benefits of Wearing Contacts:
There are many benefits to wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses are so delicately designed that the wearer doesn�t even know they are there. Contact lenses eliminate the barriers that eyeglasses provide with the line of sight from above, below and the sides of the eyes, allowing for incredible peripheral vision while reducing and often eliminating image distortion often caused by eyeglasses.

Disposable Contacts:
Disposable contacts are the most common type of discount contact lenses. They offer both health and convenience benefits, and are a favorite among eyecare practitioners and consumers alike, because of the wonderful health benefits and convenience they offer. Disposable lenses designs should be worn for a certain amount of time, thrown out and replaced with a fresh pair of lenses. There are three main types of disposable contact lenses; disposable contact lenses which can be discarded and replaced every two weeks or sooner (some are daily); the traditional or reusable contact lenses that are replaced approximately every six months or longer and the frequent replacement contacts which are replaced monthly or quarterly. There can be confusion between what is known as the replacement schedule and the wearing schedule. The replacement schedule is the difference between disposable, traditional or reusable and frequent lenses, and exactly how often they are discarded and replaced. Whereas the wearing schedule refers to how often you�re contact lenses are removed but not necessarily discarded. Usually the name of the contacts such as daily wear or extended wear will refer to how often the lenses should be removed.

Color Contact Lenses:
Color contact lenses are a great way to either give yourself a subtle or dramatic change to your look. The color contact lenses are available in both prescription and plano (non prescription) form. There are four types of colored contact lenses; visibility tints, enhancement tints, opaque color tints and light-filtering tints. The visibility tints usually come with a green or light blue tint added to the lens, and this is primarily so you can see well during insertion and removal or if the contact lenses are dropped. The visibility tints do not affect eye color. Enhancement tints are a solid (yet translucent) tint that also does not affect eye color. What they do as the name implies is enhance the existing eye color of the wearer.

Color tints are the deeper, opaque tints that dramatically change the wearers eye color. These lenses are great for anyone wanting a dramatic change in their eye color and appearance. The color contacts are available in a wide variety of colors, including green, hazel, violet, blue, amethyst and gray. Lastly the light-filtering tints are a great option for sports enthusiasts. These special contact lenses are designed for specific sports use as they enhance certain colors. One color of the light-filtering tints is the optic yellow, because this is the color of tennis balls and some golf and softballs the lenses enhance the yellow while muting other colors, making the ball stand out against the background.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses:
Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) are probably the highest quality lenses available today. They offer excellent quality of vision (some will say crisper vision), durability, and retain their shape better when blinking. The lenses allow for oxygen to reach your eye therefore creating more comfort and better eye health. The lenses have a more lengthy adjustment period than the soft lenses and must be worn everyday to maintain the comfort level, otherwise if not worn everyday it will take time to adjust to again.

Bifocal and Toric Lenses:
A comfortable and convenient way to correct presbyopia (aging eyes) is with bifocal contact lenses. These contact lenses can replace the bifocal eyeglasses that we are used to seeing on people. The bifocal contacts are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses, and in disposable or frequent replacement wear. Toric contact lenses treat the eye condition known as astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea). The toric contact lenses have only become available recently in soft contact options. The lenses are available in disposable, frequent replacement, multifocal and color varieties of lenses.

Extended Wear Lenses:
Extended wear contact lenses are the most convenient of all the contact lenses. Extended wear allows for overnight wear up to thirty days. Most of the extended wear contact lenses available can be worn without removal for up to seven days, there are only a couple of brands that can be worn for up to thirty days of continuous wear. There is a higher health risk compared with the nightly removal lenses. The nice thing about the extended wear lenses is you don�t have to worry about lens care, you must be sure however to discard and replace your lenses according to their wear schedule to avoid any risk of infection. A nice option in the extended wear lenses is the flexible wear lenses. This allows you to nap or occasionally sleep in your lenses, perhaps on a weekend trip, while only wearing the lenses on a daily wear basis.

Conclusion
Everyone�s individual needs and preferences will come into play when selecting their contact lenses. With the wonderful assortment of contact lenses available there is a lens that will offer both comfort and convenience to the most particular of consumers. Valerie Giles owns and operates Eyewear-4U http://www.eyewear-4u.com, an eyewear site featuring fashion eyewear, sports eyewear, prescription eyewear, discount sunglasses and contact lenses as well as accessories. The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.