Color Toric Contacts - Good News for People with Astigmatism

If you have an astigmatism it doesn't mean that you are stuck with wearing glasses. These days there are special contact lenses, called "toric", developed specially for people with astigmatism. And it gets even more exiting - you can also wear color toric contacts. Find out what color toric contact lenses are available and which would be best for you.

The difference between a regular contact lens and a toric lens is that torics have two powers, (one for astigmatism, the other for short-sightedness or long-sightedness). Also the lens is usually heavier at the bottom, to prevent it rotating in your eye.

The material used for toric color contacts is the same as for ordinary contacts - they can be soft or RGP (rigid gas permeable). RGP lenses usually don't come in color varieties, though, because the lens is smaller than your iris (the colored part of your eye). So in talking about colored toric contact lenses, we will discuss only soft toric lenses.

What color toric contacts are available?

For now the only widely available brand name colored toric contacts are Freshlook Colorblends by Ciba Vision. Freshlook Colorblends are opaque color contacts, which means that they are equally suitable for people with light eyes or dark eyes. Freshlook Colorblends toric offers you green, blue, gray and honey colors. See pictures of people wearing color toric contacts by Freshlook.

Some custom-made toric color contacts can also be made, at your request. Naturally, these would cost you a bit more. Most custom-made color contacts are traditional (annual replacement) lenses, while Freshlook Colorblends are monthly disposable lenses.

How expensive are toric colored lenses?.

Unfortunately, all toric contact lenses cost about twice as much as lenses for long or shortsightedness. The reason is that the lens is irregularly shaped and is more difficult to manufacture.

Comparable to plain (no color) toric contacts colored torics are 25-30% more expensive. However, if you order your toric colored contacts online you can save significantly.

Is there any potential danger in wearing color toric contacts?

Toric color lenses don't present any more danger than any other contact lenses. You just shouldn't neglect to care for them properly. Always remember to wash your hands before handling your lenses. Every time you put your lenses out for the night use fresh solution. Don't wear your lenses for too long - 8-10 hours is the limit, and never sleep in them.

Since you need toric contact lenses anyway, try color toric contacts. You would be amazed how different your face will look with a different eye color.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide, which gives you information about all types of contact lenses including colored contact lens pictures