What's on your eyes?

Have an eye for colours?

 Then try green, grey, brown or even blue contact lenses.

Cosmetic contact lenses add glamour to an individual's appearance. The market now is flooded with a wide assortment of hues of contact lenses.

There is bound to be confusion as regards to the choice. The cost has also come down rendering them affordable for many. An uncertainty lingers in one's mind too about their safety on the eye.

Enlighten yourself with these bits of information.

What colour? How to choose?

The colour of the lens is very important. If you are a Sri Lankan with dark eyes then hazel, brown or grey colour lenses can enhance your appearance.

If your eyes are light or you want only a subtle change in colour to wear to work it's advisable to go in for dark shades. If the purpose is only for party or occasional wear to give a dramatic effect, then a bright shade will be suitable. Matching attire along with a stylish mane will surely complement it.

Which type of cosmetic contact lens?

* Coloured lenses without power

* Coloured lenses with minus or plus power

* Toric cosmetic lenses, a boon for people with astigmatism, i.e., cylindrical power, though it's available only in limited hues.

* Annual or regular cosmetic lenses which can be worn for a year.

* Disposable cosmetic lenses are replaced monthly and cause less allergy to the eyes.

They are also more comfortable. However, compared to the regular wear type, these 12 pairs for a year are more expensive. A single disposable pair is safe only for a month or 30 wears.

Assessment

The fit and the movement of the contact lens are important in order to facilitate tear circulation with better oxygen permeability to the cornea.Accordingly a base curve depending on the corneal curvature is arrived at.

Precautions

* Remember, any contact lens is a medical product since it is worn directly over the cornea which is a window to the world.

* Practice sessions should be given by the eye specialist.

* Care and timely replacement of the contact lenses should be meticulous without any compromise.

People with white corneal scars experience embarrassment particularly with children. If they have no vision, the corneal scar can be masked by contact lenses, with a dark shade comparable to the other eye.

Dr. Kanthamani is a Sr. Consultant Ophthalmologist in Chennai.