In this series, we’ll be going over some colored contacts basics, starting with opaque lenses for dark eyes.
What is an ‘Opaque’ contact lens?
One of the most frequently asked questions about colored contacts has to be about changing the color of dark eyes. The good news is that the vast majority of colored lenses available today are suitable for doing just that.
Contact lenses for dark eyes are called opaque because the pigment used in the lens covers up your natural eye color. So none of your natural eye color gets through the lens for the color you pick.
These lenses look like a doughnut, with the colored portion around the rim and a clear portion for the iris. To make the eye have more definition, some opaque lenses feature a dark limbal ring, which outlines the colored portion of the lens.
Natural Color or Dramatic Color – You Decide
Opaque lenses come in both single-color and blended color tints. The only way to decide which type works best for you is to try both.
For example, Freshlook Colors is a single color lens, while Freshlook Colorblends is a combination of three different colors. The idea behind a blended tint is that it mimics the natural color variations in the iris.
But what if you’re not going for the natural look. What if you want to stop traffic with your eyes?
Okay…then here are the opaque lenses for dark eyes that you are looking for! Clearly Colors are super bright. The shades are vivid and intense. Loads of fun for parties, clubbing, and cosplay.
Another line bright lenses we like are in the Freshlook Colorblends group. They are called Vibrant Views and so far there are three shades: Sterling Gray (most popular), Brilliant Blue, and Gemstone Green. these three lenses are more vivid than the rest of the Colorblends lenses.
Other Colored Opaque Lenses for Dark Eyes
To be honest, there are a slew of lenses on the market now (mostly coming out of Asia), that give you different looks. Circle lenses, for example are oversize, making your eyes appear cartoonish. These lenses were designed to mimic anime characters and really took off after Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance video. The downside to Circle Lenses, Barbie lenses, and others is that they are not legally approved for sale (in the U.S.) and may not meet quality and health guidelines. Until these lenses are approved, we recommend sticking with the tried and true brands.
Here’s a lineup of the best selling disposable color contacts for dark eyes:
FreshLook COLORBLENDS
Number one selling colored lens from Ciba Vision. Comes in 11 shades (woot!) including three Vibrant Views. Costs about $32/box for six lenses. You can get these lenses substantially cheaper with online sales and coupons.
Base Curve 8.6 – Median, Diameter 14.5
Freshlook Colors – Discontinued
Sad news if you are a fan of the FreshLook Colors contacts, because they’ve been discontinued. The good news is FreshLook COLORBLENDS are still available and there are other brands of opaque lenses for dark eyes available and discussed on this page.
Acuvue 2 Colours Opaques
Amazing color and fit from number one selling Acuvue by Johnson and Johnson Vistakon. Based on regular Acuvue 2 lenses. Comes in 7 shades.
Base Curve 8.3, Diameter 14.0
More about Acuvue 2 Colors for dark eyes
Clearly Colors
Seven vivid shades branded by Coastal Contacts. By far the most popular color is Aquatic Allure, but Gray Storm is coming on fast! Gray is the latest up and coming color!
Base Curve 8.6 – Median. Diameter 14.0
Coopervision Expressions Colors
Not as popular but still great color. I have brown eyes and I own these lenses in green and they are very comfortable. Based on the Frequency® 55 Aspheric base lens. Comes in 8 shades.
Base Curve 8.7, Diameter 14.4
What Do You Think?
What are your experiences with any of the above opaque lenses for dark eyes? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and let us know.
If you are looking to purchase opaque lenses dark eyes, check out our guide on best colored contacts for dark eyes. Great selection of lenses for the top pick for brown eyes, like blue, green, gray, amber lenses.
Next in this series is all about Enhancer Lenses for Light Eyes!
looking for bright green contacts to cover dark brown eyes, just for fun. Only plan to wear in evenings once in a while. The clearly colors green envy looks good, as does the green and emerald green from freshlook. What are pricing and wearing differences?
thanks