The highlights of Air Optix Colors contacts

Air Optix Colors contact lenses are a part of the Air Optix brand family, which are specially designed with comfort and breathability in mind for contact wearers. Unlike other Air Optix lenses, Air Optix Colors provide a cosmetic flair to your vision correction by using the element of color.

With 12 different shades to choose from, Air Optix Colors are sure to cater to your personal eye color preference, whether natural or vivid — all while providing clear vision and wearing ease.

People who require nearsighted or farsighted vision correction can use Air Optix Colors. The lenses are also available for people who do not need any vision correction at all. 

READ MORE: Colored Contact Lenses: Types and How to Choose Them

What are the benefits of Air Optix Colors?

Air Optix Colors provide both comfort and style to the wearer. They are available for purchase conveniently from your eye care professional, as well as from online retailers.

Color selection

There are a dozen different colors to choose from, giving you great options to find your perfect shade. Each color is uniquely designed to provide a color enhancement, whether you prefer a subtle change or a dramatic look.

Comfort

The entire Air Optix contacts family provides comfort and breathability, and the Colors line is no exception. In addition, Air Optix Colors have “smart shield technology” designed to protect the lenses from irritating deposits. For maximum comfort and freshness, Air Optix Colors should be replaced on a monthly basis. 

Availability

In addition to eye care offices, many online retailers carry Air Optix Colors. Just remember that you will need a valid contact lens prescription no matter where you purchase them.

What are the disadvantages of Air Optix Colors?

Even the highest-rated contact lenses may have some disadvantages, whether it’s the cost or fewer available features.

No correction for astigmatism

Although Air Optix Colors provide correction for nearsightedness and farsightedness, they do not provide correction for astigmatism. The Air Optix brand does carry contact lenses without colors that are designed to correct astigmatism.

Vision can be slightly affected by eye movement

While your eyes will be measured carefully to ensure your lenses fit correctly, contacts can potentially move while you wear them, such as when you blink. When a colored contact moves, the colored portion may slide over the pupil and cause a slightly unnatural appearance.

The size of your pupils also changes to accommodate different lighting (in dark environments, the pupils grow larger). If your pupil becomes larger than the clear center of your contacts, it may affect your vision.

Expense

Colored contacts are generally more expensive than regular contacts, which can be a drawback for some people. Check with your eye care provider about cost and ask about rebates, coupons or specials that may be available.

What colors are available?

There are 12 different colors available in the Air Optix Colors line. Each shade is uniquely designed with special color technology that offers a smooth blend between the shade of your eyes and the shade on your lenses. 

The selection of colors includes the following:

• Amethyst

• Blue

• Brilliant Blue

• Brown

• Gray

• Sterling Gray

• Green

• Gemstone Green

• Honey

• Pure Hazel

• True Sapphire

• Turquoise

Which shade is best for you?

While all shades are designed to blend naturally with both dark and light eye colors, some may blend more seamlessly than others. Color may appear more intense over light eyes and be more subtle on dark eyes.

Both dramatic and natural-looking options are available. Gray and Pure Hazel could be good choices for a more natural look, while Turquoise and Brilliant Blue may offer a more vibrant effect.

At the end of the day, the best shade for your eyes simply depends on your personal preference. (But don’t forget that you can always ask for your eye care professional’s guidance!) The brand’s website also offers a virtual try-on of every color.

How much do Air Optix Colors cost?

At Coastal.com, an online retailer, a 2-pack of Air Optix Colors costs $37, and a 6-pack costs $93 (excluding any rebates, promotions and other discounts). Prices may vary between online retailers and in-person purchases.

In general, colored contacts are more expensive than regular contacts — sometimes as much as double the price. This is because of the special tinting process involved, along with other development costs. 

It is best to discuss pricing with your eye care professional as well as your vision insurance provider to ensure what (and how much) is covered on your plan.

SEE RELATED: How much do colored contacts cost?

What prescriptions are available in Air Optix Colors?

Prescriptions are available for people with nearsightedness and farsightedness alike, from +6.00D to -6.00D (0.25D steps) and -6.00D to -8.00D (0.50D steps).

Don’t require vision correction? You'll still need to visit your eye doctor for a contact lens fitting in order to get a plano (pl) prescription for Air Optix Colors. The prescription will not include any corrective power but will ensure the contacts fit correctly.

Astigmatism correction is not available with Air Optix Colors. 

SEE RELATED: Understanding your contact lens prescription

Do you need a prescription for Air Optix Colors?

The FDA classifies contact lenses as medical devices in the U.S., whether they are worn primarily for vision correction or only for cosmetic purposes. For this reason, you will need a current contact lens prescription in order to purchase Air Optix Colors (and other contact lenses). 

No matter where you purchase your contact lenses, you must provide proof of a valid, current prescription from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. If you see contact lenses being sold anywhere over the counter, for example, at a tattoo parlor or novelty shop, or from an otherwise unlicensed source, they are being sold illegally. The lenses should not be purchased or considered safe to use.

SEE RELATED: Can I buy contact lenses without a prescription? 

Caring for your lenses

Air Optix Colors can be worn for up to a month before they need to be replaced. Your lenses should be taken out before you go to sleep at night and cleaned with a sterile contact solution, then stored in a clean contact lens case.

Some other things to keep in mind when caring for your contacts:

• Always handle lenses with clean hands.

• Do not share your contact lenses with anyone.

• Do not wear contact lenses or use solutions past their expiration date.

• Always inspect your contact lenses for tears or defects, and discard them if any are present.

• Replace your contact lens case every three months.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses if your eyes are irritated.

Getting fitted for Air Optix Colors

Everyone’s eyes are different, so when it comes to contact lenses, your eyes must be carefully measured both for vision correction and for their size and shape in order to receive the appropriate prescription.

It’s especially important to get an accurate measurement for colored contacts like Air Optix Colors because the colorful portion surrounds the center of the eye.

If you wear contacts, you should have a contact lens exam with every yearly comprehensive eye exam.

SEE RELATED: Getting contacts? Get a contact lens exam

Other Air Optix products

Air Optix Colors are just one member of the Air Optix contact lens family. The variety of lenses from Air Optix cater to different vision needs, from eyes that need long-lasting moisture to those that require astigmatism correction. Additional lenses from the Air Optix brand include:

• Air Optix plus HydraGlyde – Comfortable lenses equipped with long-lasting lens moisture.

• Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal – Long-lasting lens moisture and sharp vision at any distance. For presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Air Optix Aqua – Breathable lenses designed with special protection from irritating lens deposits. 

• Air Optix Aqua Multifocal – The same benefits as Air Optix Aqua, designed for vision correction at any distance for people with presbyopia.

• Air Optix Night & Day Aqua – Great for a custom-wearing schedule, including up to 30 days and nights of continuous wear.

• Air Optix for Astigmatism – Comfortable lenses designed for people with astigmatism. 

Many contact lenses, including Air Optix Colors, offer a free trial so you can make sure you are satisfied with your decision before committing to a larger purchase. 

Contact your eye doctor when it’s time to upgrade your contact lenses. Eye exams (for both eyeglasses and contact lenses) should be scheduled on a yearly basis in order to confirm your prescription and determine the best products for your eyes.

Page published on Monday, April 12, 2021