How are contact lenses made ?

Exactly how are contact lenses made?

Many people wear them but few know how a contact lens is made.

Contact lenses can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and color .

The most popularly used contact eye lenses today are the soft variety.

The first soft contact lenses were developed in 1960 - but it was only in 1971 when the public had access to eye contacts.

Toric eye lenses for astigmatism were approved for use in 1978.

The first rigid gas permeable lenses were introduced in 1979.

Subsequent advances in eye wear technology saw the introduction of bifocal eye lenses, tinted eye lenses, daily wear soft lenses, and disposable contacts.

In the nineties, eye wear became even more advanced when companies started introducing disposable tinted eye lenses, and disposable contacts with UV protection.

How Are Contact Lenses Made Exactly?

In most cases, the manufacturing of lenses is automated.

Key factors companies use to determine the type of lens include 1) Total power the finished lens must have; 2) Strength and size of the segment contact lenses; 3) The strength and orientation of the lens curves; and 4)

Minute details such as the location of the optical center, and any induced prism that may be needed.

Contact eye lenses are generally categorized as hard or soft.

Hard contact lenses are manufactured from rigid material such as polymethylmethacrylate.

This sturdy material is sometimes combined with other plastics to improve oxygen permeability.

These are called rigid gas permeable lenses. Soft contact eye lenses are made from a plastic hydrogel polymer, hydroxyethylmethacrylate, which has a high water content.

Aside from being categorized as hard or soft, contact eye wear can also be identified by its longevity (extended wear, daily wear, disposable) and by its prescription type (aspheric, bifocal, toric, etc.).

More information and reviews on a full range of leading contact lenses can be found at Contact Lens Savers at http://contact-lens-savers.com/index.html


The Most Important things to Know When Choosing a Treadmill.Anthony SheltonThe most Important Things to Know When Choosing a Treadmill


If you ever had the desire to buy a treadmill, you were
probably hit by all sorts of questions:

"What treadmill should I buy?"
"Where will I put it?"
"When will I have the time to use it?",
What are the most important things to
take into consideration when choosing a treadmill? ,
"Which treadmills will help me look fit?" and so forth.

This article will try to answer these questions and give you

an insight of the most important factors that are to be taken
into consideration when choosing a treadmill for Walking or jogging.


First thing you should do before choosing a treadmill is
figure out how much free space you have inside your home,
because treadmills come in different sizes and designs. Once
you know approximately how much space you can free up, you
can go look for a treadmill of that exact size.
Don't put yourself in the unnecessary and awkward position
where you come home with your newly purchased treadmill and
are forced to put it in the closet because of the lack of
room.

When choosing a treadmill, apart from size and design,
another important factor you should take into consideration
will be its quality. A quality treadmill can last for years,
while poor quality ones can break apart in a matter of weeks
or months. What gives quality and longevity to a treadmill
is its motor. The ones with a larger, heavier motor will
have a smaller chance of breaking down, because of their
solid configuration, but of course there will still be a
small risk that it could brake down.

Still they are a great choice to make if you have the money
and room for them. Also look for quality and time-tested
brands and don't let yourself attracted by the really small
prices low-quality treadmills offer. You could pay half the
price of a good, quality treadmill but you could end up with
it breaking down in a matter of weeks. Because when you
decided to buy a treadmill you probably thought about your
health first, it's very important that the treadmill
provides a healthy and effective way to work out.

One of the most important factors in this matter is the
thickness of the walking deck and the size of the walking
track, both having a bad effect on your feet and ankles if
they don't respect a set of healthy measures. Therefore if
you plan to do both walking and jogging on your treadmill,
its walking deck's thickness needs to be at least 3 inches
in order to provide a healthy solution. The walking track
should be around 48 inches in length and 17-18 inches in
width to provide the necessary space for you to work out in
a comfortable position.

The next step you need to figure out when choosing a
treadmill is what you want it to show you on its electronic
board. The electronic board differs from treadmill to
treadmill, although some of the basic parameters almost all
of them offer are speed, distance, calorie burnout and maybe
inclination degree. Some of the newer treadmill models have
an interesting extra feature that measures your heart rate
and shows it on their monitor. A really important factor you
should take into consideration when choosing a treadmill if
you have heart problems.


The benefits of choosing a treadmill for home workouts
instead of going to a gym are immense. First off, it will
save the precious time it takes you to go and come back from
the local gym, not to mention you save the money it would
take you to pay for the gym training session or monthly fee.
The second main advantage is that by having a treadmill in
your home, all members of your family will have the chance
to work out (which of course can turn into a disadvantage
when everyone wants to work out at the same time, but that's
highly improbable if you make a precise time-schedule).
Getting Fit doesn't have to be hard. For a free copy of our motivating book "It's Fun to be Thin" Visit our website at http://www.a1-treadmills.com

Color Contact Lenses - Are They Safe?

Do you want to find out how you would look with blue, green or amethyst eyes? But you have heard that color contact lenses might cause problems? Here we will discuss how color contacts can affect the health of your eyes, and give you simple tips to follow so your color lenses never give you any troubles.

There are two main reasons why color contacts cause your eye problems, and both are easily avoidable. The first cause is buying color contacts of inferior quality without a doctors prescription; and the second is not caring properly for your color lenses.

Sometimes you see color contacts for sale in beauty salons and even in flea markets! You should never buy your lenses in these places. Color contacts arent fashion jewelry: most paints are very toxic, so the lenses should be properly manufactured, to avoid direct contact between the paint and the sensitive surface of your eye. Most color lenses sold without a doctors prescription fail to meet these requirements. They might look good and cost less than brand-name color contacts, but they are really dangerous for your eyes.

Since the second common cause of eye infections from wearing color lenses is not caring for them properly, you should always follow your doctors instructions about caring for your lenses.

Color contact lenses safety rules

If you follow these simple rules, your lenses will be no threat to the health of your eyes.

1. Obtain an eye doctors prescription before ordering your color contacts. Even if you dont need vision correction, you need an eye doctor to select the lenses that would be best for you

2. It is cheaper to order your color contacts online than buying them from your doctor, but make sure that you order from a reputable contact lens retailer

3. Dont wear your color contacts continuously for too long. Most color contacts block the flow of oxygen to your eyes. This is usually not a problem, though, if you wear your lenses only for 8-9 hours at a stretch, but any longer than that could cause problems.

4. Never sleep wearing your lenses - this is the most dangerous thing you can do, in terms of eye health. If your eyes dont receive enough oxygen for days on end, then you are sure to suffer inflammation of the corneas. Some color contacts, like Acuvue 2 Colors, are FDA approved to wear for up to 7 days straight. However, many eye doctors agree that it is better not to risk your eyes even with the best quality color contacts

5. Dont swim or shower wearing your color lenses. Firstly, it is very easy to lose a lens in the water. Secondly, whenever water gets into your eyes it creates favorable conditions for bacteria, putting you at risk of infection

6. Make sure you clean your lenses properly, and always keep your contacts in soft contact lens solution. You shouldnt rub your color contacts while cleaning them, because it may damage the color. So it is best to use a no-rub multipurpose solution.

7. Never share your color contacts with other people. It might be very tempting to exchange color lenses with a friend but, unfortunately, it is a sure way to pick up an eye infection.

Color contact lenses are fun. As the saying goes, The eyes are the mirror of the soul, and it is amazing how much different eye colors can transform your appearance. Caring for your color lenses isnt hard work - people who wear color contacts every day report that it takes them less than a minute to clean the lenses and put them in - so you should always follow the safety rules. If you do, then color contact lenses will bring you only joy, with no troubles.

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 contacts reviews and pictures

Colored Contact Lenses - How to Choose the Color That is Best for You

 You want colored contact lenses but you arent sure which color would be best for you? Here are some tips that should help you select your best color.
First of all there are two major types of colored contacts - enhancement color lenses and opaque lenses. Enhancement lenses are suitable for people with light eyes only, and are designed to make your own color brighter or give it a slightly different hue. For example: a person with naturally green eyes can wear blue enhancement color lenses and get most beautiful aqua effect.
Opaque lenses are designed for a more dramatic change. Whether you have light or dark eyes, opaque lenses are not transparent, so they completely replace the natural color of your eyes with the color of the lens.
What type and color of colored lenses to select depends on the effect you want to achieve.
You want your eye color to get brighter, but you dont want to startle everybody who knows you with a different color
In this case, if you have light blue eyes, choose blue or aqua enhancement color contacts. You can also try Freshlook Radiance in Eden or Moonlight, which gives your eye an 'illuminated' effect.

If your natural color is gray or blue-gray, try blue from Acuvue 2 Colors or Freshlook Dimensions, to get a beautiful ocean blue color. If you feel more adventurous, go for jade green. Green eyes are quite rare, so you can make a statement with your new color.

If your eyes are brown, none of the enhancement color contacts would work for you. Try brown opaque lenses, which will make your color more defined, or hazel, which would make them lighter. You can also consider Freshlook Radiance Sunrise (lighter) or Autumn (darker), to add shimmer to your eyes.

See pictures of people wearing colored contacts at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.html

Do you want to try something dramatically different from your natural color?

In this case opaque color lenses like Freshlook Colorblends, Acuvue 2 Colors opaques or Illusions by Ciba Vision would be your best choice.

If you have dark eyes and dark hair, try blue or amethyst colors, like True Sapphire or Amethyst from Freshlook Colorblends collection. Amethyst looks extremely daring and sophisticated, because this color is very rare in nature. You can also try green color contacts; they would look especially good if your hair is red. For most people, green eyes are associated with sexiness and creativity.

If your eyes are naturally a cool blue or gray color, try honey color contacts. Honey eyes are associated with intelligence, warmth and trustworthiness. You can reinforce the warm effect by wearing warm colors.

Most people with dark skin naturally have brown eyes, so by selecting blue or green lenses you will attract a lot of attention.

See examples of colored contact lenses http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/cheap-contact-lenses.html

To emphases the change, wear a new outfit, different in style and color from the clothes you usually wear. And to create a completely new image, change your hairstyle as well.

If you still not sure which color is best for you, ask your doctor to prescribe you disposable color lenses. Color contact lenses can be either annual replacement - you wear them for a year - or disposable - they come in boxes of six and you replace them every 2 weeks or every month. Disposable lenses are not very expensive - particularly if you buy them online - so you can try several different colors. The lenses mentioned in this article, Freshlook and Acuvue 2 Colors, are disposable color contact lenses.
Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide, which provides you with information about all types of contact lenses including color contact lenses reviews and pictures

Make-up for Color Contact Lenses - Expert Secrets

Color contacts are great, whether you wear enhancement color lenses to brighten your natural color or opaques to change it completely. However, you will also need to apply some eye make-up to get the best effect from your lenses. There are a few eye make-up secrets that will make your new eyes really stand out.

The shadow colors you will need to use depend on your skin color and the color of your colored contact lenses.

For women with fair skin

For green color contacts neutral or pale shadow in green or blue-green varieties are best. If you get blue or turquoise contacts use blue shadow, but a shade lighter than the color of your contacts. For amethyst, violet or gray color contacts, lavender shadows work great.

Use gray or brown eyeliner rather than black - it looks more natural on fair skin. And smooth the line under your eye, so it doesnt look too sharp. Also, if your color lenses are blue or turquoise, try blue mascara. It will give your eyes a really deep blue color.

For women with medium skin

With warm, medium-dark skin and green, blue or violet contacts, neutral shadows like taupe, browns or plums look best. For amethyst or turquoise color lenses, use dark lavender or plum eye shadow with a hint of silver across the eyelid.

Dark skin make-up suggestions

Amethyst, sapphire blue and green color lenses are magnificent on women with dark skin. If you apply bronze shadow in the crease, green eyes would look very deep. Mauve or deep brown shadows will do a good job emphasizing your blue or amethyst colored contact lenses. With aqua or turquoise lenses, try amber shadows across the top eyelid.

No matter what color contacts you wear, they will make your eyes bright and noticeable. Your eye make-up shouldnt be too bright though; it shouldnt overpower the new brilliance of your eye color.

Lipstick is also important in emphasizing your eye color. Neutral color lipsticks wont do anything for your eyes. Most varieties of pink and bright, but light, red, on the other hand, would make your eyes stand out.

Eye make-up should be applied after your color contacts are already in place. Otherwise tiny particles of your mascara or eye shadow can get under your lenses and irritate your eyes. You should take your lenses off before you start removing make-up.

Use high quality mascara, so it doesnt brush onto your lenses. Otherwise your eyes will feel very uncomfortable. Water-based mascaras are recommended. Also look carefully at the mascara label; some brands have a safe for contact lens wearers mark.

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

Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look

Want to change something about your appearance? How about your eye color? You would be amazed how eye color affects your image. Find out what color contacts can do for your appearance and see how to get the best out of them

Color contact lenses options

Enhancement contact lenses are designed to enhance the color of light eyes. They dont change your color, but give your eyes a light blue, aqua or green tint. Enhancement color lenses make your eye color brighter and more defined.

The most popular enhancement color contacts are Acuvue 2 Colors Enhancers by Johnson & Johnson and Freshlook Dimensions by Ciba Vision. Freshlook Radiance is also a very interesting design; these lenses create an illuminating effect. Enhancement color contacts only work on light eyes; on dark eyes they will not have any effect at all.

Opaque color contacts completely change the color of your eyes. They work equally well for light and dark eyes. Even if you have a very dark brown eyes, opaque color contacts like Freshlook Colorblends can transform your color into sapphire blue or jade green.

The color of an opaque color lens isnt solid - it has an imprinted pattern that simulates the natural pattern of a human eye. High quality opaque color contacts like Acuvue 2 Color opaque or Freshlook Colorblends look very realistic. People would be amazed by what beautiful blue, green or amethyst eyes you have.

See pictures of different types of color contact lenses at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.html

Costume color contacts are always Halloween favorites. While the contacts mentioned above are designed to give your eyes a different but realistic looking color, costume lenses can give you cats eyes or werewolf eyes, while complete whiteouts are perfect for the effect of blind eyes. And who said that you can only wear costume color contacts for a costume party? It can be a real fun to wear them when going to the club, or just at school or work with otherwise ordinary clothes. With a pair of cats eyes, you are guaranteed to be noticed.

Most costume contacts only cover the color area of your eye. However, there are also scleral color contacts that cover the visible portion of your eye. Scleral lenses can produce unbelievable effects. The most popular costume contacts are Crazy Lenses by Cooper Vision and Wild Eyes by Ciba Vision.

All brand-name color and costume contact lenses are available with corrective powers as well as in plano (no correction) This means that if your eyesight isnt perfect and you wear corrective contact lenses anyway, you can get color lenses with corrective powers and kill two birds with one stone.

See pictures of people wearing costume Halloween contact lense at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/halloween-contacts.html


Color contact lenses wearing advice

1. You should follow the same rules as for regular contact lenses - wash your hands before putting color lenses in, clean the lenses each time you use them and store them in a contact lens case in a special solution.
2. Color lenses are like your tooth or hair brash, and should not be shared with other people
3. You should put your make-up on after the lenses are in. If you use hairspray, do it before you put the lenses in, or shut your eyes very tightly while spraying.
4. Use only a mild multipurpose solution for cleaning your color contacts; never use peroxide based solutions. And dont rub the lenses - it can damage the color
5. If you dont wear your lenses often, change the solution they are stored in at least once a week
6. Dont wear your color contacts for longer than 8 hours at a time

Your eyes and your hair are probably the two things most people notice first. And with color contacts you can have any eye color you want. Try them, and I am sure you will see many men turning their heads when you pass.

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

Color Contact Lenses for Light Eyes - What Works Best?

You may ask why a person with naturally blue or green eyes would want to wear color contact lenses? One reason is to make the natural color look brighter and more defined. Another reason is to change the hue just a bit - ad a touch of emerald to naturally blue eyes, for instance, and you will get a beautiful aquamarine.

All color contacts can be separated into two types - enhancement color lenses and opaque color lenses. Both will work for people with light eyes, although enhancers would be the smarter choice.

Enhancement color lenses are about 70-80% transparent. They are designed not to change your natural eye color, but to brighten it, making your eyes appear more interesting. Since the lens is partially transparent and the natural pattern of your iris is visible through it, enhancers look very natural. See chart of color contact lenses http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contact-lenses.html

If you have gray eyes and you want to give them a tint of blue or green, enhancement lenses would do the trick. However, don't expect dramatic changes.

Since enhancement color lenses are partially transparent, they would look very different on different people. Don't pay to much attention to how the model who wears the sample looks, because it is likely that on you the lenses will have a different effect.

Most contact lens manufacturers present enhancement color contact lenses collections. Here are several that get the most favorable consumer reviews.

Freshlook by Ciba Vision offers two collections for light eyes - Freshlook Radiance and Freshlook Dimensions. Freshlook Radiance are enhancement color lenses that make your eyes appear shining. They can also change your natural color substantially. The colors offered are Moonlight, Autumn and Eden. See pictures of people wearing Freshlook color contacts at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/freshlook-contacts.html

Freshlook Dimensions are unique lenses that make your eyes appear larger and create depth, as well as make your natural color more vivid. Dimensions are lighter than Radiance and come in Aqua, Sea Green and Pacific Blue. Both Freshlook Radiance and Freshlook Dimensions are monthly disposable lenses.

Acuvue 2 Colors enhancers is another option. They come in Ocean Blue, Aquamarine and Emerald Green. Acuvue 2 Colors are 2-week disposable contacts; they are very thin and most wearers say that it doesn't feel like you're wearing anything in your eyes.

The lighter your eyes, the bigger the impact that enhancement color lenses will have on them. If your eyes are medium gray, blue or hazel the effect will be hardly noticeable. For dramatic change, you will need opaque color contacts.

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

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 at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.html

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 at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/freshlook-colorblends.html

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, dont 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.

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
 

Contact Lenses Explained And Compared To Glasess

Many people over the past ten years have changed from glasses to contact lenses but are they really worth it? This is a question that you need to answer for yourself. Many people change to contacts as they find them less expensive to purchase and certainly less expensive to replace.

If you lead an active life well contacts are for you

Most people involved in some sort of sporting activity much prefer contact lenses and thats for the obvious reasons. Contacts are less dangerous and many sporting organisations will not let you participate if you are wearing glasses. Many parents are now opting for lenses over glasses for their children as a safety precaution. Kids live active lives and with lenses at least you have some piece of mind, if your child falls as they do, glass in the eye will not be an issue.

Change your eye color with colored lenses

Over the past four years we have seen a trend developing in colored lenses. Many people who do not even need contacts are buying clear lenses for fashion reasons. They are relatively inexpensive and it a fun way to see what you would look like with a different eye color or shade.

Im to old too change from glasses to lenses

You are never too old to move to contact lenses. Many older people imagine lenses taking to much time to install and an expensive on going commodity. Your eye specialist will do your first installation and will prove just how easy and quickly it is to put the lenses in. The only thing I will say is that, lenses can take a few day to get used to. Your pupils need a small amount of time to adjust but once over this minor issue you will never look back.

What type of lenses do I require?

Research has shown that over 80% of people using contact lenses are currently using soft contacts. Your doctor will best advise you. You will need an eye test for lenses. This test is different to the test for glasses so you will need one.

Cleaning your lenses is very important

Always clean your lenses. Unlike glasses the lenses have to be inserted over the pupil and cleaning will keep away the risk of infection. You can purchase the cleaning solution very cheaply.

I wear glasses because I have astigmatism, can contacts help with this?

Yes they can. Toric contact lenses are used tackle people with astigmatism. Unlike most contacts these lenses remain stationary in the eye and do not move around. You can get soft lenses in the Toric range. Toric can cost a little extra but some people find them more comfortable to wear than the standard. You can also get colored Toric lenses.

What are Bifocal contact lenses?

Bifocal contact lenses are used to tackle a problem called Presbyopia. Presbyopia is a common condition suffered by many. A clear sign of presbyopia is when you need to hold the newspaper or other content further away than normal to make out the content. Bifocal contact lenses operate very similarly to that of bifocal glasses. They have dual function and tackle persbyopia depending on your vision difficulty. The lenses operate to correct distance vision and also to repair short vision. Once again you can get the Bifocal contacts in different colored lenses.

What about disposable contact lenses?

Disposable lenses are by far the most type of lenses sold today. Many opticians (eye doctors) much prefer prescribing disposable lenses. The main reason being there is less chance of infection setting in. Disposables lenses are generally cheap and sold in packs (sometimes large quantities). They tend to be changed every two weeks or less. You still need to clean these lenses even tough you are changing them regularly.

Where is the cheapest place to purchase contact lenses?

The Internet is the cheapest place according to our sources. Watch out for delivery charges. You may be getting a great deal on the lenses in general but some companies load on with hefty delivery charges. Get the delivery in order and you will find great bargains for quality branded lenses.
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Soft Contact Lenses and Toric contact lenses, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for you eye care needs.
http://www.no1-in-contact-lenses.com

Free Colored Contact Lenses

With all the hype about using colored contact lenses to alter eye color, many people are looking for free colored contact lenses to assist them in making the right choices when choosing colored contact lenses. Fortunately, some companies do offer free trial pair colored contact lenses that are worn once and then disposed of. But you'll have to search for these offers as the supplies are limited and the promotions don't last very long.

Before you begin your research you should read the following advice so that you'll know what to expect when trying free colored contact lenses.

Can I try my friend's colored contact lenses on?

Never share contact lenses with anyone. Harmful bacteria can be transferred from eye to eye and result in eye infections, corneal ulcers, scarring of eye tissue and in severe cases, loss of eyesight. Just as you'd never share your toothbrush, never share contact lenses.

Do I have to have a prescription for free trial pair colored contact lenses?

You'll need a prescription from you doctor before you can order colored contact lenses. Even if you're buying them for cosmetic purposes and don't need vision correction, you'll still need to see your eye care provider.

Your eye care provider will make sure you are a good candidate for colored contact lenses and ensure that you are properly fitted for them. Proper fitting of a colored contact lens is essential to eye health and improper fitting can lead to a permanent loss of vision.

Your doctor can also provide you with tips in the care and cleaning of contact lenses as well as hygiene practices that can minimize your risk of eye injury.

Will companies send a set of free colored contact lenses to me to sample?

Obviously, it would be good if you can first try out different colors contact lenses to find one that match your skin and hair color. Some companies offer promotional offers in which they will send you a set of free colored contact lenses for a one time use so that you can compare their product to others. You'll be asked for a prescription from your doctor and your mailing address. In return you'll receive a free trial pair and coupons towards the purchase of additional pairs.

A few companies will offer you a free sample of a different color with your already paid order for color contact lenses so that you can experiment with other colors and designs. These companies require the purchase of at least one set before they will send you a free sample.

In general, the free colored contact lenses have limited colors to choose from. Typically all free sample offers are for cosmetic use only and do not offer vision correction. Moreover, some of these free trial pair colored contact lenses carry a 'DEMO' mark at the side of the lenses. Even though the free colored contact lenses have these limitations, but it is still a good and low cost option to help you to determine the colored contact lenses you want.

Where can I find free colored contact lenses to samples?

If you're interested in trying colored contact lenses, you should see your eye care provider. He or she will be able to direct you to a company that may offer free samples.

The internet is a great source of information for those searching for free colored contact lenses and there are plenty of free trial pair colored contact lenses sample available. You can compare companies, prices, styles and colors of contact lenses from the comfort of your own home so that you will be able to make informed decisions and assess your needs in a colored contact lens.

In general, all you need to pay is just a small amount of service charge (in the range of $5.99) for shipping and handling cost.Till end of 2004, CIBA Vision is offering a free wardrobe called 'Freshlook Fashion Color Collection' that comes in three pairs of colored contact lenses for customer who purchase four or more boxes of Freshlook colors contact lenses or Focus Softcolors.
Andrew Loh is the owner of Colored Contact Lenses Guide a web site that provide informational guide to colored contact lenses.


Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts: Part 2Jesse Cannone, CFT, CPRS and Steve Hefferon, CMTWelcome to article number 2 in our series Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts. In this article we are going to talk about how bodybuilders tend to create massive muscle imbalances and what you can do to not be one of them.

If you missed the first article, you can read it by clicking on the link below.

Heres a breakdown of the articles to look for:

1. Article 1 - Choosing The WRONG Exercises (http://www.losethebackpain.com/bodybuilding_backpain.html)
2. Article 2 - Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results
3. Article 3 - Targeted Stretching
4. Article 4 - Targeted Exercises
5. Article 5 - Rest, Recovery, and Injury Prevention

Article 2 - Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results

Bodybuilders are a stubborn bunch almost as bad as runners! And they tend to follow the HERD doing whatever exercises and routines the pros are doing...

Now, if your goal is to be as big as possible and you are not at all concerned with your health and fitness, dont even bother this article this article is for bodybuilders who ARE concerned about their health and want to be big, strong, powerful, and agile if thats you, read on

The reason so many bodybuilders suffer from so many different injuries is because there are several things the pros dont tell you

First off, the articles that you see in all the muscle mags arent even written by the pros and the workout routines they recommend are always extreme and often not even used by the pro who supposedly wrote because their main goal is to sell magazines not give you the real deal on bodybuilding.

If you are serious about bodybuilding and want to achieve your true peak, you need to stay injury free and thats just about impossible if you train they way most bodybuilders do.

There are several key strategies that you can use right now to not only eliminate any aches, pains and injuries you currently have, but also keep from creating more muscle imbalances in the future. For a more detailed article on muscle imbalances go to http://www.losethebackpain.com/achesandpainsarticle.html

Strategy 1 - Target the Weaklings!

No, we dont mean the exercises you think your weak at, or even the muscles you think are underdeveloped what we mean is the muscles that are weak in relation to the opposing muscle group.

For example, in the first article we talked about why the Leg Extension is not a great exercise and why its responsible for so many cases of knee, hip, and back pain and the reason is, most people, especially bodybuilders, are already over developed and stronger in the quadriceps and usually have a significant imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings.

Another reason bodybuilders tend to develop so many severe muscle imbalances is because they emphasize the front of the body more than the back a great example of this is what we call The T-shirt Muscle Workout and it usually consists of dozens of sets of chest and biceps

you know what we mean in just one workout you do flat bench, incline, decline, pec deck, dumbbell fly, cable cross overs and then for biceps youve got barbell curls, dumbbell curls, preacher curls, cable curls, machine curls, and the list goes on

So instead of emphasizing the muscles that are already strong, why not really hit those weak and under worked muscles like: neck, upper back, shoulder rotators, hamstrings, glutes, hip rotators, lower abs, and shins.

These areas tend to be weak, tight, out of balance with their opposing muscles, prone to muscle strains and pulls and most importantly, these imbalances lead to major injuries and conditions like back pain, knee pain, rotator cuff tears, tendonitis and others.

All of these conditions are caused by muscle imbalances and will NOT go away unless you work towards correcting the imbalances and the only way to know for sure which imbalances are causing your pain or injury is to do a series of physical assessments like the ones covered in our Lose the Back Pain Video.

Strategy 2 - Experiment!

Heres a personal challenge for you: Replace at least 1 of your normal weekly workouts with something totally different like combat martial arts, kettle bell training, functional training, or even strongman style exercises.

For example, instead of doing your super heavy, 3 inch partial rep leg presses, try a single leg squat and if thats easy, try adding weight! Or instead dozens of sets of shoulder presses and lateral raises, see if you can do 1 handstand push-up.

Those are just a few examples do yourself a favor and experiment with other types of exercises. You can find hundreds of different types of training styles by taking classes, reading books, watching videos, surfing the web, hire a personal trainer, etc.

We arent asking you to give up your traditional workouts but just cross-train a bit so you not only work towards a balanced body but also towards a stronger, more powerful and usable strength. Again, what good is muscle if you cant use it!

Strategy 3 - Switch It Up!

Another great way to minimize the number of missed workouts due to injuries is to vary the exercises that you do for each muscle group. For example, if you always do barbell squats try rotating in other exercises like single-leg leg presses, trap-bar dead-lifts, d-bell squats, etc.

Conclusion

Remember, the key to eliminating injuries and preventing future ones is to identify what areas you need to target. In the next two articles well be discussing in detail, how to address various injuries like back, hip, knee, and shoulder pain with targeted exercises and stretches. In the meantime, be sure to read thru all of our detailed Articles and if you have questions, please post them in our Discussion Forum.
Jesse Cannone, CFT, CPRS, CSPN and Steve Hefferon, CMT, CPRS of http://www.losethebackpain.comIf youve got back pain or sciatic pain, youve gotta check out their video.

Contact Lenses and Healthy Eyes - 12 Rules Every Contact Lens Wearer Should Follow

Do you want to switch to contact lenses from glasses, but youre not sure if contact lenses are safe or if caring for them is too much of a hassle? Or do you wear contacts already and want to make sure that you do the best for your eye health?
Taking proper care of your eyes and contact lenses isnt rocket science. Here are 12 simple rules you can follow, to keep your contact lenses and your eyes happy and healthy.

1. Modern contact lenses vary in quality; make sure that your doctor prescribes the contact lenses that are healthiest for your eyes. See suggestions on healthy contact lenses at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/

2. Clean your lenses every time you handle them (before putting contacts in your eyes and after removing them). Give each lens a gentle 10-15 second rub in solution. The only exception to this rule is color lenses - rinse, but dont rub them; it might damage the color.

3. Handle only one lens at a time, so you dont confuse them. Train yourself to start with ether the right or the left lens.

4. When cleaning your lenses dont forget to take care of the lens case as well. Wash it with unperfumed soap and let it dry. Doctors also recommend that you replace your contact lens case every 2 or 3 months.

5. Never put your lenses in the same solution twice; replace the solution every time you handle your lenses. Usually you shouldnt use any solution 6 months after the bottle has been opened, and definitely not after the expiry date. Store your contact lenses and solution in a dry, cool place. The refrigerator door is ideal.

6. Soft contact lenses shouldnt be allowed to dry up. The lens should be either in the eye, or in a special solution. If you accidentally let the lens dry up, throw it out, it is no longer good.

7. Dont wear contacts if you have got a cold, cold sores or another infection. You dont want any germs to get into your eyes. It is handy to have a pair of glasses for such occasions.

8. If you wear make-up, apply your eye make-up after putting your lenses in, and try to use water-based mascara. Lenses are very sensitive to deodorants and hair sprays, so either spray before you put the lenses in, or close your eyes very tightly while spraying.

9. Dont forget to replace your contact lenses on schedule. Daily disposables - every morning, 2-week replacements - every fortnight and so on. A couple of days delay wouldnt make any difference, but wearing 2-week replacements for a month is definitely not healthy for your eyes. See more information about disposable contacts.

10. Avoid smoky or dusty rooms; soft contact lenses collect every tiny particle and your eyes will feel uncomfortable.

11. If your eyes feel uncomfortable or irritated, take the lens out. It is possible that something is stuck under it or the lens is torn. If your lens isnt damaged, wash your eye and the lens, and put it back. If the unpleasant sensation doesnt go away, take the lenses out and dont wear them until you can see your optometrist. Damaged lenses should be thrown away, no matter how expensive they are. A torn lens can do serious harm to your eye.

12. Dont sleep in your contacts. Lenses designed as day wear block oxygen flow to your eyes and the eyelid puts extra pressure on the lens, so your eyes would feel terrible after you wake up. The only exception is extended wear lenses, like Focus Night and Day or Acuvue; they are designed for continuous wear and sleep.

If you routinely follow these rules, your contact lenses should never give you any problems and, most of the time, you should feel like you dont wear any corrective lenses at all.
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

Contact Lenses on Vacation - 7 Simple Tips

When you are on vacation, contact lenses are great convenience - they are invisible and you dont have to take them off while swimming. However, contact lenses can also spoil your vacation, if you dont take precautions. Here are some simple things you can do, to prevent it happening to you.



1. Make sure that you have a spare pair of lenses.

Even if the lenses you wear arent frequent replacement lenses, it is always recommended that you have spares. A lens can get lost or damaged, and replacements might be difficult to find. If you wear daily disposable lenses, take the amount of lens you need for your vacation plus several extra - just in case.

2. Dont forget your contact lens case and solution.
Most brand name solutions can be bought in smaller bottles, which are excellent for traveling. And you can get a case that clips onto a solution bottle, so the pieces dont get separated in your luggage.

3. Dont let water in your eyes when swimming

Contact lenses are great for swimming and all water sports, but it is best to prevent their contact with water. However, water contains myriads of bacteria, which can get onto your lens and cause keratitis. So it is best to wear tight goggles, when swimming. If seawater gets into your eyes anyway, you should take your lenses out as soon as possible and clean them before putting them back in.

4. You still need sunglasses

Most modern contact lenses, like all Acuvue or Focus lenses, block harmful UV rays. However, the lens only can protect the area it covers, which is not the entire surface of your eye. Also, contact lenses dont reduce glare. So it is safest to wear sunglasses with high UV protection over your lenses, and a sunhat.

5. Dont neglect caring for your lenses

If you are tired after a day of sightseeing, it might be tempting to fall asleep still wearing your contacts. This is not a good idea - unless you wear extended wear lenses, of course. No matter how tired and relaxed you feel, take your contact lenses out for the night. See tips for contact lenses and eye health at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/eye-health.htm

If you dont want to care for your contacts during vacations at all, ask your doctor if extended wear contacts would suit you. Acuvue 2 can be worn without removal for up to 7 days, and Focus Night and Day for up to 30 days; they are great for vacations.

6. Be careful with sunscreen creams and inset repellants

Be very careful to avoid getting sunscreen or insect repellant in your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, it can cause serious irritation. If this happens, take your lenses out and give them a good clean.

7. Wear glasses on long flights

During long flights, most contact lens wearers feel miserable. This is because in an airplane, both atmospheric pressure and humidity are low. As a result, your soft contact lenses dehydrate and draw moisture from your eyes. Many people also nap during a flight, and sleeping in contacts isnt recommended. If you can wear glasses as well as contacts, it is a good idea to do so in the plane. If glasses are not an option, use special eye drops and make sure you drink plenty of water during your flight.

Keep these simple rules in mind when going on vacation, and your contacts shouldnt cause any problems to prevent you enjoying your holidays.

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

Contact Lenses vs Glasses, What is Best for You?

Many people wear contact lenses for reasons of convenience and beauty, but they also have practical advantages over glasses. Here are some of them:


- Vision becomes more natural and the sizes of objects are represented correctly. Glasses distort the form and the size of an object
- The frame of a pair of glasses limits peripheral vision
- Contact lenses move with your eyes
- Lenses do not mist over in cool or damp weather, they do not freeze in the winter, they do not become wet under a rain and snow does not stick to them.
- If the powers your eyes require are significantly different, contact lenses can be made in such a way that both eyes will operate in coordination
- Lenses are irreplaceable for people who play sports, dance, or have an active lifestyles.
- Lenses help your children avoid the psychological and physical traumas related to wearing glasses.
- Contact lenses can protect the cornea during recuperation. Special soft medical lenses are made for this purpose.
Contact lens cons
On the down side:
- contact lenses need frequent replacement, so they cost more
- wearing contact lenses presents a certain risk of eye infection, particulary if you dont clean them properly
- caring for your lenses takes time
When contact lenses are definitely superior to glasses
Sometimes, though, glasses simple wouldnt work. For example:
- in cases of severe short-sightedness, when thick glasses are very heavy and make your eyes look small
- in cases where there is a big difference (more than 2.5 diopters) between the visual acuity of your eyes. With such a condition, glasses cant provide adequate correction
- in cases where your cornea needs special protection - for excample, after the removal of a cataract
It seems that benefits contact lenses offer outweigh the effort that is needed to take care of them. Besides, many people think that they simply dont look good in glasses. Contacts are a perfect solution for this problem because they are practically invisible.
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

RGP Contact Lenses - Would They Work for You?

 Modern RGP contact lenses have a lot of advantages over soft contact lenses. They are healthier for your eyes, they dont dry out and they last for years. But people are afraid that RGP lenses arent comfortable. Lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of RGP lenses and how they can work for your eyes.



Whenever they hear the words Rigid Gas Permeable, most people think hard contact lenses, confusing RGP lenses with PMMS - hard lenses of the previous generation. RGP are made from a different type of plastic, which makes them more flexible than hard lenses. And their most important feature is high oxygen permeability. See comparison of RGP contact lenses and soft contact lenses at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/RGP-soft.html

Advantages of RGP lenses

As the name suggests, these lenses are gas permeable - they dont block oxygen flow to your corneas. Oxygen is very important for the health of your eyes because its lack can cause serious eye problems, including inflammation of the cornea.

RGP contacts dont contain any water, so they dont dry out. RGP is ideal for people who work in the dry conditions or outside, in the wind. RGP can also benefit computer users, since people blink less often, when working at the computer, and their eyes can become dry. If you wear soft lenses and your eyes feel dry by the end of the day, consider RGP - they dont suck moisture from your eyes and feel comfortable even at the end of the day.

RGP are very good for correcting high degree of astigmatism and presbyopia. They are also the only lenses for some eye diseases, like keratoconus.

RGP lenses are more resistant to protein and lipid deposits. This is especially important for people with high protein secretions

Rigid Gas Permeable contacts provide extremely sharp vision, even in the dark.

See more information about contact lenses and eye health at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/eye-health.htm

Do RGP cost a fortune?

RGP lenses are quite pricey. But when consider that RGP lenses usually last for 2-3 years, the overall cost isnt so high. You would spend much more replacing soft contact lenses every 2 weeks.

Are RGP lenses comfortable?

A concept of a rigid lens being in your eye scares most people, because they dont believe that such a lens can be comfortable. But in fact it is - people who wear RGP contact lenses report that a minute after they put the lens in they feel like there is nothing in their eyes.

However, RGP lenses have an adjustment period. During the first 5-7 days of wearing RGP contacts you might feel a little discomfort. Eventually, though, your eyes adjust and you stop noticing the lenses.

Many doctors agree that RGP lenses are healthier for your eyes than any other kind of contact lens.

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

Contact Lens Types - Do You Wear The Lenses That Are Best For You?

 

Did you know that all contact lenses aren't the same? Take some time to find out about the different types of contact lens and what they can do for your eyes. Of course your doctor will help you to select the right lenses, but it is best to be prepared and know, in advance, what is best for you.

Did you know that all contact lenses aren't the same? Take some time to find out about the different types of contact lens and what they can do for your eyes. Of course your doctor will help you to select the right lenses, but it is best to be prepared and know, in advance, what is best for you.

All lenses can be divided into groups depending on the material they're made from, their wearing schedule, the design of lenses, their purpose, and their degree of a transparency.

Contact lens materials

Contact lenses can be distinguished by the material they are made of. To start, they are divided into two major groups - rigid and soft.

Rigid lenses are, in turn, divided into rigid gas-tight and the more modern rigid gas-permeable.

All soft lenses are gas-permeable to a certain degree, and can be categorized further by the amount of water in the material. They can have a low moisture content (less than 50 percent) or a high moisture content (more than 50 percent).

Contact lenses wearing schedule

Contact lenses can also be divided by how often they should be replaced.

One group is replaced according to traditional guidelines. For soft lenses, this is about one year; but for rigid lenses it can be several years.

Another group is defined by scheduled replacement. This might be monthly or once every quarter.

There are also frequent replacement lenses, which could be changed daily, weekly, or fortnightly.

Finally, there are extended wear lenses, like Focus Night and Day lenses.

The more often you replace these lenses, the better it is for your eye health. See comparison of disposable contact lenses at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/disposable-contacts.html

Design of contact lenses

The design of contact lenses can be divided into spherical, toric and multifocal.

Spherical lenses are for correction of shortsightedness and a long-sightedness.

Toric lenses are for astigmatism

Multifocal lenses are used to correct presbyopia

Different purposes of lenses

Contact lenses can be optical, cosmetic, decorative or therapeutic.

Optical contact lenses are intended for the correction of visual anomalies.

Cosmetic contact lenses are used to change the appearance of the eye. Color lenses like Freshlook or Acuvue 2 Colors are made to enhance or change your eye color.

Decorative lenses are color contacts intended to produce unusual effects - cat's eyes, zombie eyes, vampire eyes, and so on.

Therapeutic contact lenses are basically soft contact lenses that can be used like a bandage, to protect the cornea. They might also be used as a reservoir for medications used in the treatment of various diseases of the cornea.

Clear and color contacts

Contact lenses can be divided into transparent and colored groups.
Transparent contact lenses can be completely clear or have faint tint, which makes them easier to find in their storage container but won't affect the appearance of your eyes.

Colored lenses change the appearance of your eyes. Cosmetic and decorative contact lenses definitely fall within this category. See color contacts reviews with pictures and suggestions how to select best color contact lenses for you at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.htmlTanya 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.

Color Contact Lenses - Change Your Eye Color In The Blink Of An Eye

 

Did you ever wish that you had a different eye color? Or maybe you just want to do something a bit crazy and have different color eyes for each party? Color contacts can do wonders for your appearance, but only if you select the right type and color. Learn how to get the best out of your color lenses, what your options are and what to consider when selecting color contacts.

Did you ever wish that you had a different eye color? Or maybe you just want to do something a bit crazy and have different color eyes for each party? Color contacts can do wonders for your appearance, but only if you select the right type and color. Learn how to get the best out of your color lenses, what your options are and what to consider when selecting color contacts.

Do color lenses really change your eye color and look natural?

This is a question that worries most people who want to try color contacts for the first time. After all, you want people to think "what gorgeous eyes she has" not "what nice contact lenses she wears".

Color lens manufacturers are aware of the issue and try to make color contacts look vivid, yet natural. There is a lot of sophisticated technology involved in the brand name color contacts like Acuvue 2 Colors or Freshlook. The lens isn't just solid color, it has a pattern similar to the pattern of a human eye. Also the color isn't consistent throughout the lens, just like in most people eyes. See comparison of color contact lenses at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.html

Color lens choices for light eyes.

Depending on the effect you want to create, people with light eyes can wear enhancement or opaque color contacts.
If you just want to enhance your natural color, half transparent, enhancement lenses would be great for you. The best choices are:

- Acuvue 2 Colors Enhancers - to brighten your eyes.
- Freshlook Radiance - lenses with an illuminating effect that enhances your color and makes your eyes appear sparkly.
- Freshlook Dimensions - unique lens design makes your eyes appear not only brighter but also creates the impression of depth and dimension.

If you feel adventurous and want a dramatic change, go for opaque lenses:
- Acuvue 2 Colors opaques
- Freshlook Colorblends

If it is your first time with color contact lenses and you aren't sure what effect you want, start with enhancement lenses. This way your friends will notice that you look more appealing, but they probably won't notice what it is about you that attracts their attention.

Color contact lenses for dark eyes

If you have very dark eyes and tried color contact lenses a few years ago, you probably were not very impressed with the effect. Contacts of the previous generation didn't look quite right. However, recently developed color lenses like Freshlook Colorblends can do wonders for dark eyes.

One thing to remember, however, is that enhancers don't work on brown eyes, so your only choice is opaque contact lenses. Acuvue 2 Colors opaques and Freshlook Colorblends work best for dark eyes.

Also you should be careful, when selecting the color. It should be a color that would look right with your skin and hair. See color contact lens chart with suggestions and photos at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contact-lenses.html

If you just want to make your eyes seem brighter and more vivid, without changing their color, go for brown or hazel color lenses. This way your eyes won't look a different color, but people will notice that they are bright and lively.

Opaque color contacts work very well. The only thing they can't do for you is to make your eyes light. Blue, green and aqua opaque contacts create a deep, vivid color, which suits people who have naturally brown eyes.

Do color contacts come with corrective powers?

Both Acuvue 2 Colors and all Freshlook collections come with visual correction powers as well as in plano (no correction). Additionally, Freshlook Colorblends is the only color lens that comes in toric, so it is suitable for people with astigmatism.

So which is better: Acuvue 2 Colors or Freshlook?

There is no single answer to this question. Both brands of lens are very comfortable to wear and create a great look. The only difference is in the colors. On the same person, blue from Acuvue would look very different from Freshlook blue. It really depends on your eyes and face, and it's almost impossible to predict the result until you wear your color contacts.

Don't pay to much attention to how the lens looks in the picture, because on you it will probably look different. This happens mostly with enhancer lenses - blue enhancers over blue eyes look very different from enhancers over gray eyes. Opaque color contact lenses also can look very different on different people; this is not due to your natural eye color, but because of eye shape, skin and hair types.

When you narrow your choice to one color, I would recommend asking your doctor for two prescriptions: one for Acuvue 2 Colors and another for Freshlook. Then order both. They cost pretty much the same, so you would spend no more than if you were to order 2 boxes of each.

Then, after wearing your new color contacts for a while, you can decide for yourself, which looks better.

Also, doctors usually give you free trial color contacts. You can't really wear them in public because trial lenses have the word "test" imprinted on them, but it gives you a fair idea about the color. Ask for two free pairs, one from Freshlook and one from Acuvue, and see which looks best.

As far as the price is concerned, Freshlook and Acuvue 2 Colors cost about the same for a 6-lens box. However, all Freshlook lenses are monthly disposable, while Acuvue 2 Colors is a 2-week disposable contacts lens. So it turns out that Freshlook is twice cheaper.

If you were thinking of giving yourself a little treat, getting color contacts would not disappoint you. And now when you know what would work best for you, you can make your choice with confidence.

Happy changing!

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lens Consumer Guide, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of contact lenses with reviews and pictures