Special-Effect Contact Lenses: Trends and Designs

From the introduction of the idea of contact lenses by Leonardo da Vinci in 1508 to the use of modern soft hydrogel lenses by the Czech chemist Otto Wichterle in 1959, contact lenses have come of age and are considered as medical devices to correct vision or for cosmetic reasons. Now, old and rigid lenses have been replaced by soft, colorful, and stylish lenses that give a new style and look to your eyes. Available for theatrical and novelty uses, Halloween contact lenses and black contact lenses are special-effect contact lenses that are classified as medical devices by the FDA.

Special-effect contact lenses have a non-transparent tint that covers eye’s color. The center of the lens lies over your pupil and lets you see clearly. Interestingly, they are available at online stores in various dramatic colors and designs. Unlike most costume or dramatic contact lenses, special-effect scleral lenses—all-black, red, yellow or white contacts—cover both the iris and the sclera of eyes in order to create a truly stunning, amazing, and haunting look. Let’s have a look at some of the designs and trends of using special effects contact lenses that smartly add the ultimate finishing touch to your Halloween costumes. Latest trends in theatrical contact lenses motivated by motion pictures and cult TV shows.

• Cult TV show True Blood - Black, white and yellow special-effect scleral contact lenses.

• Movies “Twilight,” “New Moon,” and “Breaking Dawn” - Red and amber colored contacts.

• Movie The Exorcist - Red, black, white, and yellow lenses.

• Movie Avatar - yellow "alien" contacts.

• Movie Alice in Wonderland - Special-effect lenses with vivid green color worn by Mad Hatter.

• Harry Potter - Yellow cat-eyes.

Crazy and scary contact lenses are still very popular for the characters playing spider webs, cat eyes and werewolves. They make a mark with zombie, vampire and other supernatural designs carrying special effects needed for Halloween or special occasion costumes.