Originally, contact lenses were designed to be used by people with vision problems who dislike, or are just tired of wearing framed glasses. That was then, this is now! Today, contact lenses are purchased for aesthetic purposes as well.

If you would like your eye color to match the color of your dress, with contact lenses, this is easy to do. No longer limited to transparent lenses, contact lenses allow one to virtually change the color of their eyes, either to bring out their inner radiance, or simply to perfectly complement their makeup. And don't limit this aesthetic use to women only, many men use them for reasons similar to a woman's.

Here is a brief description of the variety of contact lenses available on the market today.

1. Prescription Contact Lenses - Even though contact lenses are being used for a variety of purposes these days, it is important to remember that these lenses are medical devices prescribed by a doctor. Prescribed contact lenses will perfectly match your vision needs, and have the lowest incidence of infection.

2. Disposable Contact Lenses - Disposable contact lenses are those that are replaced regularly; some every two weeks, others more often than that. Two specific variants which fall into this category are frequent replacement contact lenses, and reusable contact lens. Frequent replacement usually means that these lenses are changed monthly, although some brands will last up to 3 months. Reusable contact lenses will only require replacement every 6 months or so.

3. Colored Contact Lenses - Fast becoming a consumer favorite, these lenses come in many different colors, shades, and hues. There are four categories in this classification, and they are: light-filtering tints, visibility tints, opaque color tints, and enhancement tints. Colored contact lenses are very versatile, and can come in their regular form, or with a different grade for people suffering with astigmatism. They can also be manufactured in the same way as disposable contact lenses.

4. Toric Contact Lenses - Toric contact lenses are special spherical type lenses that are soft and made of breathable plastic. This is a custom made lens and can be very expensive. The main difference between a regular contact lens, and a toric contact lens is their design. Toric lenses are created with curves at different angles. This design is very helpful and accommodating for people with eye problems such as hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism.

5. Extended Wear Contact Lenses - Extended wear, in this case, means overnight wear. Extended wear lenses are designed to allow oxygen to reach the cornea making them perfectly suitable for overnight wear. In fact, most may be worn continuously for 7 days without removal; with available lenses that can extend that time to as much as 30 days.

6. Special Effects Contact Lenses - Feeling adventurous? Have some fun by matching your eye color with that of your Halloween, or theatrical costume. These special effect contact lenses allow you to comfortably do just that. Want wild and crazy eyes? Maybe a jaguar's eyes. How about electric blue eyes that show both ice and fire? You can even find special effects contacts of your favorite sports team logos.

The popularity of contact lenses is easy to understand. They have been made more exciting and fun, without sacrificing their real medical purpose. So, if you want to change over from your frame glasses don't hesitate. Enjoy the options, and versatility offered by contact lenses.