For me contact lenses play an optional part in cosplay. I think a lot of cosplayers also see they as fine tuning or matter of engaging to the hobby rather than absolute part of the costume. Since I use glasses every day at work I thought that getting a prescription contact lenses wouldn’t hurt. Especially as regular cosmetic contact lenses I’ve used during my cosplay years don’t seem to fit, I had two reasons to make an appointment to my optician. The person prescribing should be licensed optician, optometrist or an eye doctor.
What the optician does in the first sitting with a new contact lens user is somewhat the following; asks questions about health and need for lenses to map out what type of lenses would work best and examines the eyes with a microscope for correct base curve, prescription and possible astigmatism. Then optician gives instruction of how to insert, remove and care for your lenses. The optician picks the pair of lenses based on the examinations and checks that the lenses fit properly
on the eyes.
The prescription should have information about your eyes (diopter powers, base curve, diameter), lens care instructions, the date, the period of validity and the name of the optician
The cost of the first lens fitting in Finland costs varies from 15-40. Sometimes the fitting is free if you make an order for lenses at the same time. Even if you order lenses online, I recommend getting a prescription. Even if the probability is low, some people are not suitable wearers of contact lenses. It’s the job of an optician or eye doctor to give the green light and find the perfect lens type.
Base curve, diameter and power clearly visible in the package.
Buying from well known manufacturers or checking the seller’s site for detailed information about the lenses is really important. If the seller uses names or registered trademarks without any word of the manufacturer or the basic info about the lenses, including the base curve, diameter or safety instructions are nowhere to be found, it’s probably better to find another site to buy from. The seller should also provide information about wearing, removing and caring for your lenses from wear schedule to suitable cleaning solutions. Most sites also list the water consistence of the lenses, which is almost straight forward guide to the comfort level of the lenses.
The markings on the cases were added by absent minded cosplayer, who wanter to make sure that lenses would be worn in correct eyes.
I decided to buy my first pair of lenses from the optician, since they sell only genuine products. I chose one-day lenses, since I only need or want to use them time to time. With one-day lenses I can skip the lens care totally, so it’s hygienic and easy.
Even if I fitted one-day clear lenses I wanted to order tinted lenses. I ended up with “single wear” products from Starlens. They are one-day contact lenses which tinted all over, meaning that they don’t have a “hole” in the center for the pupil. And since they are only tinted, they work best with light colored eyes. The lenses looked so interesting that I had to test them. One package with two lenses was about 11 euros. An they are non-toric. Toric lenses for antigmatism are bit more expencive and they usually month or year lenses.
The Starlens Biomedics 1-day has six different colors; blue, brown, green, violet, mandarin and turquoise. I chose green to be tested first, because I have two green eyed characters chosen for Desucon Frostbite.
The water consistence of the lenses is 52% and they felt really comfortable. I forgot that I was even wearing lenses. And since the lenses were tinted, not opaque or printed, the outcome was natural. My eyes are light blue and the structure of the iris is clearly visible with the lens. Behold the scary eye!
I was skeptical about seeing everything in green, but the world looked rather normal when wearing the lenses. The brown ones might dim the vision a little, more so if they are worn in the evening or in dim lighting. But I think that is something I could live with, since the lenses were so comfortable and I liked the outcome.
Of course in cosplay purposes they might not always work, since some characters have true BAZOOM-effect on their eyes or the color or design on the eyes is really distinctive. But for characters with “normal” eyes or when the eye color just doesn’t match with the cosplayers eyes and the change doesn’t need to be dramatic, I recommend these lenses. I’m going to wear the lenses for Alicia for example. No BAZOOM needed.
