Freshlook Dimensions OR Focus Softcolors

cutiecakes · #1 (**permalink**) 01-30-2012, 05:24 PM

I have been researching colored contacts like crazy for the past week and I have narrowed it down to FreshLook Dimensions and Focus Softcolors. I plan to get all 3 colors of whichever brand I choose so I'm not worried about that. Both get great reviews and even out in price so I'm completely torn. Anyone have any experiences using either of these? Any input or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I have been wearing glasses all week, which I can't stand, but I want to be sure I get the best contacts before I go and buy them. Thanks!

MaryTamm2 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutiecakes

I have been researching colored contacts like crazy for the past week and I have narrowed it down to Freshlook Dimensions and Focus Softcolors. I plan to get all 3 colors of whichever brand I choose so I'm not worried about that. Both get great reviews and even out in price so I'm completely torn. Anyone have any experiences using either of these? Any input or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I have been wearing glasses all week, which I can't stand, but I want to be sure I get the best contacts before I go and buy them. Thanks!

Hello there, cutiecakes. Welcome to Lens 101. I just wanted to make sure someone greeted you, even though I personally do not wear Dimensions or Softcolors. I hope you get some helpful responses.
Since you've researched "like crazy" and they're on equal ground as far as price and reviews, why not just go "eeny, meeny, miny, moe"?

sylvia · #3 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutiecakes

I have been researching colored contacts like crazy for the past week and I have narrowed it down to Freshlook Dimensions and Focus Softcolors. I plan to get all 3 colors of whichever brand I choose so I'm not worried about that. Both get great reviews and even out in price so I'm completely torn. Anyone have any experiences using either of these? Any input or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I have been wearing glasses all week, which I can't stand, but I want to be sure I get the best contacts before I go and buy them. Thanks!

I would suggest you try on some samples at the optometrist's office--to avoid buying a ton of lenses that you will never use

Privateyez · #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvia

I would suggest you try on some samples at the optometrist's office--to avoid buying a ton of lenses that you will never use

Yes. Good idea, sylvia. Cutiecakes should get some free samples first.

Shamrocker · #5 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 11:19 PM

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe the FreshLook Dimensions have a clear pupil hole, while the Focus SoftColors do not (the entire lens is tinted). Your eye care professional can tell you for sure. For myself, if all things are equal (such as fit, comfort and color), I'd prefer a lens with an allover tint so there wouldn't be a sharp line showing 2 different eye colors. But it definitely makes sense to get some trial lenses and see what you like best before you invest your money.

Healinghands2 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamrocker

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe the FreshLook Dimensions have a clear pupil hole, while the Focus SoftColors do not (the entire lens is tinted). Your eye care professional can tell you for sure. For myself, if all things are equal (such as fit, comfort and color), I'd prefer a lens with an allover tint so there wouldn't be a sharp line showing 2 different eye colors. But it definitely makes sense to get some trial lenses and see what you like best before you invest your money.

Sometimes when you're in bright sunlight your pupil will contract and allow a but of your iris to peek out of the pupil of the contact lens, but I think that's preferable to seeing the world tinted by contact lenses. Besides, if it gets bright outside, you can cover your constricted pupils with sunglasses.

Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States.

sylvia · #7 (**permalink**) 02-01-2012, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Healinghands2

Sometimes when you're in bright sunlight your pupil will contract and allow a but of your iris to peek out of the pupil of the contact lens, but I think that's preferable to seeing the world tinted by contact lenses. Besides, if it gets bright outside, you can cover your constricted pupils with sunglasses.

Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States.

I've never worn them, but I don't think that enhancers are tinted enough to disturb your vision

coconutoil · #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvia

I've never worn them, but I don't think that enhancers are tinted enough to disturb your vision

I've never worn them, but I think you're probably right. It might be good to have tinted vision when it's sunny outside, but if you're indoors trying to cook, or driving in the rain, lenses that are tinted across the pupil could be problematic.

Shamrocker · #9 (**permalink**) 02-01-2012, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Healinghands2

Sometimes when you're in bright sunlight your pupil will contract and allow a but of your iris to peek out of the pupil of the contact lens, but I think that's preferable to seeing the world tinted by contact lenses. Besides, if it gets bright outside, you can cover your constricted pupils with sunglasses.

It isn't just in bright sunlight. In order to have good visual acuity in opaque lenses, the pupil hole has to be large enough to accommodate dilated pupils (such as for night driving). Therefore, even in moderate indoor lighting, the iris color will show through. This isn't much of a problem for people with super dark (almost black) eyes, because it just looks like their pupil. But on those of us with lighter brown or hazel eyes, it's not a great look.

People who have worn the allover tint lenses like Focus SoftColors and Acuvue 2 Colors say they don't notice any "colored vision". They say they see the same as when wearing clear lenses. I'm not sure how this works, but I'll take their word for it!

eryuefena · #10 (**permalink**) 02-01-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvia

I've never worn them, but I don't think that enhancers are tinted enough to disturb your vision

Your eye care professional can tell you for sure. For myself, if all things are equal (such as fit, comfort and color), I'd prefer a lens with an allover tint so there wouldn't be a sharp line showing 2 different eye colors.

mayibfrank · #11 (**permalink**) 02-02-2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamrocker

It isn't just in bright sunlight. In order to have good visual acuity in opaque lenses, the pupil hole has to be large enough to accommodate dilated pupils (such as for night driving). Therefore, even in moderate indoor lighting, the iris color will show through. This isn't much of a problem for people with super dark (almost black) eyes, because it just looks like their pupil. But on those of us with lighter brown or hazel eyes, it's not a great look.

People who have worn the allover tint lenses like Focus SoftColors and Acuvue 2 Colors say they don't notice any "colored vision". They say they see the same as when wearing clear lenses. I'm not sure how this works, but I'll take their word for it!

You bring up a few good points, Shamrocker. I agree with you about the pupil hole in colored lenses. I've read a few posts on Lens 101 about pupil holes that are too small and that can be a problem.
Thanks also for describing what it's like to wear "allover tine" contact lenses. I'm glad to know that they won't color the vision of people wearing them.