Color Contact Lens Workshop at TEI Chestnut Hill

More than one dozen faculty, residents, staff  and students took part in “Color Me Chic” - a special colored contact lens workshop at The Eye Institute’s (TEI) Chestnut Hill location.

The workshop, hosted by Salus University’s Contact Lens Club for the second annual year, served a dual purpose: a fun way to educate guests about colored contact lenses while giving the University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry  students a chance to refine their contact lens fitting skills.

“This is a fun way for students to put their skills to the test and it also helps raise awareness about contact lenses,” said Dr. Kriti Bhagat, contact lens specialist and the club’s faculty advisor.

True to its theme, the event featured cocktail-chic refreshments and a multi-colored backdrop complete with eye-catching props for photos. Throughout the evening, students took turns fitting guests with a variety of lens style options, colors and brands. Light blue, pure hazel, and gemstone green were just some of the assortment of colors available to try.

There are two main categories of lenses – gas permeable (GP) and soft. GP lenses are made of tough plastics. They hold their shape, but allow for oxygen to flow freely through the lens. They are more durable, making them less likely to tear and are resistant to deposit buildup. GP lenses generally provide crisper vision, but are not initially as comfortable as soft lenses.

The more commonly used variety, soft lenses, are made of flexible plastics or silicone hydrogel, allowing oxygen to pass through the lens. They are typically easier to adjust to, as they tend to be more comfortable.

When it comes to colored contacts, all lenses are not created equal. For example, not all contact lenses correct vision. Non-prescription lenses are suitable for decorative or cosmetic purposes like changing someone’s natural eye color from brown to blue. While color-enhancing lenses can accentuate natural eye color – making someone’s brown eyes stand out and look more defined.

“From Air Optix to Fresh Looks –many people don’t realize that there are a lot of different varieties to choose from but it all depends on your preference,” said Dr. Bhagat.

Contact lenses of any kind should be purchased from licensed eye care professional. TEI’s contact lens center offers a full range of traditional and specialty contact lens services. Patients must first have a routine eye exam before being referred for a contact lens fitting. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 215.276.6111.