Is It Safe To Purchase Color Contact Lenses Abroad?

Many people have become fascinated with the color contact brands from other countries, like Brazil, Argentina and Italy. Brands like Magic Top, Solotica, Waicon, and Adore are very popular now a days. It can sometimes be puzzling for Americans (since we always think our country is the best at everything) why the color contact lenses from other countries are so much better than the ones here. Of course there are brands here that are just as good, such as FXEyes and 9MM, as well as other custom contact lens designers. But when it comes to commercial brands, the US falls VERY short in quality and comfort. Freshlooks, Acuvue, etc. do not offer the same amazing color changing contacts that we can find in the foreign commercial brands. That is because the commercial brands in the US have lenses that are 1) too thin, making them move around too much, come out too easily (e.g. when one blinks), and dry out the eyes, 2) have huge pupil openings, which make the natural color too visible and the color contact too obvious, 3) not opaque enough, which means that the color of the contact is not going to be the same in your eye as it looks in the vile, and 4) are made by machines - not painted by hand as most foreign lenses are - making them very artificial looking. They look like they were printed by the computer. It usually looks obviously fake.

The FDA does not authorize the purchase of foreign lenses unless you are a citizen of that country, but we are able to do so anyway via the internet. Although it is comprehensible that our government would try to protect us from untested medical devices (which contact lenses, whether or not for cosmetic use, clearly are). However, maybe instead of trying to ban those lenses from coming in, they should realize that they are much better than the ones we have here and test them to approve them.

So, the question is, it is safe to purchase foreign lenses? The answer is, for the most part, yes. At least when it comes to the websites like Viallure and WRLens, these companies are reputable, accept paypal so you have buyer protection, and the lenses are great quality, even better than the ones here. If you are worried about the fact that you are not being "properly fitted" by a medical doctor, you have to remember that you can get the lenses and then go to an eye doctor to see if they see air bubbles under the lens or whether they think the lenses move around in your eye too much. After all, many people buy American lenses online without prescription too. I will post an entry regarding the "proper fitting" of lenses next to better explain what that means. I may have an old entry on the subject as well.

Magic Top Turquesa (Turquoise)

Ok, as promised, here are the Turquoise ones. They are amazing, and this picture does not do justice because it was taken in not enough lighting. The most amazing thing I should add about the Magic Top lenses is that they have a small pupil opening and do not move around in your eyes. They allow for perfect oxygen amount to penetrate and are very opaque without being too thick. They are actually hand painted (at least that is what I heard from the manufacturer).

Diamater: 14.2 mm, BC 8.2, 8.5 or 8.8 (you choose) Water Content: 38 %, Material: HEMA-NVP, Oxygen Permeability: DK: 12 , DKL: 13.5.

Price: around $105. Can be purchased online at Viallure or WRLens.

Magic Top Azul (Blue)

Despite the rave about Solotica Lenses, I have to say that when it comes to comfort, natural looking yet dramatic color change and fit, no lenses compare to the Brazilian Magic Top lenses. I have been wearing them daily for 10 years. I can wear them up to 12-16 hours without them becoming too irritating, and as long as they are properly cared for they will probably last you that long too.

These lenses are yearly lenses, cost around $105 for the pair, and come in six (6) colors: Azul (blue), Cinza (gray), Turqueza (turquoise), Verde (green), Mel (honey) and Lavanda (Lavender). They also come in three different Base Curve sizes, 8.2, 8.5, and 8.8, which allow more people to be able to find a perfect fit with them. They come in the standard 14.2 diameter.

Diamater: Water Content: 38 %, Material: HEMA-NVP, Oxygen Permeability: DK: 12 , DKL: 13.5

I have tried four colors: Blue, Green, Turquoise and Gray. Every single one of these has been UNBELIEVABLE. These lenses are the perfect size, perfect thickness, and perfect material for my eyes. I wear the 8.5BC size, and typically either the blue or turquoise colors. I will try to post the different colors for you guys so you will have an idea of what they look like.

Solotica Natural Colors Quartzo

Once again, just so you can see what the different colors have to offer, here are the NC Quartzo lenses. They are very pretty, a mix of green and gray. But they look a lot like the Cristal (Ice-Mint) Soloticas, and are much better in terms of the color change they offer. In my opinion they are too thin, and move around quite a it. This has not been other people's experience with them though, so my advice is to purchase them and try them for yourselves.

Material: 62% Polymacon, Hydration: 38%, Diameter: 14.2 mm, Base curve: 8.7,

Yearly lenses. Cost about $95.00. Imported from Brazil, and can be purchased at WRlens or Viallure (accepts Paypal).

Solotica Natural Colors Esmeralda

Just wanted to let you guys see what the other NC opaque colors look like. This one is the NC Esmeralda. As you know I have dark brown eyes, and have reviewed the Natural Colors line from Solotica in a previous entry about the Topazio color (which is by far my favorite out of all Natural Colors Soloticas).

Material: 62% Polymacon, Hydration: 38%, Diameter: 14.2 mm, Base curve: 8.7,

Price: $95.00

These are yearly lenses and can be purchased on Viallure's site as well as WR lens. Viallure now accepts Paypal which makes purchases easier and more secure. I would choose EMS shipping since Fedex can create problems with the purchase of foreign contact lenses.

Solotica Natural Colors Cristal (Ice-Mint)

After a very long wait and highly expected launch, Solotica's new color lenses, Ice-Mint, are finally here. They are not as opaque as the Topazio, Quartzo, and Esmeralda NC lenses (at least in my opinion) and are not that pretty a color (they look like regular gray lenses). But I figured I would post about them here since so many people, including myself, have been waiting over a year for their release, and were curious as to what they would look like.

Comfort wise I have to say they seem comfortable, but again I have not worn them all day yet. They move around a little bit in my eyes (just like the other NC lenses) unlike their hidrosummer gloss and hidrocor counterparts.

Material: 62% Polymacon, Hydration: 38%, Diameter: 14.2 mm, Base curve: 8.7, Manufacturer: Solótica.

They can be purchased at Viallure and WRlenses online. You can also check out Youtube videos to see how they look on other people.

Solotica Hydrosummer Gloss - Azul

Hello everyone, sorry for the long absence. Long time no see. But I hope to resume my color contacts activity here.

I have recently purchased from Viallure (www.viallure.com.br) the new Solotica hidrosummer gloss contact lenses. These are a new line of color contacts, and I am hoping they are not seasonal because they are FABULOUS. They will turn the darkest of eyes into the lightest sky blue color seamlessly. As with all other Soloticas these are 14.2D and 8.7 BC. They are made of Polymacon 62% and 38% water content. They look like hand painted contact lenses that you would get for thousands in NYC. They are comparable to FX Eyes and 9mm lenses. They are thick, but seem comfortable although I did not wear them all day yet. One of the great things about them being thick is that they do not move around in my eyes like the NC lenses do. When lenses move around too much (as a result of being too thin) they cause some pretty awful burning feeling that may irritate the eyes.

These lenses come in 7 colors: Azul (blue), Amarelo (yellow), Branca (white), Ocre (which is an orange/brown color), Verde (green), Vermelho (red), and Violeta (violet). They are all very noticeable colors, and will completely cover your natural eye color. They cost around $110 and are yearly lenses. You can purchase them via the internet from Brazil at www.viallure.com.br or www.wrlens.com.br