How to Choose Circle Lenses
Diameters of Circle Lenses:
14.2 mm: Provides no enlarging effect.
14.2-14.3 mm: Offers a natural enlarging effect.
14.5 mm: Provides a noticeable yet natural enlarging effect.
14.7–15.0 mm: Offers a very noticeable enlarging effect, often referred to as "dolly eyes".
We recommend starting with smaller diameters for your first pair of circle lenses, as larger diameters may not suit everyone and may not achieve the desired effect.
Note: Circle lenses with dark tones, bright prints (e.g., a "flower" on Water Fairy lenses), or a dark/black limb (a dark strip on the lens) can visually appear larger on the eyes. For example, lenses with a 14.5 mm diameter may look like 15-16 mm lenses.
Also, keep in mind that the print diameter of ordinary color lenses, as well as the diameter of the iris, is approximately 13.8 mm. However, circle lenses often cover the entire lens surface with their print.
Can Circle Lenses Have a Diameter of More Than 15 mm?
There are no circle lenses with a diameter exceeding 15 mm. Mini-scleral lenses have a diameter of 17 mm, covering almost all visible eye surface. They are not very comfortable and should not be worn for more than 3 hours a day. Scleral lenses ("for the whole eye") have a diameter of 22 mm.
Some manufacturers or advertisers may falsely claim diameters of 16 mm, 18 mm, or even 21 mm, whereas the actual diameters are typically around 14.5 or 14.7 mm. Before purchasing such lenses, carefully review not only the stated diameter but also photos of the lenses in eyes and customer reviews.
How to Choose Power and Base Curve
What is a Diopter?
A diopter is a unit of measurement for the optical power of contact lenses. If you have good eyesight, you likely require zero (plano) diopters (-0.00 for both eyes). If your vision is impaired but you don't know your diopters, you can still opt for plano lenses or consult an ophthalmologist.
Now, about the curvature: Why is it important to select?
Lenses are placed on the cornea, so they must match its shape precisely. Hence, all contacts have a specific radius of curvature. An ophthalmologist can advise on the suitable curvature radius for you. A slight difference of 0.1-0.2 mm between the curvature radius of your eyes and that of the contacts is acceptable. For instance, if your curvature radius is 8.8, you can wear colored contacts with a radius of curvature of either 8.6 or 8.9.
