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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Update on Discontinued Color Contact Lenses

I have had quite a few emails and posts wondering about the status of Ciba Vision's other color contact lens options since their launch of the new Air Optix Colors.  As of July 2014, this is the memo that Ciba Vision has circulated to doctors and contact lens distributors for the future availability of their older color products:

Freshlook Toric Handling Tint Single Trials:   Discontinued July 31st, 2014
Freshlook Colorblends Toric Boxes:   Discontinued October 31st, 2014
Focus Softcolor Single Trials:   Discontinued Immediately
Focus Softcolor Boxes:    Discontinued March 31st, 2015 (or as supplies last)

There is no plan at this time for another color toric (or astigmatism) contact lens to be on the market from the Ciba Vision company.  I am uncertain of the future option of an Air Optix for Astigmatism Color lens, but I imagine it would be several years away at the earliest.

The recommended replacement for Focus Softcolor lenses are Air Optix Colors or Freshlook Dimensions.

What to do if your lens has or is being discontinued?

Orion BioColor and BioColor Torics are a customizable soft
contact lens made by Alden Optical.  These are
special order contact lenses requiring more sophisticated
contact lens evaluation and fitting process. At this time
BioColor is one of very few color contact lenses that are
available in astigmatism correction.
If you wear Freshlook Coloblends Toric, it appears that you should be able to continue to purchase boxes until October 31st.  Certain distributors may no longer have the lens in stock, so you may need to call around if your vendor or doctor's office is unable to secure the lens for you.  Your best bet is to order through a doctor if you are having trouble because they can order personally and directly from their Ciba company representative if there are any boxes left in your power or color to be had.  After October 31st, if you would like to continue to wear color contact lenses with astigmatism, there will no longer be a readily available option.  Ask your doctor if they offer custom contact lens fitting and the prices for this service.  Custom contact lenses like Orion BioColor Toric come in a range of astigmatism and color options, but these lenses are specialized, made to order contact lenses.  That means a more time consuming ordering and evaluation process, and typically a higher cost of goods and service.  If you are interested in exploring custom astigmatism color contact lenses, your doctor will be able to tell you if it is a service they can provide, and the cost that this process and the lenses would require.

It is always frustrating when your favorite contact lens gets discontinued.  Remember when they stopped making Durasoft colors?  Remember when Acuvue discontinued all of their color contact lens options?  In the future we may have more color options available again for people with high prescriptions or astigmatism, but it may take some time for new lenses that meet the FDA's safety protocols to get tested and approved to bring to market.  Your doctor will work with you to find a lens that provides the health and comfort and vision that you need, but color options may be limited to the world of custom order for those in more specialized prescriptions for the time being.

173 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for this..I ran out of vendors to contact about the fresh look toric blends. I will continue to search. The assistance at my eye doctors office seem confused so they are not much help. They say if I can't find a vendor then more than likely they wouldnt be able to either. Thank you again

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    1. You Might Check before you buy from Orion Vision, as they are not approved or cleared by FDA for these lens. Also you might want to see the Lab they are made in before you purchase

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    2. You are right Orion Vision is not FDA approved for these lenses and are being sued by a woman in Texas for cosmetic lenses.

      Delete
    3. You might want to check out Orion Vision Lawsuit before you purchase anything from them or Partner Wicked Eyes (web site),both being sued for 1 million dollars plus. Lab breaks all health and FDA laws.

      Delete
    4. That's correct they are being sued, but what is really amazing is that Alden Optical and ABB Concise purchase these illegal lens from Orion Vision selling them to their customer base. Also Orion Vision sells to the Veterans Hospitals
      for Vets with damaged eyes and the product is not even approved by FDA.
      How is this Happening with Alden and ABB not to mention a Gov't Hospital??

      Delete
    5. So, I headed to Google and looked up this lawsuit. A woman bought contacts from an unknown vendor at a flea market, and when she predictably got an eye infection which damaged her vision, she filed a lawsuit.

      She should lose this lawsuit. There is no way to determine that the fault is with Orion. The flea market vendor could have stolen or otherwise obtained contacts past their expiry date, or contacts that had been stored improperly, or any number of things. People do this all the time with professional products that are supposed to only be sold in salons. Employees, managers, whomever, will get hold of some products -- sometimes watered down, or past their "use by" or "best by" date, or extra stock forgotten on a warehouse shelf and stored in much higher heat than should be -- and they'll sell these products on eBay.

      This vendor was selling at a flea market instead of eBay, but either way, unless there are other very specific circumstances that aren't being reported publicly, the manufacturer isn't responsible for this.

      And whatever they are selling to hospitals and individual optometrists' offices, you can be sure it's FDA approved.

      Delete
    6. Hey PH, it's good to know that you can google, but now you need to do your research. 1.selling lens on ebay is against the law, as contact lens are a
      medical device
      2.I am glad to know that you know Orion Vision is not guilty,did
      you know they do sell those lens and are known for re-labeling
      even expired product
      3.You also state that they are FDA approved for the BioColor and
      Bio-sport. WRONG! Do the research go to FDA site! Also why don't
      you call them and ask them where they get there inks,dyes and Lot
      Numbers from. None of the dyes,inks or lot#(not there #'s) FDA
      approved either.
      Please do your research first before you assume law suit not good
      as you are looking at a young lady who is half blind because of a
      couple of companies greed.

      Delete
    7. I have checked and they are not approved by FDA for Biocolors or Biosports. As
      a matter of fact they are using illegal dyes. Also might what to check labeling practices and where are they getting Lot#s for their finished products.
      So Va's and other lens vendors purchasing illegal product under false pretense

      Delete
    8. I need to know who makes these Biocolors as the color chart at the beginning of
      this article says made BY Alden Optical(B&L). ?????? Very Confusing, I am interesting in purchasing lens but who makes them and who is FDA cleared????

      Delete
    9. I purchased my lenses from Marietta Optometry which are by Orion Vision. Since switching from Freshlook colorblends soft lens to these hard lens my life has been a nightmare. I have developed an eye allergy known as conjunctivitis which my optometrist attributes to the harder lenses and prescribed eye drops and and eye gel. Its just a huge disappointment to have sent so much money on lenses and still not be able to wear them.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous, what a bizarre reply. You either failed to comprehend what I wrote or you've confused me with someone else. I never stated or implied that it was legal to sell lenses on eBay. Nor did I state it was legal to sell salon products there (the example I used). My point was only that 1] it happens, 2] the manufacturer has little control over it and can't be held responsible if someone steals stock sold to a legit client and tries to sell it on the black market, and 3] when buying such things it is ALWAYS buyer beware. If a buyer purchases from an untrustworthy vendor, that's not the fault of the manufacturer.

      And as I said, unless there is something unique or special about this case that the media is not reporting, she has no case and I find the lawsuit itself unethical.

      If you're convinced that hospitals or optometrists are buying unsafe lenses, by all means, do contact those establishments and show them documentation and proof that what they are buying is not FDA approved. Good luck with that. In the meantime, forgive me, but I have no reason to believe your assertions (which, frankly, are approaching conspiracy theory levels).

      Delete
    11. A Texas woman indicates that she suffered permanent vision loss from cosmetic contact lenses purchased at a flea market booth, which allegedly caused her to suffer a bacterial infection that left her blind.

      Liza Garcia filed a lawsuit last week against Orion Vision Group, Inc., the One Stop Contact Lenses Booth, and the National Flea Market in Lubbock, among others, indicating that she was illegally sold colored contact lenses that caused the eye infection and her subsequent vision loss.

      Garcia wore the contact lenses for three days, but then began suffering burning and swelling of the eyes, according to a report by The Dallas Morning News. She went to an emergency room where she was diagnosed with a bacterial infection, which caused Garcia to suffer scar tissue and ulcers on her eyes, leaving her blind unless a future corneal transplant generates results.

      The lawsuit notes that it was illegal for the booth to sell the contact lenses without a prescription, according to FDA regulations, but Garcia was unaware of that when she purchased the lenses in February 2016. In addition, the lawsuit claims that the lenses were defective, leading to the eye infection.

      In August 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report indicating that about 20% of reported contact lens infection results in severe and permanent eye damage.

      Nearly 1,100 eye infections caused by contact lenses were reported to the FDA’s Medical Device Report Database between 2005 and 2015 contained the term “ulcer” or “keratitis,” which is a serious inflammation of the cornea.

      One in five of the patients described serious side effects such as central corneal scarring, a decrease in visual acuity, or requiring a corneal transplant after becoming infected.

      The FDA recently updated contact lens safety recommendations, after many cases of injuries and eye infections from contact lenses were reported. They warn consumers to only use the products exactly as recommended by manufacturers.

      The FDA issued a safety warning about decorative contact lenses in 2011. The alert warned consumers to choose contact lenses carefully and only purchase them from doctors with a valid prescription. Many Americans purchase decorative lenses as a cosmetic enhancement or to accent a costume, but the FDA warned those types of lenses can cause serious eye damage, even vision loss. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas, Acanthamoeba, Fusarium, and Staphylococcus.

      About two percent of patients indicated they purchased the contact lenses without a prescription from an approved doctor. Many said they received them from a flea market or costume shop.

      Tags: Contact Lens, Infection, Vision Loss


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    12. Share
      contact

      With Halloween around the corner, many people are considering getting “cosmetic” contact lenses to accessorize their costumes. One unfortunate incident involving such contact lenses, however, left a teenager partially blind in her right eye.

      Hoping to jazz up her zombie costume look, Leah Carpenter, 17, bought a $26 pair of colored contact lenses at the Body Jewelry and More store in Mount Clemens, Michigan. A number of other girls purchased similar lenses at the weekend public market to be used for a powder puff football game, according to USA Today.


      contact1
      After putting on the contact lenses, the Lakeview High School senior ended up scratching her cornea and damaging her eye. The teenager recalled:

      “It was just for show. That was our theme for the day. I wasn’t thinking anything could go wrong.”

      The teenager’s mother said her daughter wore the contacts for about four hours during school and had difficulty removing them. The teen also mentioned discomfort with her peripheral vision. Her mother found her eye swollen shut the following morning and admitted her daughter to urgent care.


      Carpenter has consequently been on a number of visits to the doctor, forced to miss school and extracurricular activities. She is currently undergoing treatment at the Beaumont Eye Institute in Royal Oak, Michigan.

      contact2
      The contact lenses she purchased were manufactured by WickedEyez and can be found for sale at a number of party supply stores and gas stations. Federal officials consider the lenses to be medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

      Delete
  2. That's pretty bad news, I was hoping Ciba Vision would launch their Air Optics Colors for Astigmatism too!

    I'm a production manager and from my experience, this modular approach - take a well-established colorless lens like Air and print a well-established color pattern like Freshlook Colorblends in it - should allow them to launch any Air Optix product (toric, night-and-day, ...) in color as well for pretty much no higher production costs - even if lot sizes are small when toric color lenses are produced as a niche product (altough I think there really would be enough demand if options were compelling).
    So I don't really understand Ciba's policies.

    However, Orion BioColor seems to be worth a though, sphere, cylinder, axis, base curve... all a la carte, and quite some color range. They also offer different clear pupil sizes which seems great to me as e.g. Freshlooks clear pupil was too big for me and my natural eye color came through all the time.

    So I was curious (maybe a really stupid question!): If I ordered lenses with a smaller clear pupil size than measured (to avoid such an aesthetic "problem"), could the eye be "trained" to cope with or adapt to the smaller hole when worn on a daily basis?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you order a pupil size that is significantly smaller than your own, you could expect to have a sense of occlusion or reduced peripheral vision. It would vary from person to person whether that would be something that they could adjust to or not.

      One thing about the Air Optix Colors -- the color pattern is actually within the layers of the contact lens polymer, and not printed on top of the lens. The color pattern is a newer design too than the one they were using for Freshlook in an attempt to be more realistic looking. The best way to encourage Ciba that color astigmatism lenses are wanted is to express your desire for them online. Post on their facebook page. Comment on their website. The more people talk about wanting a lens, the more likely they are to start making one.

      Best of luck if you find a doctor that can start a custom color fitting process with you. The good news about these lenses is that you can completely design your entire look from color, to pupil opening, to curvature and exact prescription, so they should be the best color contact lenses for vision that you have ever had!

      Delete
  3. My astigmatism has gotten to a point where the regular Freshlook colorblends were not cutting it. Go to order the torics and they are discontinued. What are the prices like for the Orion Biocolors? How do the greys compare with the Freshlook colorblends?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I purchased Orion toric color contacts. I tried on quite a few and the grey was very different from Freshlooks grey.
      I have brown eyes and the only color I liked was the green. I also got the sunburst and the dark ring and it looks very pretty Bad news is that they cost was $340.00 and my vision is somewhat blurry and they are not very comfortable at all. So frustrated that Freshlooks discontinued the colored torics! Keeping my fingers crossed that Ciba will make another lens for us.

      Delete

    2. Dr. LNovember 16, 2014 at 12:48 PM
      Thank you for your comment! I haven't been able to get much information about how these lenses perform, but it sounds like they are leaving some room for improvement. My best advice is to keep contacting the CIBA company to express your desire for air optix colors for astigmatism. Your doctor can do very little to convince a company to add a product line, but you the patient are also the consumer, and if there is a strong desire for a lens they will be more likely to want to make it.

      Delete
  4. I haven't made an account with Orion so I am unsure of their cost or color appearance. They are basically the only option in town, but because they are custom order lenses, it may be hard to find a doctor that carries them or a price anywhere close to more commonly available clear lens brands. To this point all of my astigmatism lens wearers have just opted for clear lenses so I haven't needed to open an account. Your best bet is to ask your doctor 1) if they can get these lenses and 2) how much they cost. Then you will know if clear lenses are more appropriate options for yourself (and your pocket book) at this time.

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  5. I used Freshlook colorblends toric so im very sad to see them go but recently i saw a TV ad for colored Toric lenses unfortunately i cant seem to remember the name of the product so I'm still looking for them.

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  6. I have been disconsolate -- stretching my current lenses to 3 years now. The only doctor willing to work with colored torics tells me that they are quarterly -- and their cost is $250/quarter. Three years ago, my lens cost was $400 -- and I've gotten three years out of them, wearing them 12 hours a day. ?????! For 35 years I've been wearing colored torics without issue. For the last three years it has been a ridiculous nightmare. I wish I'd stocked up!!!

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    1. Color toric contact lenses have undergone drastic changes in the last five years and with hardly no products available and very close government regulation in those products, doctors around the country are so tied as to what they can offer you. The one thing we know for sure: the lenses that were available in the past aren't coming back. Even though it is frustrating, I encourage you to work with your doctor to find something safe to wear. It may be that colors aren't the answer right now until new products come to market, but there are plenty of healthy and affordable clear lenses to keep you going until a new product at your price point is available!

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  7. I am so completely disappointed....I can't believe it. I wore color lenses all thru the '80's and '90's until I needed toric lenses for my worsening astigmatism (I'm 59). For 15 yrs now I've worn clear lenses and watched the options change in colored lenses until finally, FINALLY, there are truly natural looking colors! I was so excited about getting them because hey, as the face grows older, the eyes need to be as pretty as they can be, right? Just got a new prescription, all excited, get on the 'net to order toric color lenses and.....BAM. Nothing for me. Yes I should just 'get over it', especially at my age, but you know what? I have small eyes that are a boring medium brown, and I REALLY wanted colored lenses again. Bah.

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    Replies
    1. I will definitely update this post if we hear any news about a toric option coming to the market in future!

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    2. Hey, I was just wondering if there has been any word on New color contacts for astigmatism coming to market?

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  8. Yes, Please keep us posted....I too JUST found out that they discontinued the Freshlook Colorblends Toric (was time to re-order 6 month supply only to find out they're no longer available! AHH!) I will definilty try to leave a message on their FB page! But if their are any alternatives out there....please keep us posted! Thanks!

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  9. I spoke to an optician at a local Walmart about the freshlook colorblend torics and she said they were discontinued but that there was a memo sent out that there would be a limited release, meaning, that not all parameters would be available, sometime in July and for me to check back with here. Have you heard of any such pending announcement?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Checked with our local Ciba Vision rep and to his knowledge there is no release of new lenses planned by the CIBA company. Perhaps Wal-mart will be releasing some discontinued stock they have left over in their warehouse for purchase? Definitely check back with your local optical, but finding any remaining product is going to be random it seems. The CIBA company isn't supplying anyone with new inventory and has no plans to at this time.

      Delete
  10. That is too bad those contacts went out of business. I loved their blue enhancers. Also, I wasn't aware that contact lens fittings was a thing. Maybe that is why the contacts always felt uncomfortable to me. Next time I get a pair, I will have to get them fitted as you mentioned.
    http://www.studiooptics.net/our-optometrists.html

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just received my green Colorblends today. I've been wearing colored contacts for 15 years and I'm so put off by this news. It may sound silly, but for some of us, (especially in entertainment) these contacts are important. I'll try to order as many as I possibly can, but they really should make another option available for us.

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  12. This sucks! Went to reorder my 6 month prescription and joined the club of disappointed fellow lens wearers. Anyone find a good alternative yet?

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  13. I agree...my journey of calling the manufacturer and complaining just doesn't make me feel better. Dr. L referenced finding something "safe". I just need to know why the lenses did not meet FDA safety protocols as mentioned in the article. I am sure a lack in demand was not the cause to discontinue such a vibrant line of products...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you ask the company why they discontinued the lens they may site that the materials these older lenses were made out of have lower oxygen transmission rates, and they as a company prefer offering lenses with a better safety profile. This is a huge trend in the contact lens industry -- most companies are dropping or extremely thinning down their lower oxygen hydrogel contact lens lines in favor of higher oxygen silicone hydrogel lenses or daily disposable contact lenses. This movement initiated for most companies after a spike in the rate of Acanthamoeba infections occurred in the United States in 2007 sparking a serious FDA investigation into contact lens safety. Over the last few years the reviews the FDA intiated to invesitgate the safety and infection risk of contact lenses have been reporting their findings, and there has been a major shift by contact lens manufacturers to change the products they offer to fall more in line with the current recommendations for higher oxygen transmission in monthly wear lenses or daily disposable contact lenses which have been shown to be the highest safety option. The FDA doesn't want infections (it's a high cost to health care and can blind patients forever) and they make rulings and protocols that affect contact lens makers, contact lens solution makers, and eye doctors to make sure we prescribe lenses that are designed to prevent infections. If you are curious about the data, you can find a ton of these studies with a quick google search but for those interested here's a good example: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3272197/ You will notice more and more daily disposable contact lenses coming to market, and fewer and fewer multiple wear lenses being introduced and FDA approved because of the data generated in these government studies.

      Delete
    2. Thank you for this information. I fully agree on the idea of making products better to cause less infections, but again it is a political, government, company, doctor circle! There are so many people that need corrective devices either contacts or glasses and both are so outrageously expensive. Our country can have doctors and companies donate to other countries, but will not cut the cost down right here at home so people can afford it more. Daily contacts sound like the answer, but make them more affordable. One person can very easily spend over a thousand dollars a year getting contacts and glasses and that is even with some insurance involved. You multiple that by 5 or 6 times if you have a household of 5 or 6 that requires some sort of vision correction. It is sad how America in general is a very greedy place to live.

      Delete
    3. Thanks for posting! I struggled about how to reply to you because your comment does attack the ethical principles of the profession I love, but I truly believe that our health care costs in this country are influenced a lot less by greed and a lot more by litigation. The amount of money a lawsuit costs a company or the government is the biggest driving factor as to why the FDA in our country regulates all medical devices so tightly, in addition to the moral code that doctors in America take to "do no harm" -- the government tests and tests and tests drugs (contact lenses included) before they ever reach make sure they are safe for you. That process costs companies millions, but we do it in America to keep us as safe as possible.

      Delete
  14. I have used Colored Toric Lenses for several years, I tried the Orion BioColor Toric and they are very uncomfortable, I never continue using them and I sent $250.00 for them, unable to return, the color is nothing like Color Blend Toric. I will try Eyecandy, I heard they are similar to Color Blend lenses.

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  15. Thank you so much for this.... really its amazing blog!!
    Lenskart Coupon

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  16. is eyecandy a safe alternative? http://www.eyecandys.com :(

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    Replies
    1. A quick glance of the website doesn't provide any information of the lens material, oxygen transmission, or curvature so I would never be able to recommend this. If a company can't tell you all the information about their lenses up front, there is no way to make sure they are safe or healthy. It's like taking a mystery pill you find wedged between a chair cushion when you have an upset stomach. I'm not big on surprises when t comes to healthcare.

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  17. im so very disappointed i cant get color contacts for astigmatism anymore.. if i would of known sooner they were going to be discontinued i would of stock on them .. please if anyone knows a second option or information on how to get color contacts for astigmatism please let me know

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. try desio lenses they are made in Italy but they are kind of expensive and you have to order two separate boxes if you have different prescription on both eyes and its only on 1 pair

      Delete
  18. im so very disappointed i cant get color contacts for astigmatism anymore.. if i would of known sooner they were going to be discontinued i would of stock on them .. please if anyone knows a second option or information on how to get color contacts for astigmatism please let me know

    ReplyDelete
  19. My eye doctor have me a prescription for the regular freshlook color blends just a slightly higher prescription than my normal said it should work just won't see quite as well will try it and update you guys with info

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    Replies
    1. If you're prescribed for the toric I wouldnt reccommend the regulars. I tried that years ago to save money. The contact basically floats around in your eye since its not weighted down like the toric. I couldnt see well enough to even drive because everytime you blink the contact moves. Good luck.

      Delete
  20. I found this site similiar to eyecandy though based in Italy I believe http://www.desiolens.com/sensual-b/woman.html They have a beautiful grey in the toric and other colors available soon. I ordered from Pinky Paradise a few weeks ago. The process to make them is approx 2 months so will update once received. Hope these alternatives help you fellow colored contact addicts like myself.

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  21. Love your blog! I hope they bring back colored contacts for astigmatism. I currently wear acuvue for atigmatism, but want to change to colored contacts =(

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  22. I can sympathize with you all. I have also wear color toric lenses for over 20 years and it is the only way how people know me. I feel it is so frustrating and have called Ciba directly. I hears a rumor that they may come out with the air optic lenses in color and toric at the end of this year but they will not confirm this is true. I just cant see how only one company carries this and decided to discontinue them leaving so many unhappy customers. I also don't understand their policies. They should have kept them a bit longer until having a comparable product. I am so sad about this and totally frustrated and no one carries them anymore.

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  23. I am so frustrated that ciba vision no longer makes them. I am in the entertainment and have been wearing these lenses for years. I have written to them directly, however they explained that they are not planning on releasing any new coloured lenses for astignatism. It really upsets me. I recently ordered desio lens from Italy, the gray is very different as it looks more blue. I am sad to say, these lenses are very uncomfortable, i cannot wear them. Has anyone tried the coloured lenses from solo or something like that.. Its a brazilian based company.

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  24. Please...am pledging... It's well needed..honey was my color oh my some pick the toric color blend up

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  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  26. Please help us....I'm going crazy with out my grey!

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    Replies
    1. Wore them for 14 years, finished last box a month ago, had to get them in non toric but they are no good

      Delete
  27. I am truly upset about this. I have been wearing these lenses for the last 12 years. They look so natural and are so comfortable. I can't believe that with all the new technology there is not another option. Please bring them back.

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  28. yes bring colored toric lenses back! I'm on my last 2 boxes! I'm thinking about going with non prescribed grey contacts and wear my eye glasses over them. has anyone done this?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes this is always an option! You can use plano or your base prescription in color spherical contact lenses and then wear glasses with your full Rx or just your left over astigmatism over top. It's a great solution if you don't mind still using glasses for better vision.

      Delete
  29. desiolens.com just came out with contact lenses for astigmatism, only thing is that are kind of expensive becuase you only get one pair and if you have two different prescriptions you have to order another pair for the other eye and do take a long time to get but well worth it they look very natural

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. are you still using them? are they comfortable?

      Delete
  30. I've been wearing toric colorblend lenses in the grey color for 14 yrs. Since 2014 my doctor told me they were discontinued, sad news since im used to wearing color all the time . Now I got used to wearing the clear ones and people now see me with my true eye color . Have to admit felt weird at first . But I really want them back ! Please! A pearl vision employee told me they were coming back in 2016 . Anyone know when exactly I cant wait!

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  31. I agree...my journey of calling the manufacturer and complaining just doesn't make me feel better. Dr. L referenced finding something "safe

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  32. Any more updated options for coloured lenses + astigmatism?

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    Replies
    1. Nothing seems to be planned at the moment for a reintroduction for astigmatism color contact lenses. Custom order is the only thing available currently in the USA with companies like Orion or Alden Optical.

      Delete
  33. I am so frustrated about the reshlook color blends for toric being discontinues. I have searched long and hard for a replacement. I ordered to variations from pinky paradise of their gray color. One was very unnatural, the other okay. both did not end up correcting my astigmatism. This product is a disappointment. I will try the company based in italy, S frustrating!!!

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  34. Dr,

    One option I've been thinking about we all can potentially look at: can we as toric wearers wear non-toric colors for social occasions only, and not in daily living? Is there risk of eye damage if we do so? If we pursue, what should we look out for when considering wearing non-toric lenses for colors? I think this really is our only option short of custom contacts, which I hear are around $350/pair?

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely you can wear non-toric color lenses, and they won't hurt your eyes in any way if they fit properly. If necessary you can have the uncorrected astigmatism made into a pair of glasses specifically to be worn over your contact lenses for driving or other activities that may cause visual problems. That way you would just put your "over contact lens" glasses on as needed to sharpen things up, and the rest of the time you could be glasses free. Depending on how high your astigmatism amount is, you might be required to use glasses over your non-astigmatism contact lenses to achieve legal driving vision.

      Delete
    2. Hi Dr. L,

      I have got a last pair of my ColourBlends Toric from my monthly supply. How long I can stretch it for?? Thanks

      Delete
    3. Freshlook Colorblends Toric has a maximum 2 week life span. This is FDA dictated, so their clinical data states that this lens can't be safely worn past 2 weeks without incurring a high risk for injury or infection.

      Delete
  35. Hi Dr,

    I am very frustrated with this discontinuation too! I have been looking for Toric coloured lenses like crazy!. I still have one pair remaining from my monthly supply. How long can I stretch it safely?? Please advise.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Freshlook Colorblends Toric has a maximum 2 week wear limit. This is FDA dictated so you can't safely wear this lens longer than 2 weeks without putting yourself at high risk for ocular injury or infection.

      Delete
  36. So disappointed as well about the toric color blends. Worn them for 20 years! Tried colored toric from pinkyparadise and they are garbage! Wasted $100+for dark blurry contacts.

    ReplyDelete
  37. http://www.kpop2.com/toric-circle-lenses-for-astigmatism/ HAS ANYONE TRIED ORDERING FROM THIS COMPANY?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi everyone,
    I was a FreshLook Toric Grey for 15yrs (on top of red brown eyes). They looked grey/blue/green. I'm so disappointed it's discontinued.

    I just ordered Desio Toric from Italy. I let them sit in OptiFree overnight. The moment they were on my finger I noticed how extremely thin and fragile they are. In addition there is no weight or mark for proper alignment. I put them in and they floated around for 10 minutes, after 10minutes I thought finally I got it....NOPE! When I was trying to re-adjust one side, the lens popped out :( I put it back in and tried to let them settle. They never did, after 20 minutes they were still gritty feeling, floating around and irritating my eyes. In addition the color looked so fake, it didn't blend at all. My eyes looked like weird neon yellow werewolf color. Maybe they work for non toric. I do not recommend for Toric users.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is the same thing that happened to me with Pinky Paradise with Toric. They werent weighted at all and just floated around. Thank you for your review Desio was my next company to try but was hesistent becuase of the price. Now I wont waste my money.

      Delete
    2. Hello everyone,

      Yes Desio Toric lenses are extremely uncomfortable. They are super thin and float around your eye. They made my eye extremely dry and the Grey ones I ordered, I looked like a zombie. Wondering if anyone ordered from Paranalentes, for their Solotica Toric lenses.

      Delete
  39. Which of the pinky paradise is more natural? What color are your eyes? Do you have big or small eyes? Thank you I'm so disappointed by the foolishness of discontinuing these products.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Dr. L - I have worn Focus Monthly Softcolor lenses for years. Do you know if a good replacement was ever found or what the timeline is for CIBA to make these again?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately there is no lens exactly like Focus Softcolor. Your closest options are Freshlook Colorblends Dimensions or the new Acuvue 1-Day Moist Define in Sparkle. Both lenses lack the false pupil appearance common in other color contact lenses.

      Delete
    2. There is no lens with a transparent tint like Focus Softcolors Evergreen anywhere? If they can make a handling tint why can't they make that?

      Delete
    3. You're right there is literally nothing with an enhancer tint available now-- only the opaque rings. Apparently they just didn't sell well enough to outweigh production line costs per the company representatives.

      Delete
    4. I personally think the problem is that not enough people knew about them!!! I have spent days in the past googling and looking for colored toric contacts. I believe the last time I looked was in 2013. I remember the entire weekend I spent cruising for them but I couldnt find anything. I was on all the popular sites too but I noticed that only a few sites have had them. It's probably why I didn't know. I have always wanted colored contacts and now the fact that I stumbled upon all of this when I've spent hours all day today just cruising....I find out that people have been wearing them for up to 15 years!!! How is this possible?! It's not like I'm terrible at googling or something. Seriously! Now, I spent all day looking at these other sites before I actually read everyone's comments here and well...I can't get pinky paradise or eye candy contacts because they don't have 8.7/14.5 or dont have 80 or 60 axis...its crazy....sad...but now I've wasted a whole day off....and Im sad again.

      Delete
  41. has there been any news on toric colors for this year?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't heard of any new products coming to market this year, or even planned for future releases. If something changes I will definitely post an update!

      Delete
  42. I'm sorry, this is so off topic, but I found no other reliable type of forums to ask, I have an eye exam tomorrow, first one in approx 6 years, ( had a vision problem found in kindergarten that corrected itself prior to my teens ). Meaning, unless something has changed I have no problems. I'm looking to get a script for plano colored contacts and from what I've read it will denote a specific brand of contacts (correct?), so I am wondering, are freshlooks, expressions, and acuvue the only 3 brands that the doc. can write for? And if so, if I get the freshlook ones, can it be used for any style (the airoptics, colors, colorblends?) Thank you very much if you don't mind answering, I just wanted to be prepared and found no other help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! Yes, your doctor will have to write an Rx for a specific brand of color contact lenses. The brands available right now are Freshlook (2 week disposable or they also make a daily), Air Optix Colors (monthly disposable high oxygen permeable), and Expressions (monthly disposable low oxygen permeable). Based on your ocular health and how frequently you plan on wearing the contact lens, your doctor will help recommend which one should work best for you.

      Delete
  43. I have found CONCISE colors by Orion. Are these safe? Are these the custom contacts you were referring to by Orion? I have my script for proclear toric, can I use this script to order these?
    https://www.abbconcise.com/portals/7/Concise_Colors_Brochure.pdf

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes the concise color lenses by Orion are one of the few choices out there. If you read the brochure you attached you can see in order to fit this lens, your doctor has to purchase a special fitting set and then customize the lens to your eyes. There are a variety of sizes and curvature options to try to get the proper fit and vision correction, in addition to customizing the color itself. This high intensity fitting process is why this lens is not very popular-- and very expensive.

      Delete
    2. Good morning, Dr.L what are the names of some trusted companies that sale colored toric contacts

      Delete
    3. There are only three brand options for color toric lenses in America currently; all of them are custom order. They are Biocolors by Orion Vision, and from X-Cel Specialty Contacts you have Horizon Toric and Westhin Toric. The last 2 only come in 4 colors (Aqua, blue, green, and brown). Your doctor has to have an account with these special order companies to fit and order these lenses.

      Delete
  44. Dr. L

    I tried Biocolors and they were extremely uncomfortable. I do not know what material is being used, but my eyes were red and the veins were all over my eyes. Do you know of anyone who has tried the Horizon Toric or the Westhin Toric? Are the comfortable?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've only had 1 patient in the Hotozon Toric. She didn't like the comfort either. Honestly I've stopped recommending even trying color toric lenses until something new becomes available for my patients because the options are so underwhelming.

      Delete
  45. Did your customer get a refund for the contacts? What do you think of lasik and then getting something in color later after healing? I know the lens are probably uncomfortable and thick becasue they are thicker for people with astigmatism! Please keep us posted if you hear of anything coming soon. I am so desperate and miserable! Nothing compares to the comfort of durasoft as of yet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most custom order lenses come with a warranty (somewhere between 30 and 90 days depending on the lens) so if you aren't satisfied you can return he product for a full refund. Definitely something to verify with your doctor before ordering. You can also talk to your doctor about LASIK of course, but keep in mind that LASIK changes the curvature of the cornea. Many patients that have LASIK find that standard contact lenses don't fit properly after surgery. The lenses will often move around too much and won't stay centered because your eye now has an unnaturally flattened shape due to the surgical procedure. Due to this, you may find you aren't able to wear color lenses after surgery either.

      Delete
    2. ok so I ordered Aryan contact lenses from PK Bank. I heard from reviews they are comfortable so we will see. They also look the exact same tint as Durasoft and if they work I can let you know to inform the others as well.

      Delete
    3. I did a little research and you can't get Aryan contact lenses anywhere in the USA. Looks like they are primarily available in Pakistan and India. It would be challenging for a doctor in the USA to legally be covered to write a prescription for this lens since we can't get it in America and they don't list things like oxygen transmissibility anywhere on their website (required information for FDA approved contact lenses).

      Delete
    4. Hey! How are the Aryan toric color contacts? Are they comfortable? Please reply if u have tried them. Thank u!

      Delete
  46. Hi Dr.L I fond this company they have color toric lenses for astigmatic by freshlook.
    https://lensmember.com/Lenses/46/FreshLook-Toric.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It looks like this is just leftover back stock this company is selling off -- these are the handling tint (clear) version of Freshlook toric that hardly anyone wore since they won't actually appear colored on your eye. They don't have any actual colored Freshlook Toric lenses available for sale.

      Delete
  47. I used to wear Freshlook Colorblend Toric Contacts in gray and was devastated when they stopped making them. My eye doctor actually had a solution.. custom colored toric contacts. ABB makes concise color custom contacts which are replicas of Freshlook Toric Color Blends. I have had them for about a week and they are thicker than the Freshlook contacts but other than that I haven't had any issues. You cant order them yourself, so your eye doctor has to directly order them but I am glad to have found a solution.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How much did you pay for these?

      Delete
  48. Havent gotten them yet but i was told it will be approximately $250

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are they comfortable?

      Delete
    2. They are pretty comfortable but the color range isnt good at all..i have dark brown eyes and wanted to lighten the shade of brown and nothing has worked.

      Delete
    3. k Spencer how long can you wear them for?

      Delete
  49. I have been trying to possibly order some lens from Alden Opitcal since it seems they are the only place that now does enhancers like the FOCUS SOFTCOLOR ROYAL BLUE that I wore for years and years and years

    Ballpark figure cost ??
    I have been hearing
    1000.00 fitting and then 500.00 lens cost

    My questions is - 1000.00 just for fitting ? Doesn't this almost price everyone out of Even considering these lens, so why even bother making them ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you! I haven't fit this lens so I don't know the exact cost involved, but the custom contact lens companies typically charge the doctor to buy an entire fitting kit if they want to fit a custom lens, which explains a significantly higher fitting cost than a standard lens. For example, a Synergeyes Ultra Health fit set is in the $900 range just to give you a ball park. They aren't the only company charging this amount, that's for sure.

      Delete
    2. NOCALGUY have you had any luck finding an alternative to the FOCUS SOFTCOLOR ROYAL BLUE??? I just barely ran out of my last pair and I am about willing to do anything. Please let me know if you actually got a fitting and lens made or if any one has had any luck finding anything like it??

      Delete
    3. I have been purchasing Blue enhancers from Alden for 2yrs that look just like my focus soft colors. Ordered through my eye doctor. Lens are a 3mo lens not monthly so a 1 yr supply is a total of 8 lens. Cost approx $580. There is a lower grade lens that is a bit cheaper but I am unsure of price.

      Delete
    4. Ginger you can get your blue lens back through Alden optical. Cost for 1 yr supply is $579. The lens is a quarterly lens so each lens is to be worn 3mo. I have been using these lens since focus was discontinued and so worth the cost.

      Delete
  50. So disappointed when I found out they no longer make the Colorblend toric lenses ! Has anyone tried this website ?? Please let me know if this is legitimate cause if so this would be awesome

    http://www.contactlensreorders.com/FreshLook-ColorBlends-Toric-6pack-p/2344.htm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I checked the link and they have a note towards the bottom that they are just selling any remaining stock they have-- they may not have anything left in your Rx or color choice. I guess it's worth trying but I might call and verify they have your Rx available first so they don't charge you and then say they can't fill it a week or two later.

      Delete
    2. Hi, I am interested in calling them to check the availability of my prescription. I can not find a phone number anywhere...did you see one? Thank you

      Delete
    3. I can't find a phone # either which is pretty disconcerting if you needed to contact someone about a refund or problem. Here's their email address though: info@contactlensreorders.com. I would make sure you get a guarantee they have exactly your Rx and color before ordering because you never know how easy or hard it is to get refunds after the fact. This lens has been discontinued for a couple of years now, so the chance of finding a big stock pile of everyone's Rx is pretty slim.

      Delete
    4. I tried ordering a set from them, but then I had to open a complaint with Paypal. Nobody answers the phone or emails. >:( I'm ok with just getting a 'sorry we have sold out,' but there was just nothing... I got my money back from Paypal though.

      Delete
    5. Wow thanks for that story Kyle. The chances of someone really being able to get you Freshlook toric lenses is very low, so be wary about trying to purchase lenses without upfront guarantees. Luckily you went through PayPal and were able to get a refund!!

      Delete
    6. Thanks Dr. L. I'm gonna try a pair of Air Optix colors with no fix for my astigmatism just to see how they look and feel. If I like them maybe I will email them every day to make colors in toric! :-D

      Delete
  51. Do you know of company who offers the yearly toric contact lenses? I had the freshlook ones and got upset that they discontinued them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The custom soft color toric lenses you see discussed here are quarterly or monthly replacement. Concise Colors or Orion Biolcolors, Alden Optical custom lenses, and the Horizon and Westthin toric from Xcel are the options available at this time. Depending on your ocular health, your doctor may feel safer in monthly disposable versus every 3 months since these lenses don't let through a lot of oxygen.

      Delete
  52. Does anyone know how much it costs for custom colored toric contacts from ABB? A person above said that ordered them and they are a replica of the Freshlook color torics...

    Can anyone or the person who originally posted give us some more info?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The easiest way is to check with your doctor since they will have to set up the account and order the lenses for you. Ask them about the ABB Concise Custom Toric Colors (https://www.abbconcise.com/CONCISE_Colors.aspx) and then your doctor will be able to call and find out how much it will cost for them to set up an account with ABB and begin ordering lenses.

      Delete
  53. Dr. L

    Have you ordered custom toric colored contacts before? If so, which company have you used and what was the ballpark price?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't -- I have ordered custom toric contact lenses but never custom color toric lenses, which I imagine would cost more. Custom toric lenses that are clear typically range between $500-$1000 for a year supply of lenses for both eyes depending on the product (monthly disposables are typically more expensive than quarterly disposables; older materials are less expensive than newer, more breathable materials; higher prescriptions and full customization options cost more than lenses that only come in 3 different curvatures or only a range of power options). I know that's a broad range but there are a LOT of products out there for clear custom options and the prices are very different depending on how custom you need to get.

      Delete
  54. Has anyone heard of Aryan Contact lenses (division of Falna Plastics). They make a toric colored lens that you might be able to order from India.

    Says that the lenses are made in Korea and approved by FDA.

    http://www.mailmylens.com/contact-lenses/aryan-contact-lenses.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since this lens isn't currently distributed in the United States, it would be very, very hard to find a doctor in the US to write you a prescription for these. Legally a contact lens prescription in the United States requires certification of the product material, curvature, size of the lens, your prescription, your disposal frequency, and documentation that the lens has been evaluated on the eye for appropriate fit, health and vision. Since there is no distributor here for us to get lens trials from, we couldn't perform the required process to write a legal prescription. The "approved by the FDA" part is a bit tricky too -- the website states the material the lens is made from is FDA approved, but it doesn't say the lens itself is (FDA requires approval for more than just material for a lens to be sold here-- curve, size, oxygen permeability, wear time all have to be tested). And since they aren't selling these in the USA, they don't have to get all of that FDA testing done because they aren't under their jurisdiction. Doctors in the USA are, however, and have to comply by these rules or risk potential liability lawsuits or even loss of license.

      Delete
    2. just fyi also the only base curve they come in is 8.6 if you are anything other than that then they will not work.

      Delete
  55. Dr.L What do you think of this site: http://www.uniqso.com/big-eyes-circle-lenses/toric-lenses Do you think it would be safe to order from this site?

    Thanks, appreciate your responses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So problems include no material listed, no oxygen transmissibility listed, and again it's not made or retailed in America so a doctor here can't write a prescription for it.

      Delete
  56. Dr.L
    I have worn Ciba Vision Focus Monthly Lens in clear and softcolors for 15 years. I had never experienced any problems. Now, they are not available. I have different correction for each eye, (Monovision) My Doctor has tried fitting me with Bausch & Lomb products. They are uncomfortable, they seem so thick, I can feel the lens on my eyes & vision seems blurry. It is so frustrating. Could you offer some other brands that may be closer in style & feel of the CIBA Vision? Appreciate your comments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The CIBA Focus lenses were hydrogel lenses, so you may be having trouble changing to silicone hydrogel products. Proclear is the only monthly hydrogel lens readily available. In 2 week disposable you also have Soflens and Acuvue 2. There are a ton of daily disposable options that would be thin and comfortable for you too.

      Delete
  57. Dr. L,

    do you know the difference between ABB concise and biocolors? which one is more comfortable?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't personally worn or had patients wearing either one so I don't know which is considered more comfortable. The Biocolors have a higher dk value (more breathable). The lenses are custom so size and curvature are all made to order in both lenses.

      Delete
  58. My doctor could color my toric in her office when they stopped making mine. Now she's saying the dye doesn't stay on the contacts anymore. I'm so frustrated. Shouldn't product avaiaibility expand. I wore colored contacts for 30 yrs. This is the strangest thing...available to people who don't even need prescription lenses but not those who do. I just don't get it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. she would color your clear ones? what brand did you have?

      Delete
  59. My doctor told me that they aren't going to make colored toric lenses because there isn't enough demand. He said not enough people want them.... Makes me wonder how many of us colored toric lens wearers there actually are.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Dr L

    First off I have to say THANK YOU for all of the information in your blog already. It has been so helpful! I had no idea you could get your own custom lenses made and am pretty sure I will invest the money to do it but would love any advice you would have on how to go about this. I have a -3.25 in both eyes and a slight astigmatism but was not obviously wearing that lens in the past because I was wearing the Focus SoftColors Royal Blue that they discontinued and I hate everything else colored out there with the lines. I would guess it would be very easy to duplicate because it is a solid color. From reading the above comments (and lots of research) I do not think there are any on the market that have the solid blue but I will still ask if you know of any? Also how would you suggest going about finding the best price and place for a custom colored lens? I am located in Utah, will travel obviously. THANK YOU!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's no great option really. The closest thing out there is getting custom color lenses by ABB Concise Colors in the ocean blue enhancer tint. Ask your doctor if they an ABB account and if they do they can call and get a price quote for you.

      Delete
  61. Im looking for color toric contacts to i find this site have u heard of https://www.optykrozmus.com/contact-lens-types/colored-toric-contact-lenses-for-astigmatism/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These lenses are from Poland so a doctor in the USA could not prescribe them. They aren't regulated under the FDA and all contact lenses prescribed by doctors in the USA have to be FDA regulated.

      Delete
  62. Can we wear a toric clear contact over a plano colored contact?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't recommend it - the oxygen transmission through 2 soft contact lenses could be dangerously low, resulting in infections, scar formation, and potentially permanent vision loss. If the FDA hasn't studied the 2 specific lenses in combo stacked on each other for oxygen transmission, then it would be a total experiment on your own eye, and the risk of harm it could do is just not worth it. No reason to turn your eye into lab rat mode.

      Delete
  63. Dr. L and other readers,

    After doing some more research I came across "Eyedia ClearColor Elements" through ClearLab. I am guessing we can't order these ourselves but it says that colored toric lenses can be made on a made to order basis.

    http://www.clearlabusa.com/eyedia-clear-color.php at the bottom of the page is the made to order torics.

    Has anyone ordered from here? And if so how did you order? How did they feel? I found some PDF files also with pricing and custom toric dimensions from http://www.therightcontact.com/slLenses/1099/eyedia-clearcolor-elements.html

    PDF FILES:


    http://www.therightcontact.com/images/softLens/lenses/attachments/CustomToricHandouts_1370184973.pdf

    http://www.therightcontact.com/images/softLens/lenses/attachments/ClearLab_ProductListing_1370183414.pdf

    I also came across this same company on Sears website http://www.sears.com/eyedia-clearcolor-vibrant-toric-vial-health-wellness-eye/p-SPM8702874102 but it says the product is Temporary Unavailable and the page was added May 6th, 2016 so maybe it will be available to order soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't used this lens personally but it's definitely an option. I'll throw out in case someone's looking at the links - if you're getting prices online for what something costs for a mass retailer after they've paid to open an account with a company, don't expect that to be the price you pay personally. There's a reason places like Sears exist -- they are so large they can get things at a certain low price, but that price wouldn't be what they charge you, the patient.

      Delete
  64. Ok just guys guess what!!! I ordered the biocolors and it took my eye a week to get used to it but I actually love them I can wear them all day! I bought them in the past and they were always uncomfortable but they were using polymacon plastic to make them and now they are using methapilcon so they are super comfortable ok everyone try them! I can wear them up to 12 hours a day

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How do they compare to the focus softcolor? Every brand I've tried looks obviously fake and ridiculous. The focus soft color royal blue looked natural.

      Delete
  65. I recommend buying the Biocolors now they are actually comfortable because they are made out of methapilcon before it was polymacon. They are actually comfortable now!! try them. I could not stand them but now I can wear them 12 hours.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Were you able to order online by yourself or had to go through your doctor? I'm kind of freaking out now - I officially put on my last pair of colorblends. This is so devastating. How is the color on the biocolors?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! In the United States your doctor would have to write you a prescription for the Orion lenses specifically to be able to get them. Your doctor would also need to register for an account with Orion Vision Group (be a certified contact lens fitter or prescriber with them) and agree to any purchasing terms, etc. that Orion requires of the prescribing and dispensing physician.

      Delete
    2. Thank you for taking time to give me the info, Dr. L!

      Delete
    3. Dear Dr L, I used Durasoft 2 for light eye in sky blue for about 10 years and then they discontinued them. I have seen some on sale on the internet, but they must be old by now. I was thinking if these are old stocks, but I was thinking of buying one bottle just to have a sample of the colour so that I could find a company which can do custom orders. do you think this is a good or bad idea?

      Delete
    4. do you know of anyone who may have old stocks of Durasoft 2 for light eyes, I need a sample of the colour to send to a custom made contact lense company, I have seen durasoft lenses on the internet for sale but these must be old stock? I wouldn't use them but do you think its worth buying them off the internet

      Delete
    5. I would be very cautious of ordering Durasoft lenses from anyone on the internet. These lenses have been discontinued for many, many years, and I have had other people comment on the blog that websites stated they had lenses, and then no lenses ever came and they lost their money. I would be wary of giving my money to anyone who said they had Durasoft lenses unless there was 100% certainty you could get your money back if they are unable to send you product. A custom contact lens company does not need a sample of Durasoft colors to make them -- there are plenty of pictures of what the lenses look like available online, and companies like Orion are equipped to mimic Durasoft lenses already (http://www.orionvisiongroup.com/). You can ask your local eye doctor if they have an account with Orion to make you a match, or you can call Orion to find an area provider near you.

      Delete
  67. Hi I have been reading these type public forums for the colored astigmatism contacts for at least the last 2 years because I have been wearing these lenses for over 25 year and its very sad that there is no replacement color contact les for astigmatism which has a comfortable fit or doesn’t make you look like an alien. My question is why cant the old Durasoft color products be bought by investors and fixed since I was told they Ciba discontinued the lenses due to the manufacturing facility needing a lot of work. It is painfully obvious that there is a large demand for the old product so instead of trying to find a solution for a product which works, most companies are spending money to create something new which obviously is a flop. As I read from another review, I too am still wearing my old lenses because I refuse to switch to the ones which don’t measure up at all.
    Also I know most will call me crazy but why cant we as consumers try to figure out a petition to start or try to pool together the thousands of us who used to wear these lenses and wish they would return again? As I said earlier, I wore these lenses for over 25 years and I never ever had an eye infection. In my opinion Ciba Vision just didn’t try to save this product they just thought more money would be made the disposable lenses but how soon they see that this wasn’t true since they have been discontinuing their new Freshlooks product line. I even read that some celebrities wore these lenses at some point in the past, so why not try to start a petition to pool together investors and revamp this line? Its very clear that all companies who are trying to make a new color line for us just don’t have a clue how Wesley Jensen did it and this is fact since I wore these lenses for over 25 years.

    ReplyDelete
  68. agree completely lets bring them back!!! However I wore my Durasoft for 4 years! All of a sudden they got blurry and gave me dry eyes... I would not wear them forever. The doctor also said I had lots of dead cells. The contacts were very old. Try the Biocolors. Don't risk losing your eyesight!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Hi and thanks for the advice but I used to order 2 pair of color torics a year so I still have one last set of vials never opened to wear which means I should still have about 2-3 more years with my Durasoft lenses. At any rate I ordered a pair of Biocolors when Ciba first discontinued their color torics and those lenses were very scratchy and self leveling instead of weighted, so those lenses kept rotating in my eyes. However I think I read somewhere that some changes have sense been made to make those lenses better so maybe I will try them again to gauge the fit. At any rate I am serious about trying to to find out if that old Durasoft line can be revamped so I will start investigating to see what I find out.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Just did a random search as I usually do time to time to see if there is anything out there updated or released and I came across the COOPER VISION EXPRESSIONS COLORED CONTACTS. On the site it says:

    And if you require lenses to correct nearsighted or farsighted vision, all Expressions colors lenses are available for you, too.

    Is this for real? lol I sure hope so. This would be the best news ever! Not keeping my hopes up. Anyone have anymore information about this? I sent them a msg on their facebook page but still haven't received a reply.

    The link for the page I was at is:

    http://coopervision.com/contact-lenses/expressions-color-contacts

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Anonymous, this has nothing to do with Astigmatism. There are plenty of colored contact options for non-toric wearer's.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous,
      I also saw this, just today and I thought exactly the same thing as you, unfortunately, it's a misprint, a leftover of the long since discontinued toric line they used to sell. I confirmed this when I went to download the pdf they have available on the lens and on the very last page it reads: "Print Date Feb 2012". the search continues.

      Delete
  71. http://www.queencontacts.com/Mobile/Product/Detail/view/pid/8464/cid/1102/spn/1.Dueba-BT-Toric-Gray-828

    How safe would you say they are?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These are Korean contact lenses so they haven't been FDA tested; really hard to comment on safety because we don't have any study data on them if they aren't going through FDA testing. A doctor in the US couldn't prescribe these because they aren't FDA approved in the USA.

      Delete
  72. What should i do if i want color toric lenses...any news on air optix toric color

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nothing is in the works at the moment. All color toric lenses are custom order. I'm using Concise Color Torics from ABB in my practice.

      Delete
  73. Are there any solid colored contacts anymore, or do all colored contacts have a pupil hole?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not anymore. The only color lens without a fake pupil is Acuvue 1-Day Moist Define in Sparkle. Only comes in a blue tint around the edge of the lens.

      Delete
  74. Thank you Dr L. for your reply. Would have been nice if my eye doctor would have been honest about the new standards as opposed to my having to Google and find out the truth on this blog. Gotta love our government (FDA) making choices for us. I've worn colored contacts for 35 years without issue, and thanks to our government, they are no longer available.

    ReplyDelete
  75. For what it's worth, there are no enhancement tints available, period, whether one wears toric lenses or not. I've been looking for years, and Freshlook Dimensions came close but never quite looked natural on me. So disappointed that there are no options any more, especially since these simple tints would be such an easy thing to make.

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  76. Good afternoon back in January I emailed that I was gonna try to research the old Durasoft line to see if it can be revamped. Well I was able to get in touch with a person named Penny from Alcon (the company who bought Ciba vison) and the line of communication was open via email until she kept asking me who was interested in revamping this old contact line.

    All I could think was to tell her a group of investors who wanted to remain anonymous until they had more info on if the old Durasoft line could be purchased as a result I was their representative. Well I then suspect she thought I was not affiliated with investors cause I could not name anyone so she didnt respond again.

    So long story short is Alcon seemed as if they would entertain selling the old Durasoft line if indeed there were some true investors wanting to buy. My goal was to find out how much they would sell this old line for cause I do have a few friends with deep pockets that may could have found others to invest but I had no such luck with getting a price. At this rate in the contact world, it appears the only way to find color toric contacts is to try to find investors to contact Alcon about that old Durasoft line which seemed to work for many for years in the past. I certainly wore them over 20 years and would be happy to help start a campaign, fundraiser, or something in order to revamp the old toric contact lens line. At this point I think this is the only option available for all of us who are still seeking quality toric colored lenses.

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  77. BUYER BEWARE!!!

    If i could give less stars I would. We started an account with Orion Vision Group a few mo before Halloween 2017. They have done nothing but mess up the orders for our customers ever since. They have messed up the same customers order 4 times. They did give him a cheap pair of contacts to try and make up for it but then they still messed up his order. They say they will call you back and they don't. Haley said she would call me back on Friday with information for me. Its been 2 weeks. No call. I have left 2 msg. This pt spend almost 1000 in theatrical contacts. With us for contacts from Orion. A phone call is the least they can do...

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    Replies
    1. Please BE AWARE!

      The last place you want to purchase any contact lenses is ORION VISION
      also D/B/A Vision Science Lens Serv Optical(new Scam)as they just settled a one million dollar law suit for unspecified amount with a law suit in Texas. Their lenses are also sold under wicked eyes and precision optical
      who was also named in suit and settled for unspecified amount. Stay away from brands labeled gothika contacts, Venus Contacts, Bella Contacts, Bio Colors (Custom Made) Bio Sport(custom Made)these are Made by Orion Vision or imported illegally from China

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  78. Hello, I found that website 6 months ago and decided to call them recently...the lady told me the toric colored lenses are made in the USA and if I needed any help in ordering, they are there to help. My only problem is the expense. It's $200 per eye but, it's annual pair. So, I'm going to give it a try! I miss my topic colored lenses so much and don't understand why it's so hard to get a pair for us!! We matter too lol.

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  79. https://toricolors.com

    This is a new source for toric colored contacts. You can find your local provider through their websites. Unfortunately the lenses are available in a cylinder power up to -1.25, and sphere power to -4.00. The sphere power they are looking to expand to around -5.00 though by beginning of 2019.

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  80. Also, Solotica will be offering colored toric lenses soon as per their website: https://www.lensrepublica.com/pages/prescription-toric-astigmatism-lenses

    Your need to fill out the form so they can make sure there is a demand. From my searches, it seems this company is also FDA approved.

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