Are you having difficulty finding toric color contact lenses for astigmatism? If you are it’s not surprising since all color contact lenses for astigmatism were pulled from the market in North America around 2014.
Since then, people interested in wearing color contacts for astigmatism have had to resort to overseas retailers. Sure, it’s not as ideal as getting them from North America, but if that’s the only option, then it’s definitely better than nothing.
I have written reviews of a few other websites that sell color contacts for astigmatism.
They are:
You can read about them by clicking on the links above.
In this article, I will discuss an additional place where you can order toric color contact lenses for astigmatism.
Website: PinkyParadise.com
PinkyParadise.com is a contact lens retailer based out of South Korea that specializes in color contact lenses (both spherical and toric). They were founded in 2006 and are now one of the largest online color contact lens stores.
Toric Color Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
PinkyParadise.com offers 10 different colors of toric color contacts. They are:
MI SUNFLOWER GREY(TORIC) | MI CLOUD GREY (TORIC) | ||
MI CLOUD BROWN (TORIC) | MI NATURAL BLACK(TORIC) | ||
MI DALI EXTRA BROWN(TORIC) | MI DALI EXTRA VIOLET(TORIC) |
MI DALI EXTRA GREY(TORIC) | MI NATURAL BROWN(TORIC) | ||
MI DALI EXTRA BLUE(TORIC) | MI SUNFLOWER BROWN(TORIC) |
You will notice that on PinkyParadise.com, you will not see the words ‘color contact lenses’. Rather, they are called ‘circle lenses’. This is nothing more than a difference in regional terminology. PinkyParadise.com is based out of Asia, and in that market, color contact lenses are largely referred to as circle lenses.
The term circle lenses comes from the black ring that is found around the outer edge of the contact lenses. Having a dark outer ring really highlights your eye color and is generally recognized as enhancing the eye’s natural beauty.
Lens Specifications
Brand: Mi
Origin: South Korea
Diameter: 14.0mm
Water Content: 38%
Base Curve: 8.6mm
Life Span: Yearly
Package includes: One pair of circle lenses & macaron lens case
Available Parameters
Sphere
‘Sphere’ values are available from 0 to -10.00. This is a good enough range to cover most people who are nearsighted. However, they have absolutely no ‘Sphere’ values in the positive range. That means that if you’re farsighted, you won’t be able to wear these lenses.
Cylinder
‘Cylinder’ values are available from 0 to -4.25. This is a good range as well. Often times optometrists will tell you that you’re not a candidate for contact lenses if your astigmatism is higher than -3.00. So having ‘Cylinder’ values up to -4.25 should cover pretty much everybody.
Axis
‘Axis’ values are actually better than most other brands of contact lenses for astigmatism. Most brands have axis between 10 and 180 in 10 degree steps. PinkyParadise’s circle lenses for astigmatism have axis between 5 and 180 in 5 degree steps. Having more axis options allows you to wear toric contact lenses with more precision, resulting in better vision.
Price
PinkyParadise.com’s circle lenses for astigmatism are all $49.90 USD for a pair.
Since these lenses are yearly disposable lenses, if you break it down per day, it comes out to only $0.14 USD per day. For a color contact lens for astigmatism, you will not find a better price than these.
Note: Canceling an order will have you forfeit 50% of the cost. So make sure you’ve made the right decision before you place your order.
Shipping
PinkyParadise.com offers free worldwide shipping on all of their circle lenses for astigmatism. In fact, they offer free worldwide shipping on all orders about $49 USD. Since a single toric circle lens is $49.90, free worldwide shipping automatically applies.
Note: Shipping is not quick. Not only are these lenses coming from across the world, but they are made on demand when you order. Their website stipulates that you must allow for up to 2 months of production time when you order.
Reviews
PinkyParadise.com has its own system of reviews on its products. The most reviewed (by far) toric circle lens on PinkyParadise.com is the MI SUNFLOWER GREY(TORIC) lens. Out of 23 reviews, it has a 4 out of 5 rating. You can read what people had to say about the lenses here.
Getting a Proper Fitting
It is important to understand that ordering lenses before you have a chance to try them on is risky. If you order any color contact lenses for astigmatism online, you should schedule an appointment with you eye doctor to have him/her examine how they fit on your eyes. Make sure you get this evaluation before you start using them.
If your doctor tells you that the lenses are dangerously tight, or way too loose, or completely off-axis, you may not be able to wear them. Yes its a bummer, but that’s just how things are right now.
If your doctor clears you to wear them, then congratulations and enjoy your new color contact lenses for astigmatism!
Conclusion
The drawbacks of ordering color contact lenses for astigmatism overseas are obvious. The main one being that you don’t get to try them out before you order them, which means that you have to purchase them before knowing if you’ll be able to wear them. But when that’s your only option, then that’s what you have to do. Best of luck!
13 Responses
Riss
Pop up notice on the PinkyParadise says they no longer ship to the US or Korea.
Julie
Oh really? That’s interesting. I just sent them an e-mail to see if they can clarify this for us. I’ll post their response when I hear back from them. Thanks for the alert :)
Julie
Here’s the message I got from PinkyParadise:
Hi,
We’re regret to announce the decision to stop shipping to the USA and Korea as of 6th February 2017.
Please understand that orders from the United States are required to comply with the strict state regulations.
With all of the restrictions, it’s a painful decision for our team, but a necessary one in order to continue operating until it is perfected and comply with strict state rules.
We’re working out a solution by doing all the necessary steps we can to help the situation.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused and we look forward to returning in the future.
Thanks.
Lauren
Actually, pinky paradise does ship to North America now, the thing is you now have to provide your optometrists information, and I believe a script
Julie
Oh wow, that’s fantastic! Thanks for the heads up. I’ll update the article accordingly :)
Sam
This website is truly a breath of fresh air. Thank you so much for all the useful information you have provided – you really have helped me in my quest for colored contacts! :D
Julie
Hi Sam, I’m glad you found the info helpful :)
Cheers!
Miriam
Hello, my name is Miriam I been looking for Freshloock Toric color contacts. I can’t find it anywhere any help please.
Julie
Hi Miriam, unfortunately, you will not find them anywhere. They have been taken off the market a few years ago. I suggest speaking with your eye doctor for other color contact lens for astigmatism options.
DISCLAIMER
This information is provided as an information resource only (i.e., not medical advice) and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-doctor relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
kevin
Are these contacts hard or soft. I see they last a year. Also how’s the comfort level on these?
Julie
Hi Kevin, they are all soft contact lenses. I know it is unusual to see soft contact lenses that last 1 year, isn’t it? Most brands now, especially in Western countries, are monthly (or more often) replacement.
I can’t personally vouch for the comfort of PinkyParadise contacts, as I have never tried them. But generally, yearly replacement color contacts are not known for their outstanding comfort.
If you decide to give them a try, I’d love to know what your experience with them is :)
DISCLAIMER
This information is provided as an information resource only (i.e., not medical advice) and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-doctor relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
ASHLEY JOHNSON
I think it is 49.90 for the PAIR but you said per lens. Can you clarify?
Julie
Hi Ashely, you are absolutely right. It is $49.90 for the pair. I have made the corrections, thanks!