For hard contact lenses, this measurement is essential. The base curve number would be a number between 8.0 and 10.0 millimeters and would be more precise because these lenses need to fit just right.

Diameter serves as a good base to understand how big is the circle lens and its coverage to your iris. However, it is the limbal ring, the black outer ring of the lens, contributing to the enlargement effect of a circle lens. Some circle lens has relatively small diameter but their enlargement effect is HUGE thanks to the limbal ring. In short, don’t shop for diameter only, but look at the limbal ring design at the same time.

2. What Circle Lens Should I Choose? What Circle Lens Best Suits Me?

Before this, you need to understand which effects you like the most before deciding on which circle lens to choose from as each circle lens give varying degree of different effect.

FIVE Most Important Points/Effects You Should Know

Enlargement Effect
Comfort Level
Color Vibrancy Effect (Pop out effect)
Natural Effect
Blending Effect

Enlargement Effect – How big do I want my eyes to look like?

Comfort Level – How long can I wear circle lens?

Circle lenses have 9-12 months life span once the vial bottle is opened. For daily usage, circle lens can normally last 6 to 8 hours. However, some people do find it tiring/ drying up after few hours. For your information, circle lens has lower water contents than normal contact lens; therefore bring along ‘contact lens eye drop’ to moisture your eyes is essential. The rule of thumb of wearing circle lens, if you feel any pain or discomfort in your eyes, remove them immediately. On top of that, comfort level will deteriorate if the circle lens is badly taken care of as stubborn protein deposits on your lenses. Therefore, some cleaning kits are important. A good hygiene habit will enable the lens to last longer.

Color Vibrancy Effect – Does my eyes pop? Does my eye catch attention?

With the coloring effect, some lens is more noticeable (sharp) than the other in catching attention. Most of the circle lens will show vibrant color if taken with camera flash or under the perfect lighting. A high level of vibrancy means that the lens is very noticeable even in room lighting or natural lighting. Basically, if you are walking on the street, everyone will be looking at you, that’s vibrant lens!

Natural Effect – Does my lens look natural?

Circle lens seldom have all natural, vibrant and enlargement effect at the same time. Lenses with higher level of enlargement effect or vibrancy effect, they are less natural for certain. Please keep in mind when choosing a natural-looking lens, you are best advised to go for lenses without limbal ring or the color is not vibrant, and most importantly, blending well with your natural iris color.

Blending Effect – What lens look best with my natural iris color?

Choose the color of lens which is similar or same to your natural iris color would yield the best result. Some lens comes with yellowish dots surrounding pupils area will help your eyes to blend with the lens especially for brown eyes group. Whereas for light eyes group, lens colors like green, blue, grey or even violet lenses can give good blending effect.