Understanding the Sandwich Structure of Colour Contact Lenses
When shopping for coloured contact lenses, you may come across the term “sandwich structure.” At first, it might sound safe and reliable, which is why many people choose these lenses without fully understanding what the method actually means.
In this article, we’ll break down what sandwich structure is, how it works, and why it’s important for coloured contacts. We’ll also share some of the best sandwich-structured coloured contact lenses to help you make an informed choice when buying your next pair.
Colouring Method of Coloured Contact Lenses
There are three main colouring methods used in coloured contact lenses: the sandwich structure, the wrap-in method, and the printing method. Each technique has its own process, level of safety, and impact on comfort, which is why it’s important to understand the differences before choosing the right coloured contacts for you.
Sandwich structure
The sandwich structure works by sealing the colour pigment between two layers of the lens material. This design prevents the pigment from touching your eyes or eyelids directly, making it one of the safest manufacturing structures for coloured contact lenses. Since the pigments often contain metals like titanium and iron—which could harm the cornea if they were to fade—this protective barrier is especially important.
That said, sandwich-structured lenses are usually a bit thicker than other types. Some wearers may notice a slight feeling of dryness or grittiness. On the positive side, the extra thickness helps the lenses hold their shape better, making them easier to handle and less likely to tear compared to thinner lenses.
Pros
- Pigment is safely sealed inside the lens, so it never comes into direct contact with your eyes—reducing the risk of irritation or damage.
- Slightly thicker design makes the lenses easier to handle and helps them maintain their shape, which is especially useful for beginners.
Cons
- The added thickness can sometimes cause dryness or a slight gritty sensation during wear.
Wrap-in method
The wrap-in method works by coating the colour pigment with lens material and then adding another layer to secure it inside. This process creates thinner lenses than the sandwich structure, which often makes them feel more comfortable and natural to wear.
However, because the pigment sits closer to the surface of the lens, the barrier between the colour and your eye is less stable. This means there’s a higher risk of the pigment coming into contact with the eye, which may cause irritation over time.
Pros
- Thin lenses offer excellent wearing comfort.
Cons
- Higher risk of pigment contact with the eyes compared to the sandwich structure.
Printing method
The printing method involves directly printing pigment onto the lens surface. This method tends to have a higher risk of the pigment coming into contact with the eyes compared to the sandwich structure and wrap-in methods. For eye health, it is recommended to avoid coloured contact lenses made using the printing method.
Pros
- Thin lenses are comfortable and offer good colour.
- Various design options available.
Cons
- Higher risk of pigment contact with the eyes.
If you want to know whether your coloured contact lenses are made using the sandwich structure, the best approach is to check the product packaging or the brand’s official website. In many cases, the label won’t explicitly say “sandwich structure” but may use phrases like “pigment encapsulated within the lens material.”
It’s also important to note that not all brands disclose their colouring method, so you may not always find this information readily available. When in doubt, choosing trusted brands or consulting with your eye care professional is the safest option.
Our popular colour contact lenses made using the sandwich structure
Qieto1day Color series
One of the most recommended sandwich-type coloured contact lenses is the Qieto1day Color Series, available exclusively through our group of companies. This series comes in three natural shades designed to subtly enhance and brighten your eyes.
The Qieto1day Color lenses are made from soft, comfortable lens material and enriched with two types of moisturising ingredients to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day. They also feature built-in UV protection, helping to reduce the strain and long-term damage caused by harmful UV rays.
These lenses are a great choice if you’re looking for safe, comfortable, and naturally beautiful coloured contacts.
First time to try Qieto1day Color? Trial code is available, 50% off the base price up to 2 boxes!
1-Day Acuvue Define series
The brand is Johnson & Johnson and is known for its wide range of colours. Whether you're looking for a natural look for work or school, or you want to dramatically change the look of your eyes, you'll likely find the perfect design for you.
In addition, the moisturising ingredients trapped in the lens material using our unique technology help retain moisture, ensuring a comfortable fit all the way into the night.
Seven colours available. Find out more.
Colour contact manufacturing method
We’ve covered three colouring methods for coloured contact lenses, and in addition, we’ll introduce three manufacturing methods.
Cast mould manufacturing method
Lens material and pigment are poured into a lens-shaped mould, then pressed from above to shape the lens. This is the mainstream manufacturing method for one-day coloured contact lenses.
The advantages are that they are thin, comfortable to wear, and relatively inexpensive because they can be mass-produced.
Pros
- The lenses are thin, so they feel light to wear.
- They are relatively inexpensive because they are easy to mass-produce.
Cons
- Low durability and colour may fade when rubbed.
- Scratching the lenses can cause the pigment to dissolve in the eye and cause inflammation.
Semi-cast mould manufacturing method
The semi-cast moulding method is an improved version of the cast moulding method used to manufacture coloured contact lenses.
In the cast moulding method, the lens material and colour contact lens pigment are poured in at the same time, but in the semi-cast moulding method, the outside of the lens is first coloured, and then a thin layer of polymer material is applied to create the colour contact lenses.
While this method allows for thinner lenses than those made with cast moulding, it also means that the lenses are less durable.
Pros
- Lens can be made thinner than with cast moulding.
Cons
- Lens durability is more likely to decline than with cast moulding.
Spin cast moulding method
Lens material and pigment are poured into a lens-shaped mould, pressed from above, and spun to evenly distribute the material using centrifugal force.
It is easy to make thin, smooth lenses, but in some cases it may not be suitable for coloured contact lenses with precise or special designs.
Pros
- Easy to make thin and smooth lenses.
Cons
- There are cases where it is not suitable for coloured contact lenses with precise or special designs.
Other Tips
When using coloured contact lenses, some people may be worried about whether they are really safe.
In order to wear coloured contact lenses safely, we will explain the points you should check other than the manufacturing process.
Choosing a trusted brand
When selecting coloured contact lenses, it’s important to check whether the brand is reliable.
For example, our original brand, Qieto1day Color, meets Japan’s strict safety standards and offers high-quality, reliable products.
In addition, we carry many products from globally trusted brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, and MaxiEyes.
Even first-time users can wear coloured contacts with confidence by choosing brands known for their high quality and proven track records.
Check if the lens data is suitable for you
To use coloured contact lenses safely, it's important to choose products that match your eye specifications. If the prescription, BC (base curve), or DIA (lens diameter) don’t align, you risk straining your eyes.
Before purchasing, ensure you have the correct lens data. If you're unsure or it's your first time wearing coloured contact lenses, visit an eye doctor for an eye exam to determine the right fit.
Even if no eyesight correction is needed, consult your eye care provider for fitting if you're trying contact lenses for the first time.
For more information on lens data, check our other blog post.
Daily lenses are convenient
If you wear coloured contact lenses frequently, fortnightly or monthly types are more economical and easier to use, but many people find lens care to be a hassle. However, if you neglect to clean your lenses because it's time-consuming, or if you use them without following the correct cleaning method, bacteria may grow on the lenses, causing problems such as eye diseases.
If you don't wear coloured contact lenses often — for example, only for special occasions like birthday parties, Halloween parties, weddings, music festivals, or a fun night out — one-day lenses may be a more cost-effective and hassle-free choice, as you can simply discard them after use and enjoy a fresh, clean pair each time.
Use a secure online shopping site
When ordering online, be sure to check the safety of the site. If you use a dangerous or fake site, you may be sent a substandard product or your personal information may be misused.
A safe contact lens online store will have the necessary business information on the site and a contact point for inquiries.
Our group provides our valued customers with quality lenses, competitive prices, excellent service and the convenience of online shopping. All of our group companies have supplied over 4.6 million customers in the Asian, American, Canadian and Oceania markets since 2003. Buy with confidence from us as we aim to please all our valued customers.
Final Thoughts
We have explained the characteristics of coloured contact lens colouring methods, how to distinguish them, and recommended products.
The sandwich structure for coloured contact lenses is said to be a very safe structure because the pigment does not come into direct contact with the eyes. To use coloured contact lenses safely, it is also important to choose the most suitable lens data product and use a reliable online store.
Based on what we have told you and the list of recommended products, try to find the safe coloured contact lenses that suit you. Browse all coloured contact lenses here.
Browse our resources for expert advice on keeping your lenses and eyes in top condition.
