Which is Better for Changing Your EyeColor: Photo Manipulation or Contact Lenses
In today’s tech-driven world, photo editing or manipulation is becoming increasingly popular and
highly accessible, especially with various editing tools available. According to Business Research
Insights, the global photo editing software market was valued at $1.08 billion in 2024 and is
projected to reach $1.58 billion by 2032 with a 4.9% CAGR. The same report mentioned that the
demand for special effects like color manipulation is expected to drive market growth.
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One of the most common things that get manipulated in pictures is eye color, with countless
photo editing tools available to change the overall appearance of an image’s subject. Today, this
technology provides a digital alternative to colored contacts, which were previously the only
option for those who wanted to alter their subject’s eye color. That said, with both contact lenses
and photo manipulation software widely accessible, you might be wondering which of the two is
a better option for you. Here’s what you need to know:
Photo Manipulation
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According to data from Exposure, 48% of US citizens use photo editing applications to modify
their pictures, highlighting the popularity of tools that help retouch images. Photo editing apps
like PicsArt are now making image manipulation much easier with advanced tools that allow
anyone to enhance several features of an image – from the eyes and teeth to the hair color. For
instance, if you want to edit your eyebrows, you can simply tap the “Draw” or “Brush” icon,
select a brush size, choose a desired color, and then reshape or define your brows until you
achieve your preferred outcome. This simple process makes photo manipulation an easy option
for many.
Similarly, with the popularity and accessibility of photo editing apps, changing your eye color has
never been more convenient. It will only take a few seconds to check out and try new colors using the Eye Color changer tool on PicsArt for free. You can overlay color filters to achieve a unique look, whether you want to switch from brown to blue eyes or put a different hue on each side. Using a photo editing app is perfect if you need to make sudden changes even while you’re on the go, and it’s also an easy way to help you bring your creative vision to life since you can adjust eye color without having to redo the whole image.
Wearing Contact Lenses
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Around 45 million people in the US wear contacts, which means these ocular tools can also be a
popular alternative for changing eye color. Unlike photo manipulation, contact lenses can help
create a more natural look by defining your iris, the colored portion of your eye. Various colored
contacts are available on the consumer market, including Air Optix and Dailies that can give off
more believable hues and highlights, making your enhanced appearance more believable in
pictures. These contact lenses come in blue, green, gray, and haze colors. Contact lenses are also
convenient for people with eye issues, as some colored contacts provide vision correction. As
such, contacts are ideal if you’re looking for a more realistic finish or if you’re not too tech-savvy
and have yet to perfect the use of photo editing apps.
That said, it’s essential to ensure that a doctor prescribes your lenses. According to the Food and
Drug Administration, decorative lenses obtained without a prescription may damage your
eyesight, so make sure you consult your eye doctor first, especially if you plan to wear colored
contacts that do not provide vision correction.
Manipulating photos and wearing contacts each have their strengths when it comes to changing
your eye color. Photo manipulation allows you to conveniently make changes that help you achieve your desired result, while contact lenses provide a more realistic and natural look for our pictures. Both methods are effective at the end of the day, and it’s all about which one works best for you and your preferences.