Blackout Contact Lenses

Blackout and sclera contact lenses, explained

These are the lenses that get the biggest reaction in photos. The colour runs right over the pupil, so there's no dark dot in the middle, and the eye just looks solid. Possessed, blind, demonic, whatever you're going for, nothing else gives quite the same effect.

We want to be really upfront about one thing. Because the pupil is covered, these lenses block or blur your vision. They're for photoshoots, filming and standing still for the camera. Not for driving, stairs, or wandering round a busy Halloween party.

Are these real sclera lenses?

Proper full sclera lenses are huge, around 22mm, and cover the whole white of the eye. Ours are 14mm to 14.5mm, so they cover the iris and a bit around it, in a sclera style. It still looks very dramatic in photos, especially with shading around the eyes, and they're much easier to put in than a giant lens. We'd rather tell you that now than have you expect something else.

Black sclera lenses and blind white lenses

The Black Sclera Contact Lenses are a full blackout in solid black. Brilliant for demons, possession and that Supernatural style black eye. The Blind White Sclera Contact Lenses are the opposite, all white with no pupil, which works for ghosts, blind characters, Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas or a Corpse Bride look.

Our tip for white lenses is to add a bit of grey or purple shadow under the eyes. Against pale skin, a white lens can disappear. A little darkness around it makes it pop.

Mesh sclera lenses

If you want the effect but need some vision, mesh lenses are a middle ground. The White Mesh Sclera Contact Lenses, Red Mesh Sclera Contact Lenses and Blue Mesh Sclera Contact Lenses have a fine mesh pattern over the centre, so you get partial vision through it. It's a bit like looking through a net curtain. Better than a solid blackout, but still not something to drive in. The Red Manson Mesh Contact Lenses are denser, so treat those as blocked vision.

Demon Slayer blackout lenses

For anime fans, the Daki Demon Slayer Sclera Contact Lenses and Kyōjurō Rengoku Demon Slayer Contact Lenses are in here too, along with Doma and Akaza. Great for your hero shots at a con, then swap to a clear pupil lens for the rest of the day.

One thing we always do: put blackout lenses in last, once your make up, wig and outfit are all sorted. You won't be able to see the mirror properly afterwards, so it saves a lot of faff.

Look after these like any lens. Clean, dry hands, fresh solution, never tap water and never sleep in them. Keep a friend close by while you're wearing them, and take them out if they feel uncomfortable.