Abstract: A selected pattern of disruptions in the lens material of a soft or hard corneal contact lens or intraoccular lens is provided which substantially disrupts the undistorted transmisability of an image to the lens to render it semi-opaque. Preferably, these disruptions are formed by a laser beam which causes the disruptions. The pattern may be used for coding of lens prescription or the like. In another embodiment, a ring may be formed in a soft contact lens of the general shape of the cornea and colored to provide a total color change in the appearance of the iris.