Abstract: A method for coloring a contact lens. The method comprises providing a contact lens having a pupil region and a generally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region. The iris region is adapted to at least partially cover a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing the contact lens. The method further comprises providing a printer assembly having an inkjet print head, and using the printer assembly to deposit at least one colorant on the iris region of the contact lens in a manner to alter the appearance of the iris of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the contact lens.

Abstract: A tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises a contact lens substrate and an iris-simulating pattern on the lens substrate. The iris simulating pattern comprises at least four distinctly colored colorants. A method for making a tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises providing a plate having a surface, and lasing the plate to form at least one depression in the surface of the plate. The depression is of a shape constituting an iris portion pattern. A fluent colorant is introduced into the depression. The colorant is then transferred from the depression to a lens substrate in a manner so that the colorant colors the lens substrate in a colorant pattern of substantially the same shape as the iris portion pattern of the depression.