HALLOWEEN CONTACTS… THE DANGERS OF COSMETIC CONTACT LENSES
Masquerading is fun, especially for Halloween. There are so many different costumes to choose from and specialty makeup is so readily available. Cosmetic contact lenses can complete the ensemble creating a convincing look. Although it is desirable to have a comprehensive disguise when costuming, Halloween contacts can be hazardous to your eyes.
Even though these contacts have astounding effects, they can actually really cause damage to your eyes. Contacts actually come in sizes to fit your eye properly. Without a prescription, ill-fitting lenses can cause damage to the wearer’s cornea.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the damage that can be caused by “one-size-fits-all” costume lenses includes:
- Scratches to the cornea
- Corneal infections (ulcers on the cornea)
- Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye)
- Decreased vision
- Blindness
If a bacterial infection goes untreated, it can spread rapidly within a 24 hour period. The infection can cause blindness without immediate treatment. Your eye doctor should be consulted immediately if you show signs of an eye infection, including redness, a decrease in vision, and pain in your eyes that does not diminish after a short period of time.
The safe way to wear Halloween contacts is to see your eye doctor to obtain a prescription for proper fitting contact lenses, as well as proper instruction on how to clean and care for your lenses. With a valid prescription, purchase your lenses from the appropriate vendors whether online or in person. Never purchase anime or circle lenses that make your eyes appear extremely large, nor should you expect a licensed ophthalmologist to prescribe them because they have not been approved by the FDA. The eye doctor’s directions should be followed, and follow up with the eye doctor should be tended to at the appropriate interval.
To be properly fitted for costume contact lenses, make an appointment at West Side Eye Clinic, by calling us at (504) 347-8434. For more information, you can submit a request at info@westsideeyeclinic.com. We are located at 4601 Wichers Drive in Marrero and are at your service Monday through Wednesday from 9am – 5pm; Thursday and Friday from 9am – 4pm; and by appointment only on Saturday.
