It is already October and Halloween is quickly approaching. This year’s costumes are more elaborate than ever, but unfortunately, they don’t always have safety in mind.
Colored and decorative contact lenses are all the rave this year. Not only do they make your eyes appear a spooky color, they also come in crazy designs that change the shape of your pupil, creepy colors, even glow in the dark and bloody drenched vampire eyes, producing a very frightening look!
They aren’t just for Halloween, many people are also using them for cosplaying their favorite character and fun occasions.
The fact is, these designer contact lenses can be very dangerous. The only contacts you should be putting in your eyes are the ones you received from a trusted optometrist.
Just take it from Laura Butler, ten hours after she put in an over the counter colored contact lenses she experienced “extreme pain in both eyes,” she said. “Because I had not been properly fitted by an eye care professional, the lenses stuck to my eye like a suction cup. I was in severe pain and on medication for four weeks, and couldn’t see well enough to drive for eight weeks,” she said. “I now live with a corneal scar, vision damage and a drooping eyelid.”
“Most people believe that decorative lenses do not require the same level of care or consideration as a standard contact lens because they can be purchased over-the-counter or on the Internet,” says Thomas Steinemann, MD, professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. “This is far from the truth.”
To safely wear costume contact lenses for Halloween or any time of year, follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
Get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional such as an ophthalmologist, an eye medical doctor, who will measure each eye and talk to you about proper contact lens care.
Obtain a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements, and expiration date.
Purchase the colored contact lenses from an eye product retailer who asks for a prescription.
Follow the contact lens care directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses.
Never share contact lenses with another person.
Get follow up exams with your eye care provider.
If you notice redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort from wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist.