There are multiple ways to spice up your Halloween costume and create the perfect look. Wigs, makeup, accessories, and costume contacts are all used to bring a costume to life. Costume contacts can be a fun way to change your look, and they are safe as long as they’re prescribed and fitted by your optometrist. Unfortunately, many costume stores and online vendors do not require a prescription and sell contacts that advertise themselves as “one size fits all.” Please note that those contacts are extremely unsafe and illegal to be sold. Using those lenses can seriously harm your eye and can potentially cause vision loss.
Every eye has a unique shape therefore costume contacts that say “one size fits all” will not sit on your eye correctly. This is similar to a poorly fitting shoe, if it is too big for your foot it will bother you until it creates a blister. Poorly fitting contact lenses can move around your eye and scratch the cornea which leads to an open sore – this is a corneal ulcer, also known as keratitis. Some symptoms that may show up are: redness, excessive tearing, discharge, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Keratitis should be treated immediately because this can permanently damage your vision. If treated early, antibiotic or steroid drops can help preserve vision. However, you might be unlucky and need a corneal transplant, like in the case of a woman who bought non-prescription contact lenses at a local store, and still suffers from blurry vision years after her surgery.
Buying non-prescription colored contacts can increase your risk of developing pink eye and other painful infections. Most costume lenses will not come with instructions on how to care for them and hygiene is an important aspect that revolves around contact lenses. Costume contacts should always be safely cleaned and disinfected after each use. Never share your contact lenses with anyone as this can help propagate germs and bacteria. Limit the wear time to four or five hours since costume contacts are made from inexpensive materials and harsh dyes that limit oxygen flow to the cornea.
All types of contact lenses should always be prescribed and fitted by an optometrist, who can give you the best FDA-approved option. By going to an optometrist you can learn about proper insertion technique, care and hygiene guidelines for contact lenses. It is important that you follow these basic rules in order to minimize risks of infections and damage to your eyes. Taking these extra precautions when searching for costume contacts can save your eyes from unnecessary dangers. Give yourself a treat this Halloween and care for your eyes by using approved colored contacts don’t be tricked into buying from places that do not require a prescription. If you are interested in using colored contacts, book an appointment today and we’ll be more than happy to help you get fitted into an ideal pair of colored contact lenses!
