Happy Halloween!

This year may look a little different in terms of trick or treat but it sure won’t stop us from dressing up in costumes. Unfortunately during Halloween for some of our patients it becomes the scariest day of the year due to eye infections from decorative coloured lenses. Keep reading for some tips on decorative lenses and what could happen if they are bought from a costume shop, online or anywhere that does not require a prescription.

halloween contacts

Tips for Decorative Lenses

  • Purchase them from an eye care professional such as an optometrist

  • Never wear cosmetic contact lenses without a prescription

  • Always wash your hands before handling the contact lenses

  • DO NOT wash contact lenses with saliva, only with disinfecting solution

  • Do NOT share them with anyone else

  • Don’t forget to take them off before going to sleep

Beware the eye injuries, with decorative lenses that are not properly fitted for you, the consequences may be permanent….! Wearing contact lenses that are bought over the counter at a costume shop or anywhere else may lead to some pretty scary situations. You could put yourself at risk for:

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  • Eye scratches, these can also range from mild to severe

  • An eye ulcer- an open sore on your eye doesn’t look pretty nor will it feel pretty

  • Both of these can result in heavy scarring, continuing infections, even permanent vision reduction or vision loss

To reduce the risk of any of these happening to you this Halloween, please see an eye care professional if you are considering wearing decorative contact lenses to go along with your Halloween costume. Your eyes will thank you for it and you will still be able to look scary while being safe. To reduce the risk of eye injuries in general, avoid wearing costumes with masks that cover your eyes, bring a flashlight in order to see where you are going, wear bright reflective costumes that are easy to be seen in the dark and make sure the makeup you are using is FDA approved, makeup can also lead to eye infections if it’s put too near to your eyes. If you have any more questions about decorative lenses this Halloween season please feel free to call us or book an appointment with us so we can put to rest some of those scary lenses thoughts.

Teri Hines