Are coloured contact lenses for Halloween safe to use?
Every year around Halloween, party stores and Halloween shops stock up on decorative contact lenses. These lenses, which are often brightly coloured, or patterned are a popular way to add a bit of flair to a costume. However, what many people don’t realize is that wearing them can carry risks. We want you to celebrate this holiday without having a fright night of your own, so our experts are sharing their tips for wearing Halloween costumes with contact lenses safely!
Halloween – do coloured contact lenses damage your eyes?
Contact lenses are a medical device that should only be worn as advised by your optometrist. However, every year around Halloween, decorative contact lenses are sold at party stores and Halloween shops.
These lenses are often made from poor-quality materials and as they aren’t assessed and fitted by an eyecare professional and are sometimes worn by people who don’t usually wear lenses and don’t know the correct methods for inserting, removing, and storing them, they can often present problems. Some of the dangers associated with Halloween contact lenses include:
– Scratching the cornea: the cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It is very sensitive and can easily be scratched by poorly made contact lenses.
– Infections: contact lenses that aren’t handled with clean hands or are shared between more than one person – which shouldn’t happen, can harbour bacteria and other microorganisms that can lead to eye infections.
– Irritation: poorly made contact lenses can cause irritation, redness, and watering of the eyes.
Tips for wearing Halloween costumes with contact lenses
If you do choose to wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween, there are some things you can do to minimise the risks:
– Only buy lenses from an authorised seller: make sure you buy your lenses from an optometrist who can fit you with them properly or get their advice first on where to safely purchase decorative lenses from. Often, we find that authorised, regular coloured contact lenses can add just as much of an effect to your outfit as decorative contact lenses.
– Follow the instructions carefully: be sure to follow all instructions carefully when putting in and taking out your lenses. Don’t sleep in them, share them with others, or wear them for longer than recommended.
– Clean them regularly: Keep your lenses clean by washing them with sterile saline solution before each use if they are reusable. Store them in a clean case when not in use.
– If you insert your Halloween contact lenses and experience immediate irritation, take them out straight away – better to improvise your outfit without them than to suffer and ruin your night of ghoulish fun!
Contact our opticians in Glasgow and Ayrshire about Halloween contact lenses
Celebrating Halloween with decorative contact lenses can be fun and safe if you take these simple precautions. Contact us to find out more, or book a contact lens consultation, and we hope you enjoy a safe and spooky Halloween!
Come and visit our Glasgow or Ayrshire opticians
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