Halloweeners Beware of Colored Contacts

Colored contact lenses are a great way to take just about any Halloween costume over the top. By changing your pupil shape or eye color, colored contact lenses can make you resemble vampires, animals, or other spooky characters.

Websites or Halloween costume shops often advertise colored contact lenses to target teens and adults with language such as, “one size fits all” and “no need to see an eye specialist” but did you know that these types of contact lenses are illegal?

Are Colored Contacts Dangerous?

Without the proper eye examination and prescription, colored contacts are very dangerous. In fact, according to The American Academy of Ophthalmology, “risks include dangerous infections that can lead to permanent vision loss and even require corneal transplants.” Additionally, non-prescription contact lenses can cause cuts and sores on the eyes called corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers which can ultimately lead to blinding bacterial infections.

What If I Have a Prescription?

A lot of patients assume that if they have a current prescription that it’s safe to buy costume contacts online. Even if you have a prescription from your eye doctor, you should only purchase your colored contact lenses from a retailer that sells FDA-approved lenses. Lenses that aren’t properly fitted to your eyes can scratch them or cause blood vessels to grow into the cornea.

Nothing is quite as scary as patients who wear costume contact lenses— and not just for their spooky appearance. Before you purchase costume contacts, make sure that you have had an eye examination and that you are buying them from a certified retailer.

Schedule an eye examination online or give us a call at (800) 676-5050 with Longwood Eye & LASIK Center to get properly fitted for colored contacts this Halloween.