Halloween is a great time to get creative with your costume, but changing the color or appearance of your eyes comes with an important consideration: costume contact lenses are medical devices, even when they don’t correct your vision.
Lenses purchased without a prescription can fit incorrectly or be contaminated, putting you at risk for corneal scratches, infection, and vision loss. At Florida Eye Specialists, our eye care professionals can help you find decorative contact lenses that fit properly and are safe to wear.
Are Costume Contact Lenses Safe?
Yes, decorative contact lenses can be safe when they are properly prescribed, fitted, and cared for. The key is where they come from and how you use them.
Costume contact lenses, also called decorative, cosmetic, or colored contacts, are regulated medical devices. They require a prescription from an eye doctor, even if you have perfect vision and only want them to change the appearance of your eyes. Your prescription includes measurements specific to your eyes, helping ensure the lenses fit properly.
Lenses sold without a prescription at Halloween stores, beauty supply stores, novelty shops, or websites that don’t require a prescription may be illegal. They could be counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly fitted. A lens that looks harmless can still cause serious damage when it doesn’t fit your eye correctly.
Related: The 5 Best Contacts for Dry Eye
What Are the Risks of Costume Contact Lenses?
A poorly fitted or improperly cared-for lens can interfere with the health of your cornea, the clear surface at the front of your eye. Potential problems include:
- Corneal abrasions or scratches
- Eye irritation and allergic reactions
- Corneal infections and ulcers
- Redness and pain
- Decreased or blurred vision
- Permanent vision loss in severe cases
Contact lens-related infections can progress quickly. That’s why symptoms such as persistent eye pain, redness, discharge, or decreased vision should be taken seriously and evaluated by an eye doctor promptly.
Where to Buy Halloween Contacts Safely
If you’re wondering where to buy Halloween contacts, start with an eye doctor rather than a costume or beauty store. A safe pair of decorative contacts should come from an authorized source and require a valid prescription.
The process starts with an eye exam and contact lens fitting. Your eye doctor will evaluate your eyes, take the measurements needed for the lenses, and make sure the contacts are appropriate for you. You can then purchase your prescribed lenses from a seller that requires your prescription.
Be especially cautious of any seller that:
- Does not require a prescription
- Sells contacts as a costume accessory or cosmetic
- Does not provide information about the lens manufacturer
- Offers unusually inexpensive lenses from an unknown source
- Does not provide instructions for proper lens care
A website selling contacts without requiring a prescription is a red flag. Decorative lenses are still prescription medical devices, even if you only plan to wear them for one night.
Related: The Real Consequences of Wearing Your Contacts 24/7
How to Wear Costume Contact Lenses Safely
Once you’ve been properly fitted for decorative contacts, caring for the lenses is just as important as choosing the right ones. Follow the wearing, cleaning, and disinfecting instructions provided by your eye doctor and the lens manufacturer.
Always wash your hands before handling your contacts, never share lenses with someone else, and follow the recommended wearing schedule. If your eye doctor gives you specific instructions for your lenses, follow those instructions carefully.
If your eyes become red, painful, or irritated while wearing decorative contacts, remove the lenses. Persistent pain, redness, discharge, or decreased vision can signal an eye infection and should be evaluated promptly by an eye care professional.
Eye Injury Prevention Starts With Proper Contact Lens Care
October is a good reminder to think about eye safety, especially when Halloween costumes can make it tempting to try something new. Decorative contacts don’t have to be off the table, but they should be treated with the same care as any other contact lens.
A proper fitting helps ensure the lens fits your eye’s shape and size, while an up-to-date prescription and proper care can help reduce the risk of complications.
What If Costume Contacts Hurt My Eyes?
Don’t try to push through pain or irritation just because you’re wearing the lenses for a special occasion. Remove the contacts and contact an eye doctor if you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or vision changes.
Prompt evaluation can help identify an infection or corneal injury before it becomes more serious.
Protect Your Eyes This Halloween With Florida Eye Specialists
A dramatic pair of colored contacts can complete a Halloween costume, but your eyes shouldn’t have to pay the price. Florida Eye Specialists can help you determine whether decorative contact lenses are right for you and ensure they fit properly before you wear them.
If you’re considering costume contact lenses this Halloween, schedule an eye exam or contact lens fitting with Florida Eye Specialists. Our team can help you enjoy your look while keeping your eye health in focus.