Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your costume. Costume parties are a great way to celebrate the spooky season, but it’s important to be safe while doing so. If you’re thinking about buying costume contact lenses to complete your look, it’s important to know the risks to avoid problems that will haunt you long after Halloween is over.
In this blog post, we’ll share the potential dangers of wearing costume contact lenses and how you can keep your eyes safe.
What are costume contact lenses?
First things first, what exactly are costume contact lenses? Costume contact lenses, also known as decorative or cosmetic contact lenses, are contact lenses that alter the appearance of your eyes for cosmetic purposes. These contacts can completely change your eye color or pupil shape or give your eyes a fun cartoon-like effect. Cosmetic contact lenses can also be made with or without a prescription for vision correction.
Are costume contact lenses safe?
Costume contact lenses are safe when they are prescribed by an eye doctor and when they are properly cared for by the patient. Even if you have perfect eyesight, you still need a prescription for cosmetic contact lenses. Without a prescription, cosmetic contacts may not fit properly, causing discomfort, irritation, and even corneal abrasions. Non-prescription lenses may also be made with low-quality materials, increasing the risk of eye infections. These lenses can trap bacteria next to your eyes, leading to redness, pain, discharge, and potentially serious complications.
For these reasons, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam before wearing costume contact lenses. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes to ensure that they’re healthy and recommend the best contact lens for your needs. The contact lenses you get from your eye doctor will also fit your eyes properly, which means you won’t have to worry about eye damage.
Safety tips for wearing cosmetic lenses
Along with obtaining a prescription for your cosmetic contact lenses, it’s crucial to also follow these safety tips:
- Practice good hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. This helps prevent any dirt or bacteria from entering your eyes.
- Proper lens care: Follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional or on the packaging of the lenses for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing them correctly. Never reuse solution or use expired products.
- Avoid sharing: Contact lenses are personal items, so never share them with anyone else. Sharing lenses can increase the risk of eye infections and other complications.
- Stick to the schedule: Wear your lenses as prescribed by your eye care professional. Avoid wearing them for longer periods than recommended, as this can cause discomfort and potentially harm your eyes.
- Remove before sleep: Make sure to remove your contact lenses before going to bed, unless they are specifically designed for extended wear. Sleeping with lenses not intended for overnight use can increase the risk of eye infections and other complications.
Wearing costume contact lenses without a prescription may seem harmless, but the potential risks are not worth it. It’s always a good idea to visit your eye doctor to make sure the lenses you wear are the perfect fit for your eyes. If you’re thinking about wearing costume contact lenses this Halloween, schedule an eye exam with us today!
