Costume contact lenses give people the ability to dramatically change the appearance of their eyes, but many Halloween enthusiasts may not be aware of the hidden dangers in using non-prescription lenses.
Every year, seasonal retailers offer popular cosmetic contact options like blackout and zombie-style pairs to unassuming consumers who don’t think twice about purchasing “one-size-fits-all” lenses.
The simple truth is that the sale of contact lenses without a prescription — even to those with perfect vision — is illegal. Contacts are medical devices that need to be properly fitted by an eye care professional, and the damage ill-fitting contacts can cause to your eyes are nightmarish to say the least.
Scary aftereffects
Countless teens and adults have dealt with serious eye issues after wearing non-prescription costume lenses. There are several ways that these seemingly harmless eye enhancers can ruin your vision.
First — and perhaps most commonly — over-the-counter lenses can scratch the outer layer of the eye. Since they are not properly fitted or sized for the wearer, the lenses can scrape the eye surface, resulting in corneal abrasions that cause persisting pain. Other symptoms include redness, discharge, light sensitivity and the feeling that something is stuck in your eye.
Another condition called a corneal ulcer presents similar symptoms to abrasions, but its aftereffects can permanently disturb your vision. When ulcers heal, they scar over, and that scar tissue can keep you from seeing clearly. Ulcers usually result from poorly maintained contact lenses — a common issue for seasonal buyers who do not regularly use contact lenses and don’t know how to safely handle them.
The most alarming adverse effects of using illegal costume contacts lenses stem from infections in the eye. Many brands of non-prescription lenses are not packaged in sterile solution, increasing the risk of infection. A study by the American Association of Ophthalmology found that wearing cosmetic contact lenses made users 16 times more likely to get keratitis, a type of serious eye infection that can result in blindness if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
Best practices for contact lenses
You can safely enjoy colored contact lenses this season with the correct preparation and planning. An eye care professional can fit your eyes for contacts, recommend trustworthy brands and give you detailed instructions on how to wear and care for your lenses.
It’s important to never share your lenses with another person and always follow the specific instructions on how to disinfect your contacts. Be cognizant of wear time and check in with your eye doctor immediately if something feels wrong.
When it comes to enhancing your costume, it may be better to pass on the costume contact lens craze altogether. With potential infections, blurred vision and even blindness to consider, make sure you see the risks clearly.
Dr. S. Akbar Hasan is a board-certified ophthalmologist that specializes in cornea, LASIK and cataract treatment at Florida Eye Specialists. For more information, visit FloridaEyeSpecialists.com.
