Halloween costumes often have wigs, makeup, or costume contacts to enhance the scare factor. Costume contacts can add dramatic flair and make your costume stand out, but many people who wear them skip important steps to protect their eyes.
Mary Demirjian, OD, and our expert team at Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, often counsel patients on costume-related safety.
Read on to learn more about costume contact lenses, including potential safety concerns, how to wear them properly, and potential alternatives.
Costume contact lenses, sometimes called decorative or cosmetic lenses, are thin, disc-shaped lenses that sit on your eyes. They look like regular contact lenses, but instead of correcting your vision, they feature different colors or patterns that alter the appearance of your eyes. This makes them especially popular during Halloween, since they can make costumes scarier or more realistic.
Costume contacts are available at many costume shops and beauty stores. They’re quite affordable and are typically only worn a few times.
Appearance-altering contact lenses can be fun, but because you don’t need a prescription, they’re not as safe as regular contact lenses. Most people don’t experience problems, but potential risks include:
Sometimes, over-the-counter (OTC) contacts fit poorly or are handled incorrectly, which can block oxygen to the eyes and increase the risk of infections, irritation, and itching. In rare cases, they may cause eye injuries, such as corneal abrasion.
Many OTC costume contacts are made overseas and don’t undergo FDA approval. Always read instructions carefully and check customer reviews before buying.
OTC costume contacts don’t correct your vision. If you have nearsightedness or farsightedness, they won’t help you see better, which can increase your risk of accidents during nighttime Halloween activities.
One of the best ways to protect your vision this Halloween season is to wear costume contacts prescribed by Dr. Demirjian. Even if you don’t need vision correction, she can recommend FDA-approved decorative lenses that are safe and comfortable.
In addition, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses, and keep them in a clean contact case with the proper solution. Never share your contacts with others, and if they start bothering your eyes, remove them. It’s better to go without than risk injuring your eyes.
If you have sensitive eyes or just don’t like wearing contacts, there are other ways to wow your friends. For example, high-quality makeup, LED lights, and spooky props can all help you look exceptionally creepy without affecting your vision or putting your eyes at risk.
Planning to wear costume contacts this Halloween? Come see us first. Decorative lenses can be used safely and comfortably, but only when prescribed by a qualified eye professional.
To learn more about your options this Halloween, schedule a visit at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.