Are you ready to celebrate and have fun this Halloween? Creating your Halloween costumes and putting the extra finishes on your costume look to indulge in a fun expression of your personality, but if you are not careful in what you choose, your costume could lead to a trip to the eye doctor. Thinking of your costumes for yourself or your kids, you might think about whether a costume is flammable or whether drivers can see you wearing it. On the other hand, did you ever think about whether your costume could harm your vision?
Make it a priority not to let an eye infection be the scariest part of your Halloween. Using decorative lenses without a valid prescription can cause serious harm to your eyes—haunting you long after October 31st. The right pair of colored lenses will give a superb finishing touch to a fantastic Halloween costume. Still, not all contact lenses are created equal, and we want to ensure our patients are educated on the safe use of their Halloween costume contacts.
All Contact Lenses Are Medical Devices
It is essential to know that all contact lenses, whether they help you see clearly or give your Halloween costume that special effect, are classified as medical devices. This is why it is vital to get a prescription from your eye doctor before purchasing any contact lenses. Even if you have perfect vision, you need to get an eye exam and a prescription from an eye care professional before wearing any contact lenses.
To safely wear costume contact lenses for Halloween or any time of the year, follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
- Get an eye exam from an eye doctor — who will measure each eye and talk to you about proper contact lens care.
- Obtain a valid prescription with the brand name, lens measurements, and expiration date.
- Purchase the colored contact lenses from a retailer who asks for a prescription.
- Follow the contact lens care directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses.
- Never share contact lenses with another person.
- Get follow-up exams as directed by your eye care provider.
If you notice any redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain, or discomfort from wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses, and seek immediate medical attention from your eye doctor. Eye infections can become serious very quickly, and sometimes the damage is not reversible.
Our Goal Is To Protect Our Patient’s Eye Health!
If you have any questions about good costume contact lens care and safety or would like our recommendations for trustworthy vendors, give us a call! We might even have the perfect lenses for your costume available at our practice. We would also love to see how your costume turns out when it is all done – stay safe and have fun!
Have A Fun, Safe and Spooky Halloween!
References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.
