It’s Halloween season again and all the aspiring ghosts & ghouls out there are searching for the perfect look for trick or treating, costume parties and other festivities. Among the Halloween costume accessories may be decorative contact lenses. Most people think these lenses don’t affect vision, they simply change the look of the eye.
Think again. Over 13,000 people annually are treated in emergency rooms due to contact lens injuries, many of which are sustained over Halloween celebrations. A prescription is needed to avoid eye injury. Not only that, but these lenses in the hands of anyone but a professional, aren’t even legal. Contact lenses are regulated by the U.S. FDA. They cannot be simply sold over the counter.
According to John Bankowski, O.D. of America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, “Despite what the contact lens package may say, non-prescription costume contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all. Poorly fitting lenses can damage the outer layer of your eye called the cornea and may lead to corneal abrasion, scarring and reduced vision. Always wash your hands before inserting or removing your costume lenses and always store them in fresh contact lens solution. Never reuse old solution or use water to clean or store them. Replace your costume lenses as often as the instructions require. By adhering to these practices, you should have a safe and Happy Halloween!”
Dr. Bankowski offers these additional tips on contact lenses based on FDA guidance:
· Get an eye exam from a licensed eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist),
· Get a valid prescription and make sure it includes a brand name, correct measurements and expiration date.
· Buy the lenses from a seller that requires you to provide a prescription. This is valid in-person or online.
· Follow all directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses, and visit your eye doctor for follow-up eye exams.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
What makes Halloween contact lenses tempting?
People who dress up want to go '‘all out'’on their costumes from accessories to makeup to clothing. Costume lenses made to distort or change the look of the eye can have very definitive effect and many simply want the ultimate character look.
If they aren'’ regulated, how can they be on the market?
Technically, they aren't even legal. But like many things, there are always those who buck the system.
If people are interested in contacts that can change the eye'’ appearance, are there any safe options?
There are a number of colored contacts on the market from FDA approved Alcon - https://www.americasbest.
What are some things that can be considered besides contacts?
For the eye? Probably not much outside of using eyewear (frames; nonprescription glasses) as part of a costume
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