Wearing nonprescription special effect contact lenses that make your eyes look spooky this Halloween may actually damage your eyes…and that is really spooky. Unfortunately, many people don’t truly understand the risk of over-the-counter special effect contact lenses, and they illegally purchase these lenses on the Internet. Yes, you read that right… it’s illegal to sell colored contact lenses without a prescription in the United States. All contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by a licensed eye-care professional.

If you want those spooky eyes this Halloween, do it the right way.

A comprehensive eye examination ensures your contact lenses are correct for your eyes, that the lenses are properly fitted, and you’ll know how to care for your contact lenses. It’s important to keep in mind, when it comes to contact lenses, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all.

If you do purchase lenses illegally online without a prescription, you can put yourself at risk for serious bacterial infections, allergic reactions, or even significant damage to the eye’s ability to function, with the potential for irreversible sight loss.

RISKS OF WEARING SPECIAL EFFECT CONTACTS INCLUDE:

• A cut or scratch on the top layer of your eyeball (Corneal Abrasion)
• Allergic reactions like itchy, watery, red eyes
• Decreased vision
• Infection
• Blindness

When wearing any type of contact lenses, be aware of signs of possible eye infection, which include:

• Redness
• Pain in the eye(s) that doesn’t go away after a short period of time
• Decreased vision

Dos and Don’ts of Special Effects Contact Lenses

• Do get an eye exam!A licensed eye care professional will examine your eyes to make sure the contact lenses fit properly. The fit of your contact lenses is very important. A wrong fit can cause damage to your eyes.
• Do get a prescription!Your eye care professional will write you a prescription for all contact lenses, including decorative lenses. The prescription should include the brand name, correct lens measurements and expiration date.
• Do follow the contact lens care instructions!Follow the instructions for wearing, cleaning and disinfecting your contact lenses that come with your contact lenses. And don’t share your contact lenses with anyone.
• Do seek medical attention right away if your eyes are red, have ongoing pain or discharge!Redness, pain and discharge from the eyes are signs of an eye infection, remove the contact lenses immediately. If you have any of these signs, see your eye doctor right away.  If you are a patient of Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region, please call us at 518-274-3123. An eye infection could become serious and cause you to become blind if it is not treated.

“Heed the warning…see an eye doctor or learn what fate beholds you.”

Have a Happy and Healthy Halloween