Halloween Eye Safety: Scare Up the Fun, Not the Eye Infections

Halloween is a time for creative costumes, spooky makeup and, for some, dramatic colored contact lenses. While costume contacts can transform your look, they can also put your eyes at risk if they are not properly prescribed and fitted.

Decorative or costume contact lenses are still medical devices. Lenses marketed as “one size fits all” or sold without a prescription may not fit your eyes properly and can cause serious eye problems, including corneal scratches, infections and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss.

Think Twice Before Buying Costume Contacts

A poorly fitted contact lens can scratch the surface of the eye, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to cause an infection. In some cases, an infection can result in significant corneal scarring and may even require a corneal transplant to restore vision.

If you are planning to wear decorative contacts this Halloween, keep these eye-safety tips in mind:

Buy FDA-Approved Contact Lenses

Only purchase decorative contact lenses from a reputable source that requires a prescription and provides FDA-approved lenses. Your eye care professional can help make sure the lenses are appropriate for your eyes and fit properly.

Never Share Contacts or Eye Makeup

Sharing contact lenses or cosmetics can spread bacteria and other germs, increasing the risk of eye infections such as pink eye.

Practice Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

Follow your eye care professional’s instructions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing your lenses. Proper hygiene is an important part of keeping your eyes healthy.

Limit Your Wear Time

Colored costume lenses should generally be limited to four or five hours. Some costume lenses use materials or dyes that can restrict oxygen reaching the cornea. And just like regular contact lenses, never sleep in your contacts.

Be Careful With Eyelash Extensions

If eyelash extensions are part of your Halloween look, choose an experienced aesthetician and make sure proper hygiene practices are followed. It is also important to be aware of potential allergies to lash adhesives.

Know the Warning Signs

If you experience eye redness, swelling, pain or discharge while wearing contact lenses or using eye makeup, don't ignore it. Seek medical attention promptly.

Halloween should be fun, not a fright for your eyes. Take the right precautions so you can enjoy your costume while keeping your vision safe.