Halloween 2019: Doctors warn novelty contact lenses can damage eyes

As Halloween celebrations are underway with people wearing a range of costumes and makeup, doctors have warned about the dangers of wearing novelty contact lenses. There are several cases where people relied on coloured contact lenses to give an extra spookiness to their overall look but ended up damaging their eyes. 

Common side-effects

Dr. Nigel Best, Specsavers clinical spokesperson, talking to a UK-based entertainment portal, said that people find novelty contact lenses as a perfect add-on to Halloween costume but it can cause severe damage if not handled correctly. Red-eye, infections, and scratches are some common side-effects of wearing novelty contact lenses.

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The threat of permanent damage

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also warned about wearing decorative lenses without a prescription saying it can harm the eyes.

“When decorative contact lenses are sold without a prescription, proper fitting, and education from an eye doctor, there may be a higher chance of contact lens-related eye problems,” said CDC.

“Decorative lenses purchased without a prescription may not fit properly, leaving the eye more susceptible to scratches on the outer layer of the eye, or getting an ulcer (an open sore) on the cornea,” it added. 

It said that the result of a scratch or sore can be scarring, infection, and even permanent vision reduction or loss.

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FDA on decorative lenses

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that decorative lenses are not cosmetics or over-the-counter merchandise and are regulated by the FDA.

“Places that sell decorative lenses without a prescription may give you few or no instructions on how to clean and care for your lenses. Failure to use the proper solution to keep contact lenses clean and moist can lead to infections,” said the federal agency. 

FDA advised not to buy decorative lenses from street vendors, salons, flea markets, Halloween stores, beach shops, and internet sites that do not require a prescription. The federal agency also stated that those lenses are not “one size fits all” and an eye doctor must measure each eye to properly fit the lenses.

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