For people of all ages, Halloween is a time for dressing up and getting into character. With the rise of social media, people are more inclined to go all out with their costumes, including wearing decorative contact lenses to complete their look. However, many people don't know that these seemingly harmless accessories can pose some serious dangers.
A study conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found alarming results: over 300 costume contact lenses obtained without a prescription were examined, and a staggering 60% tested positive for microbial contamination. This is because costume contacts are often produced and sold without proper regulation, making them much more susceptible to contamination.
At Conestoga Eye, located in Lancaster, PA, we are committed to providing the highest quality eye care. Our team of experts can help you make informed decisions about safe contact lens use, ensuring that your eyes remain healthy, no matter the time of year. Schedule an appointment with us to safeguard your vision and learn more about the best options for your eyes.
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Understanding the risks and taking the right precautions with decorative lenses is crucial—let’s explore how you can enjoy Halloween safely while protecting your eye health.
Why Contacts Require a Prescription
Contact lenses are not 'one-size-fits-all.' When you obtain a prescription, an eye care professional performs a detailed assessment of your eyes, including measuring your corneas' curvature, size, and health. This process is vital to ensure that the contact lenses fit your eyes precisely, maintaining comfort while minimizing the risk of irritation and damage to your eyes.
Moreover, contact lenses (even colored contacts) are classified as medical devices, which means they are subject to stringent FDA regulations to ensure safety and effectiveness. Lenses sold at an eye doctor's office have FDA assurance that each pair—whether for vision correction or purely for cosmetic use—is manufactured with high standards and tested for safety. This is crucial for all contact lens wearers, given the issues ill-fitting or poorly-made contact lenses can cause.
However, despite the fact that it has been illegal to sell contact lenses without a prescription since 2005, many stores (especially online) still carry Halloween contact lenses without proper verification of prescription. This can put a person's eye health at risk, potentially leading to permanent vision loss.
Consulting your Conestoga Eye eye doctor not only ensures that you get expert recommendations on the safest lens options available but also guarantees a proper fitting. Our team can educate you on best practices for contact lens hygiene, whether you wear colorful cosmetic lenses or simple contacts for everyday vision correction.
Understanding the Risks of Decorative Contacts
Improperly fitting contact lenses can lead to significant harm to the cornea, which is the transparent front part of your eye. When contact lenses don't fit correctly, they can cause discomfort, rubbing against the cornea and potentially leading to scratches or abrasions. This damage makes it easier for bacteria and other microbes to enter the eye, turning non-prescription lenses into a breeding ground for infections.
These infections can be serious. For instance, keratitis, an infection of the cornea, can cause redness, pain, excessive tearing, and even vision loss if not treated promptly. Another common issue is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, which results in irritation and discharge. Both conditions are not just uncomfortable but can have lasting effects on your vision if left untreated.
It is essential to recognize the risks associated with non-prescription lenses, particularly during Halloween, when many opt for theatrical contact lenses to enhance their costumes.
Alternative, Safe Options
While colored contact lenses may seem like an easy way to enhance your costume, these types of lenses often bypass safety regulations, posing a risk to your eyes. For this reason, if you want to buy contact lenses for your costume this year, it's imperative that they are FDA-approved and purchased with a valid prescription. At Conestoga Eye, we ensure that all of the lenses we have available meet strict FDA standards.
However, there are plenty of ways to enhance your costume while avoiding cosmetic contact lenses altogether:
- Use Makeup: Get creative with your costume by using high-quality makeup or face paint to achieve a similar effect as colored contacts. Bold eyeliner designs, glitter, or false lashes can dramatically alter your appearance and provide the desired theatrical impact.
- Wear a Mask: Whether a large rubber mask that covers your whole head or a simple eye mask, this is an easy and safe alternative to colored contacts. Just make sure you can still see clearly and comfortably while wearing it.
- Try Temporary Tattoos: Temporary tattoos can also be used to add that extra 'wow' factor to your costume. Be sure not to apply them too close to your eyes, sticking instead to the forehead, temples, and cheeks.
- Choose a Different Costume: If your current costume heavily relies on colored contacts, consider changing it up and opting for a different costume that doesn't require them. Your ability to see is not worth sacrificing for one night.
Protect Your Vision This Halloween
Decorative contact lenses pose real risks to eye health, and their potential consequences aren't worth the risk. Preserving your vision should always be a priority, and at Conestoga Eye, our dedicated team is here to help you see clearly and safely all year round.
Don't compromise your vision for a costume. Schedule an appointment with Conestoga Eye today, and let's work together to ensure your eyes stay healthy and protected while you enjoy the celebrations.
