Does your Halloween costume call for blood-red eyes? How about over-dilated pupils? It’s always fun to dress up as your favorite ghost or ghoul, but take caution if you decide to wear novelty contact lenses with your costume.
What are novelty contacts?
Novelty contacts are decorative lenses that don’t correct vision-- they simply change the appearance of the eyes.
Novelty contacts are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and they should only be purchased from an optical store that requires a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
“An eye doctor must measure each eye to properly fit the lenses and evaluate how your eye responds to contact lens wear,” says Evan Loft, M.D., a cornea specialist at Piedmont’s Eye Consultants of Atlanta. “Places that advertise them as cosmetics or sell them without a prescription are breaking the law.”
Risks associated with novelty contacts
Novelty contacts must be properly purchased and cared for. A poor fit or poor contact lens hygiene can lead to serious eye damage, including:
Safely wearing novelty contacts
If you do decide that cat eyes are a “must have” this Halloween season, Dr. Loft offers the following safety tips:
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Have an eye exam from an ophthalmologist or optometrist to obtain a novelty lens prescription.
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Only purchase lenses from a seller that requires a prescription.
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Follow directions for cleaning and wearing lenses.
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Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any redness, discomfort or decreased vision while wearing novelty contacts.
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