Home » Blog » Stay away from non-prescription contact lenses this Halloween

Posted by: The Eye Center of North Florida in News & Community, October 5, 2020

Wearing costume contact lenses on Halloween can be a real scream. However, the scare from non-prescription contact lenses can be all too real when chemical exposure or potentially blinding infections take place. To help prevent eye damage and vision loss, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is warning costume shoppers about over-the-counter decorative lenses after a study found that several varieties tested positive for chlorine and other harmful chemicals.

Research published article from the Eye & Contact Lens – Science and Clinical Practice journal found chlorine in three types of non-prescription costume contact lenses. Iron was found on four pairs of lenses. The chemicals may come from colorants used to tint and create playful patterns on the lenses. One pair seeped chlorine after a routine rinse, prompting concern from researchers about toxicity to the eye. The study also noted that colorants printed or pressed onto some decorative lenses create an uneven texture. Those rough surfaces could scratch the eyes, potentially allowing in bacteria that can cause infection and even blindness.

Despite that sales restriction, many decorative lenses of unknown origin can be bought online. Around Halloween, they often crop up for sale at beauty stores or even gas stations. The problem is that contact lenses not approved by the FDA may be made with materials that can harm the eyes by causing corneal infection or keratitis. Both conditions can result in scarring that impairs vision or causes blindness. For this reason, eye doctors advise against wearing decorative lenses without a prescription.

To safely wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween or any time of the year, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following these guidelines:

• Only buy decorative contact lenses from retailers who require a prescription and sell FDA-approved products.
• If you do not already have a contact lens prescription, obtain a valid prescription and eye exam from your eye doctor.
• Even those with perfect vision need to get examined and fitted for the right size contacts by an eye health professional. Ill-fitting lenses can scratch the surface of the eye, creating an opening for infection.
• Redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain, or discomfort can signal eye infection. If you have these symptoms, immediately see an eye doctor.

If you have any questions about good costume contact lens care and safety, give us a call!

 850-784-3937

We Wish All Our Patients A Safe and Spooky Halloween!

Source:

Scanning Electron Microscopy Findings with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Investigations of Cosmetically Tinted Contact Lenses, Eye & Contact Lens, Sept. 2015

American Academy of Ophthalmology 

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding a medical condition.