Those cat eye lenses really might make your costume stand out from the crowd, but don’t let decorative contact lenses play a trick on you this Halloween. Did you know that costume contact lenses require a prescription? Just like your regular contacts, costume lenses are considered to be medical devices and even with perfect vision, a prescription and eye exam is required. Wearing lenses that aren’t properly fitted for you can scratch the eye and actually cause blood vessels to grow into the cornea. This could also lead to eye infection and potential permanent vision loss. A scary thought, indeed.
Selling non-prescription lenses, like costume lenses found online or in beauty shops, is illegal. Many consumers are unaware that these lenses are not FDA-approved and with advertising claims like “one size fits all” even the most savvy shopper might consider trying out a pair without realizing the importance of a proper prescription.
Ophthalmologist Clayton Falknor, M.D. offered, “If most people understood the potential for permanent vision loss by infectious keratitis that can occur with non-approved or ill-fitted contacts, very few would be willing to take the risk in using them.”
Whether colored contact lenses are a personal style choice or the finishing touch to the perfect Halloween costume, they should be fitted to your eye and purchased at a retailer that requires a prescription or from an eye care professional.
Source & Photo Credit: https://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/glasses-contacts-lasik/colored-lenses.cfm