Anything to do with the Halloween party season is big business and none more so than the current craze for wearing coloured Halloween contact lenses. Popularized by theatrical use as seen in films like Interview with a Vampire where Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise “became” vampires just by wearing cosmetic contacts, young people in particular are using so called decorative contact lenses for ultimate shock tactics.
Most of these lenses are sold in plano form with zero dipotric power meaning anyone can wear them as they do not correct vision. Lenses are simply tinted in exactly the same way as normal coloured contact lenses except in this case, the “tint” may be a wild colour, a hypnotic spiral effect, an animal eye effect or even a team logo, if worn to support a favourite football team.
These lenses are available in boutiques and tattoo parlours and a quick Google search will reveal many sites advertising lenses as fashion accessories or “body jewellery” with barely a mention of correct cleaning and disinfection techniques to avoid eye infections.
Coloured Cosmetic Contact Lenses are Medical Devices
In 2002, the Commissioner for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Lester M. Crawford, issued a stark warning:
“Consumers should understand that decorative contact lenses, like contact lenses intended for correcting vision, present serious risks to eye health if they are distributed without a valid prescription and proper fitting by a qualified eye care professional.”
He also warned that “The FDA will aggressively use the full range of its statutory authorities to prevent the distribution of these potentially dangerous products directly to consumers.”
It is now a requirement for any company selling contact lenses, even those for cosmetic use with zero vision correction, to request a prescription approved by the patient’s eye doctor. Patients who have had their eyes tested by an optician receive appropriate instruction on proper eye care and, more importantly, will be told whether or not their eyes are suitable for contact lens wear. People with astigmatism, for example, can only wear specialist lenses.
However, this has not stopped various companies selling non prescription contact lenses online and, whilst some have received approval from the FDA, many, especially those selling cheap coloured lenses at around $29.95 per pair, do not ask for a prescription at all.
Correct Care of Coloured Contact Lenses
Cosmetic lenses worn as part of a scary Halloween costume must be cared for properly to maintain healthy eyes and avoid any infection. This is even more important given that wearers are likely to apply heavy makeup and products containing glitter on body and hair.
The following guidelines should be observed:
- Lenses should be cleaned and disinfected prior to wearing as directed by the prescribing eye doctor.
- Wash hands and dry thoroughly before inserting a lens.
- Do not wear lenses longer than recommended and avoid falling asleep in cosmetic lenses that are not designed to be worn overnight.
- After use, clean and disinfect contact lenses. Store lenses in fresh contact lens solution not solution that has been “topped up” to save money.
- Never share lenses with other people even if they want to try a new vampire look! Serious eye infections can be the result.
- Take care when applying makeup, especially heavy eyeliner, common to Halloween outfits, as particles can get underneath lenses and “scratch” the eye.
- Do not expose lenses to ordinary water or use natural saline (spit!) to clean them.
- Never mix different brands of contact lens solution.
Where to Buy Fashion Contact Lenses
The best place to buy lenses is from a local eye care professional although prices can be higher and the choice of “wild eyes” may be more limited. If buying online, check that the retailer is following FDA guidelines and that they ask for a prescription which usually means they have been approved and passed by the FDA.
Beware of the dangers of buying non prescription halloween contact lenses from unapproved retailers. Whilst cheap prices are attractive, cleverly applied makeup can create a similar effect without the potential health risks to delicate eyes.
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- Frequently Asked Questions about Contact Lenses
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- Buy Cheap Halloween Contacts, Prescription and Non Prescription
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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