Halloween is just around the corner, which means everyone is getting their costumes ready and prepared for their get-togethers or trick-or-treating! Many costumes and topical products are harmless for those that aren’t allergic to the ingredients used. However, some smaller costume accessories can be more harmful long-term than they are fun.
Using decorative contact lenses may seem like a harmless way to enhance your Halloween costume, but choosing to change the color of your eyes from brown to blue, or make your eyes look like cat or vampire eyes may be hazardous to your eyesight if you use them without an eye-care professional’s medical opinion and guidance, such as scratches, sores, infections or even blindness.
The above are all potential risks that can be caused by wearing costume contacts. The problem typically lies in where costume contacts are purchased from and if the retailer has ethical practices to ensure safety. It is considered illegal to sell non-prescription contact lenses as they can prove to be harmful over time for the user. Contact lenses need to be properly fitted for each individual. That is particularly true for decorative contact lenses obtained without a valid prescription from eye doctors in North Houston.
Decorative contact lenses are known by several names. Among them are:
- fashion contact lenses
- Halloween contact lenses
- colored contact lenses
- cosmetic contact lenses
- theater contact lenses
What Are the Risks Associated with Decorative Contact Lenses?
All contact lenses – even decorative lenses that do not correct vision – are classified as medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye-care professional. In fact, it is illegal for retailers to sell them over-the-counter, or on the Internet without a prescription in the United States.
You should never purchase decorative contact lenses, for any reason, from a retailer that does not require a prescription. Lenses that are not properly fitted to your eyes can lead to serious complications, including bacterial infections, swelling, abrasion, corneal disease, eye pain, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or even permanent loss of sight.
Schedule an Eye Exam with Eye Doctors in North Houston
Using only the most advanced technologies and techniques, the board-certified ophthalmologists at Eye Physicians of North Houston provide compassionate, comprehensive patient-centered care in Houston.
Our conveniently located ophthalmology practice, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, welcomes thousands of patient visits each year. We invite you to schedule an eye exam with one of our eye doctors in North Houston at (281) 893-1760 or by visiting our website at 1960eye.com.