Although it’s fascinating to take your Halloween costume to the next level, it is important to take precautions when ordering color contacts. Follow these vital tips and you will maintain happy, healthy vision even after your spooktacular events!
1. Lenses must be fit by a proper eye care professional.
It is important to get a full eye exam to make sure you are a good contact lens candidate. Contact lenses are medical devices and are not “one size fits all.” Each lens has different parameters and fits differently on the eye, depending on its shape. To wear contact lenses, you must obtain a valid prescription with all the proper measurements. Even if your vision is 20/20 and you don’t wear glasses or contacts, contact lenses must still be evaluated on the eye before authorizing a prescription. This ensures that your lens sits properly on the eye and will not cause any eye damage.
2. Wearing non-FDA-approved contacts can lead to vision loss and eye problems.
The surface of the eye is very delicate and susceptible to damage. Lenses not fitting properly can scratch the eye, decrease the amount of oxygen getting to the cornea, and even cause infections. Studies show that decorative contact lenses can increase the development of keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) by 16 times. In that same study, 60% of patients who developed keratitis from wearing non-prescription costume lenses suffered permanent vision loss.
3. Be careful where you choose to purchase your Halloween contacts.
It is illegal to sell and purchase contact lenses online without a prescription. Lenses sold online without a prescription are not FDA-approved. Contact lenses are considered a medical device and, therefore, need clearance by the FDA. Beware of purchasing contact lenses at beauty stores and Halloween stores. The lenses sold here are also considered unauthorized contacts. Illegal sales of contacts should be reported and can have fines of up to $16,000. The safest location to purchase contact lenses is through your eye doctor.
With so many FDA-approved Halloween contacts to choose from, there’s no reason why we should be putting our eyes at risk. Come visit us at The Eye Center for a comprehensive eye exam in Pembroke Pines and ask to view our wide selection. From cat eyes and vampire eyes to even zombie eyes, we have something available for everyone.
