2 Reasons to Avoid Color-Changing “Costume” Contact Lenses

While some people want to wear spooky looking contact lenses for Halloween, often the result of that decision is truly horrifying.

Unfortunately, every Ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) has heard scary stories about the use of non-prescription or over-the-counter contact lenses.

Reason #1: Costume Lenses Can Scratch the Cornea

If contacts are not professionally fitted to the eye, they can scratch the cornea. One patient’s lens was too tight. It adhered to her eye causing a permanent eye scar, vision loss, and a drooping eyelid.

Remember — there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” contact lens. They should always be professionally fitted by an experienced eye care physician.

Reason #2: Costume Lenses Often Cause Serious Infections

Infections are also common with costume-type lenses. These lenses may not be sterilized when packaged. They even may contain harmful chemicals, such as chlorine.

A patient described her need for surgical intervention following a very serious infection that left her with permanent blurry vision and persistent dry eyes. Another patient regrets his use of color changing lenses that caused complete vision loss in one eye, even after having about a dozen surgeries to try to fix the problem.

Over-the-Counter Lenses Are Now Illegal in the United States

In response to cases like these, non-prescription or over-the-counter lenses are now illegal in the United States — whether purchased in costume stores, beauty supply shops or online.

So, avoid using these color-changing costume contact lenses at all costs. They are just too risky in terms of the permanent damage they can cause to your eyes.