Halloween is right around the corner, meaning that most people are already rushing to prepare for their perfect costumes. However, not everybody is so excited about Halloween, and some are more worried about the dangers it poses. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is not so keen on Halloween, especially the increase in the use of cosmetic contact lenses.

Since October is Halloween Safety Month, it’s a perfect time to take a moment and discuss the dangers of cosmetic contact lenses.

Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Cosmetic contact lenses are extremely popular amongst trick-or-treaters and are essential parts of most costumes. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that you can easily find them at local shops or online retailers. Available in a variety of colors and styles, most people use them to make their costumes stand out. And while at first glance, cosmetic contact lenses can seem like an easy way to add flavor to your costume, they can wreak havoc on your eyes.

The Risks of Cosmetic Contacts

More often than not, online retailers advertise their cosmetic contact lenses as one size fits all. They might even say that you don’t need a prescription, as the lenses are not for correcting your vision. However, every eye has a unique shape, even if you don’t have any vision problems. As a result, putting in a contact lens that doesn’t fit properly can irritate your eyes and even cause an infection.

Why is that dangerous? Because infections are not only annoying and painful but can also cause you to go blind. For example, the most common infection associated with cosmetic contact lenses is keratitis. Unfortunately, over half of all cases of keratitis end up in irreversible vision loss. Thus, while having a unique costume can be fun, going blind for it isn’t.

It’s also important to note that one-size-fits-all contact lenses are not FDA approved. As a matter of fact, they are illegal and have been ever since 2005. So, why would you put your trust in a retailer that sells illegal products?

How Can I Wear Cosmetic Contacts Safely?

Luckily, there is a way you can wear cosmetic contacts and enjoy Halloween as you normally would. By going to a local eye doctor, you can request cosmetic contacts that are not only safe but specially designed for your eyes. And while they tend to be a bit more expensive than the online alternative, they can’t cause you any irritation or infection.

But why go to an eye doctor if I only want cosmetic lenses? Because he will be able to assess your eyes and decide which kind of cosmetic contacts are right for you. Additionally, he can find other eye problems that you were unaware of, saving you money on more expensive treatments that you might need later down the road.

Final Thoughts

Overall, even though Halloween is a fun-riddled tradition, you still need to take care of yourself and your eyesight. That’s why you should avoid buying cosmetic contact lenses from online or local retailers. But if you still want to add a unique touch to your costume, you can do so by checking your eyes at a local eye doctor, such as Dr. Schnipper.

Instead of risking your eyesight needlessly, schedule an appointment and enjoy Halloween safely.