Warning: Colored Contact Lenses for Halloween May Ruin Your Vision
With Halloween just around the corner, many people are looking to colored contact lenses to perfect their costumes. However, this popular accessory comes with hidden dangers. Patrisha Bertulfo, an Optometrist for a corporate practice, shares her concerns about these risks and offers tips for staying safe during the Halloween season.
The Risks of Using Colored Contacts
"Every year, we see eye-related issues after the use of colored contacts, and many of these cases are linked to contact lenses purchased from unauthorized sellers," explains Bertulfo. "These lenses are often made from low-quality materials and fail to meet the safety standards required for eye health. The result? A higher chance of infections, injuries, and long-term damage."
Bertulfo highlights that many people mistakenly believe that non-prescription, decorative lenses are safe. "The truth is, there is no such thing as ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to contact lenses. Lenses that don’t fit properly can cause scratches, infections, and even permanent vision loss," she warns.
Colored Contact Lens Damage
Damage from colored contact lenses can, in the worst cases, lead to irreversible harm. "I’ve personally seen the damage firsthand," Bertulfo notes, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.
Research has shown that several varieties of non-prescription contact lenses tested positive for chlorine and other harmful chemicals. According to Bertulfo, the range of injuries varies from mild irritation to severe infections that require medical intervention. "In some of the worst cases, we’ve seen patients almost lose their vision due to untreated corneal ulcers and severe infections. It’s devastating, especially when it could have been avoided."
Why Unregulated Contact Lenses Pose a Serious Threat
A major concern with contact lenses from questionable online stores is the lack of regulation. "Government-regulated contact lenses are treated as medical devices for a reason. They must be made from specific materials that allow the eye to breathe, and they need to be fitted for each individual by a licensed professional. The ones sold by unverified retailers often lack these critical standards," Bertulfo explains.
Even lenses marketed as "decorative" or "cosmetic" must be treated as medical devices. "People often don’t realize that purchasing lenses without a proper prescription puts them at risk. It’s not just about how they look—it’s about how safe they are for your eyes," she adds.
5 Tips for Safely Wearing Colored Contacts This Halloween
- Get a Proper Prescription: "Even if your lenses are purely decorative, always get a prescription from an eye doctor. This ensures the lenses fit your eyes correctly and reduces the chances of complications."
- Purchase from Verified Sellers: "Only buy contact lenses from authorized retailers who adhere to government-approved safety standards. Avoid online shops that don’t provide information on their products' quality or origin."
- Don’t Share Your Lenses: "Sharing contact lenses, even briefly, can transfer harmful bacteria between users and lead to serious infections. Always keep your lenses to yourself."
- Follow Proper Hygiene: "Make sure to clean, store, and handle your lenses according to professional guidelines. Improper care is one of the leading causes of eye infections."
- Never Sleep in Your Lenses: "Even if you’re exhausted after a Halloween party, never sleep with your contact lenses in. This deprives your eyes of oxygen and increases the risk of infection."
A Final Caution
As Halloween approaches, the allure of inexpensive colored contact lenses may be strong, but the risks are far greater than the savings. Optometrist Patrisha Bertulfo urges consumers to prioritize their eye health.
"Your vision isn’t something to gamble with for the sake of a costume. Eyes are delicate, and once damaged, recovery can be difficult or impossible. Always consult an eye care professional before using any contact lenses and avoid purchasing from unknown or unregulated retailers."
