The spooky season is upon us, and it\u2019s time to put together those Halloween costumes. If you\u2019re dressing up as a vampire, a zombie, or a creepy skull, then you\u2019re likely in the market for colored contact lenses to elevate your look. But before you add those bloody red contacts to your cart, be sure they won\u2019t result in a real scare later on.<\/p>\n
Novelty contact lenses can be an extreme risk, leading to severe irritation or discomfort, eye infections, and sometimes even vision impairment or blindness, experts have warned. In order to avoid those risks, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying novelty contact lenses.<\/p>\n
Keep an eye out <\/p>\n
Halloween costumes are worn once a year, so people typically tend not to splurge on those gnarly fits. Even if your costume is cheap (I\u2019m not judging), make sure those contacts aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n
As Halloween approaches, novelty contact lenses are sold all over the internet and at costume stores. However, it\u2019s best to purchase contact lenses at a reputable store that\u2019s more likely to have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).<\/p>\n
If you can\u2019t buy contact lenses from your eye doctor, then look for a reliable online retailer that requires a prescription. Previous studies<\/a> have found that over-the-counter cosmetic lenses contain chlorine and other harmful chemicals used for tint or color, which can lead to infections. These infections can sometimes lead to more serious issues such as vision impairment, cataracts, and secondary glaucoma.<\/p>\n Researchers also warn that the colorants used for novelty contacts create an uneven texture, which can scratch your eyes and increase the risk of infections that may lead to blindness, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Also, since the contact lenses are not fitted to your eyes, they can lead to scarring, corneal abrasions, and ulcers.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re using contact lenses for the first time, do not store them in water but instead keep them in a clean case filled with a specialized solution for disinfection. You should also not store them for an extended period of time, and make sure you clean out the case periodically.<\/p>\n