Around the Halloween season, people are on the look out for scary contact lenses
to create a dramatic look for their fancy dress outfits.
Especially if it’s just for a one-time event, we know that people are looking for quick,
easy and cheap halloween contact lenses. These are becoming more and more popular,
especially when so easily and readily available to buy online.
While we’d never want to rain on your Halloween parade, there are a few things you
should be cautious of when purchasing fancy dress contact lenses online. Sometimes
those zombie contact lenses to go with your zombie bride ensemble just isn’t worth the risk.
Halloween prescription
contact lenses
We know how tempting it can be to order some cheap, creepy contact lenses online the day before the party, without the hassle of having to go into a store and have lenses properly fit.
However, any type of contact lens – no matter where they’re from – that haven’t been properly fitted by an eyecare professional can cause serious damage to your eyes. Some eye conditons people can experience after wearing these types of lenses include:
- Decreased, or blurry vision
- Redness
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Scratches on the cornea
- Corneal swelling
- Eye ulcers
- Eye pain
- Blindness, in extreme cases
Do I need a prescription?
All coloured contact lenses supplied within the UK, including non-prescription lenses, are now classed as medical devices, and should only be supplied or supervised by a registered optician.
“An eye care professional will ensure that contact lenses fit properly and that wearers receive expert advice on how to wear and store them safely.”
Brian Tompkins, President of the British Contact Lens Association.
Tips for safe wearing
We would strongly advise against wearing cheap contact lenses from the Internet and without a proper prescription, especially if you
have never worn contacts before. But if you have, here are some things you can do to ensure your eyes stay safe and healthy.
Do
- Take them out immediately if they feel uncomfortable
at any point. - Make sure you understand how to clean and handle the lenses, as well as other recommended instructions.
- Look out for ‘CE’ marking on packaging. This indicates the lenses conform to health, safety and environmental protection standards.
- Come in and see us if you’re worried at any time.
Don't
- Share your lenses with other people, as this can cause infections.
- Wear them for extended periods of time.
- Wear them over your normal contact lenses.
- Wear a torn or damaged lens.
Even if you only wear them once, it’s important that you still follow the same cleaning routines that you would with normal contacts to
reduce any chance of infection or damage. Have a look at our handy ‘how to’ videos for how best to handle and take care of lenses.
If you have any further questions, or you’re worried at any point, just come into store to see us. We’ll be happy to give you advice.