Fancy dress and Halloween contact lenses
Fancy dress and Halloween contact lenses
Going all out for the perfect fancy dress outfit? Then you’re probably after some contactlenses to round off your costume and make-up. However, take care: coloured or bizarre-effect lenses may be cheap and easy to find, but they could have some unwanted and nasty side-effects.
Halloween prescription contact lenses
It can be tempting to order some cheap, creepy contact lenses online the day before your party, avoiding the hassle of having to go into a store and have lenses properly fitted.
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 conditions 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. So, you will need a contact lens appointment with our contact lens specialists.
“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 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.