Dressing Up for Halloween? Here’s What You Should Know About Novelty Contact Lenses

The spooky season is upon us, and it’s time to put together those Halloween costumes. If you’re dressing up as a vampire, a zombie, or a creepy skull, then you’re 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’t result in a real scare later on.

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.

Keep an eye out

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’m not judging), make sure those contacts aren’t.

As Halloween approaches, novelty contact lenses are sold all over the internet and at costume stores. However, it’s best to purchase contact lenses at a reputable store that’s more likely to have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you can’t buy contact lenses from your eye doctor, then look for a reliable online retailer that requires a prescription. Previous studies 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.

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.

If you’re 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.

There’s also this handy guide on how to wear contacts safely. With all that in mind, make sure the only scare you get on Halloween is from the gruesome outfits and not the safety of your eyes.