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Are you thinking about adding Halloween contact lenses to your costume, but not sure if they are safe? Recently there have been several FDA warnings about dangers of costume lenses. But the lenses themselves are not to blame; some people just don’t follow doctor’s instructions on wearing contacts and caring for them. Here are 7 simple rules you should follow to enjoy your special effect contacts the safe way.
1. Get doctor’s prescription for your Halloween lenses
Some people think that if they don’t need vision correction, they can just select the lenses they like and order online. Unfortunately, it is not this simple. All contact lenses, including cosmetic ones are considered medical devices and should be properly fitted by an eye care professional. It might sound like a hassle, but trust me, low quality contacts or lenses that don’t fit properly will feel awful in your eyes. They may look pretty, but you won’t enjoy the party much, not to mention that sometimes wearing contacts that don’t fit can cause eye problems.
The doctor will suggest you high quality contacts that will suit your eyes. Wild Eyes and Crazy Lenses are most commonly prescribed. After getting your prescription, get online and order your lenses from a reputable online contact lens retailer. They have an amazing range of styles and colors - Cat eye, Alien, Hypnotica, Blackout and Whiteout, Red Vampire, Wolf, Bloodshot and Zombie eyes are only a few to mention. Ordering contacts online will save you a lot, comparable to the price doctors charge for contact lenses. Costume shop or a flee market, however, is not a safe place to buy special effect contacts.
See examples of Halloween contact lens designs by different brands
2. Don’t share your costume contacts with anybody
Shearing contacts is probably the main source for eye problems contact lens wearers experience. If your friend has contacts that are perfect for your costume it is very tempting simply to borrow them, instead of buying your own. However, contact lenses are not a dress or jewelry, and never should be shared. First, lenses that fit someone else probably wouldn’t fit you, and, second, another person can have an eye infection. And don’t give your contacts to anybody to try on, explain that it can hurt their eyes as well as yours
3. Never wear your lenses for longer than 8 hours Halloween contacts are thicker than ordinary contact lenses because of the layer of paint. And the thicker the lens is, the less oxygen it lets through. Human eye needs oxygen to function properly - this is the reason any contact lenses should not be left in your eyes for too long. The safe bet with quality costume contact lenses is 6 - 8 hours.
Also, you should never sleep in your contacts - if you do, your eyes will feel terribly dry and sore in the morning. So, no matter how tired you are after the party, take your contacts out.
4. Take proper care of your contacts
The easiest way to care for costume contact lenses is with multipurpose solution, which is available from any chemist shop. You can use it for cleaning and storing your lenses. After taking your contacts out, rinse them with solution (never use tap water) and place them in the case. If you don’t wear your contacts often, change the solution once in a while and store your lenses in the fridge.
You should never wear contacts for longer than their expected lifespan. Disposable costume contacts like monthly Crazy Lenses are only good for a month. Most special effect lenses last up to a year after opening, with proper care. Unopened box is good for 5-6 years.
5. Close your eyes when using perfume or hair spray
This rule applies to all contact lenses - sprays can irritate your eyes. Face make up should be applied after your contacts are already in. Be careful of the eye area, so cosmetic doesn’t get into your eyes
6. If your eyes feel irritated take the lenses out immediately
There can be two possible causes - the lens is damaged, or something got stuck under it. When getting ready for a party take your lens case and a small bottle of solution with you just in case. If the lens hurts your eye, take it out and inspect it. If it is torn, you will have to throw it away, there is no repair and a damaged lens can seriously harm your eye. If the lens looks alright, just rinse it and put it back in. It should feel fine after rinsing.
7. Wear your Halloween contact lenses before the party
Quality special effect contacts are comfortable to wear. However, if you are not accustomed to wearing contact lenses, it is a good idea to try your new costume lenses before the party, just like you would try new shoes. Several days in advance put them in first for a couple hours, then longer and longer. This way your eyes will get used to the lenses and you will feel no discomfort during the party.
As you see, with certain care wearing Halloween contacts can be very pleasant and problem free. Same safety rules apply to all color contact lenses. Enjoy your new look! Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a publisher of Contact Lenses Consume Guide which provides information and reviews of all Halloween contact lenses and color contact lenses. You will see pictures of real people wearing colored contacts by different brands. |
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