If you are like most of the festive partygoers in the Greater New Orleans area, Halloween is a big deal! And even if, on paper, Halloween looks a little different this year because of COVID-19 complications, that doesn’t mean you still can’t dress to the nines and don your spookiest garb. Whether you’re a cat, a bat, a witch, or a rat, colored contact lenses are a great way to spice up your costume! However, not all costume contacts are created equal. In fact, over-the-counter costume lenses (or counterfeit costume lenses) can cause serious, lasting damage to your eyes and vision! Be safe and stylish this Spooky Season with these costume eyewear tips from Eye Wares!
It is Against the Law to Sell Cosmetic Lenses Without a Prescription
It is illegal in the United States to sell contact lenses without a prescription. But don’t be alarmed! If you do not require vision-correcting contact lenses, your lenses will not have any vision-enhancing qualities. In fact, wearing prescription eyewear without vision issues can distort your vision. You still require a prescription from a doctor in the United States to get lenses, because contact lenses are considered medical devices that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A prescription is useful because it requires you to get a proper fitting. This way, you can avoid possible corneal infections or abrasions.
Where Not to Buy Colored Contact Lenses
When shopping for your Halloween eye accessory, make sure to keep your search focused on reputable sources. Your eye doctor will be able to provide a list of places that are safe and reliable. As tempting as it may be to scoop up the first cat or vampire eye you see, be advised to avoid the following types of retailers:
- Halloween Stores
- Salons or Beauty Boutiques
- Flea Markets or Street Vendors
- Convenience Stores
- Any Website the Does Not Require a Prescription (If you find any website you think is illegally selling contact lenses, you can report it to the FDA.)
The Dangers of Unsanctioned Colored Contact Lenses
The number one danger of wearing a non-prescription colored lens is the risk of corneal abrasions and infections due to an improper fit. Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all, and an ill-fitting lens can cause serious damage to your eye health and vision. The following are common injuries caused by poorly fitting costume contact lenses:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Corneal Abrasions (Scratches on your cornea, which can lead to infections.)
- Eye Infections
- Distorted or Damaged Vision
- Blindness
Cleaning Your Colored Contact Lenses
Poor maintenance combined with an ill-fitting non-prescription lens is a recipe for bacterial disaster! We have seen patients suffer serious eye injuries due to a lack of proper contact lens maintenance. These patients often failed to use the proper cleaning solution, which resulted in almost immediate bacterial growth in the corneal abrasions. These infections are extremely dangerous, and spread instantly, causing issues such as:
- Corneal Ulcers
- Infection
- Blindness
These issues present themselves quickly and can often spiral out of control within 24 hours. If you suspect you have an eye infection, or another eye injury, contact your eye doctor immediately!
Costume Eyewear Choices for Halloween
If colored contact lenses aren’t your speed, you have plenty of other decorative eyewear options for your next costume! Eye Wares sells eyewear from some of the most fashionable, creative designers in the world, and some of these designs are perfect for Halloween!
Featured Frame: Our Halloween Spotlight goes to Faniel. These fabulous, fearless frames are simultaneously elegant and colorfully eye-catching. Members of Mardi Gras krewes often seek out these frames because their whimsical features remind them of costume masks. There’s no better choice for your next Halloween accessory!
Call Eye Wares Metairie or Mandeville
We want to get you Halloween-ready! Whether you need a pair of eye-catching, stylish new frames, or require a prescription for your colored contact lenses, Eye Wares can help. We are locally owned and operated by community optometrist, Dr. Lauren Agnew. Our team will measure each eye to property fit your contact lens and evaluate how your eye responds. Contact Eye Wares to schedule your appointment today!
