16 October 2024

College warns against Halloween eye health hazards

Contact lenses Public health

As we head towards Halloween, we are warning against the use of novelty cosmetic contact lenses, unless supplied by an optometrist.

Halloween parties have become increasingly popular over recent years. Shops and markets embrace the essence of the day, selling all things required for the perfect ghoulish evening.

With so much available to create the perfect Halloween look, it is tempting to finish off the ensemble with a frightening final touch. While you can enjoy dressing up in a little fake blood, fangs or batwings, we at the College, warn against novelty contact lenses. They might look effective, but they can be hazardous. Every year, lots of people unwittingly put their eye health at risk by wearing them.

What most people don't know is that it's actually illegal to purchase non-prescribed contact lenses, unless they are supplied by a registered health professional, such as an optometrist. This includes non-prescription novelty and coloured lenses.

Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Clinical Adviser at the College, explains:

“Contact lenses need to be fitted by an eye care professional to ensure they provide you with clear and comfortable vision, while ensuring you are able apply and remove them safely and can care for the lenses appropriately. Anyone wanting wear novelty contact lenses should contact their local optical practice to arrange a contact lens consultation. This enables the optometrist to confirm that your eyes are healthy and take a series of special measurements, ensuring the best possible fit of the lenses."

Costume lenses are often purchased on the internet and, in most cases, by people who are not regular contact lens wearers. Not only do they not know whether the product is safe to put in their eyes, but they are also less likely to know how to handle and care for them properly. 

These lenses may be made of poor quality or unsuitable materials. They are not made to measure, and can result in damage to the eyes including infections - potentially causing sight loss.

In addition, the centre of costume lenses may not line up properly with the wearer’s pupil, if not fitted correctly, making them less able to see. This can be extremely dangerous, particularly if they plan to drive while wearing them.

We want everyone to enjoy their Halloween parties safely, and not put the health of their eyes at risk for the sake of looking scary. Anyone thinking of wearing novelty lenses should visit their local optometrist for advice.

The College of Optometrists advises anyone thinking of purchasing any type of contact lens, to only do so from their local optical practice.

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