Halloween contact lenses can 'damage eyes and cause infections', expert warns

31 October 2023 , 13:17

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Coloured contact lenses can damage your eyes and cause infections (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It’s officially Halloween, which means Brits are parading in their creepiest costumes as they celebrate the spooky season.

While Barbie, Spider-Man and Wednesday Addams are considered the go-to costumes this year, coloured contact lenses will no doubt make a ghoulish return. The novelty eyewear are a great way to finish off the spooky look, but vision professionals have warned that coloured contact lenses can damage your eyes and cause infections.

Roshni Patel, optometrist at Lenstore, said: "It may be tempting to buy cheap lenses but they’re often particularly damaging ‘circle lenses’ which sit on the cornea and cover your sclera. These can increase your chances of corneal scratches and damage, leading to unwanted infections."

The expert recommends speaking to an optician or eye doctor before applying the contact lenses. She added: “Whilst you may be able to find some cheap coloured contact lenses online, it’s essential to consult your optician to determine the best Halloween contact lenses for you, as without the correct prescription, you can cause damage to your eyes.

“If you already wear contact lenses and have a prescription, you can easily add your base curve and diameter measurements to a contact lens retailer's website. This way, the contacts will feel comfortable on your eye, and you’ll avoid the risk of damage.”

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Those planning on wearing coloured contacts as part of the festivities should ensure they are from a trusted brand with the correct prescription, highlighted Roshni. The vision guru shared some important safety tips when wearing the contact lenses, these include:

• Stop wearing the contacts if your eyes become irritated or you experience persistent discomfort

• Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after inserting contact lenses or you’ll run the risk of harmful bacteria reaching your lens and eyes

• Store your lenses in solution, if necessary, as this will help guarantee your eyes are safe from infection

• Only wear your contact lenses for the recommended time as you will be cutting off the supply of oxygen to your eyes leading to new blood vessel growth and the eye condition Corneal Neovascularization

• Don’t ever share your lenses - you’ll be exchanging eye germs and increasing your chances of an eye infection

• Never wear a torn or damaged contact as this will scratch and damage the surface of your cornea

• Put your contact lenses in before applying your Halloween makeup or Special FX to avoid them getting dirty and damaged, and further leading to eye irritations and infections

Following these essential steps will allow you to have a stress-free Halloween and leave your eyes in good health.

Freya Hodgson