Costume contacts are still contact lenses: what to know before Halloween

Costume contacts are contact lenses, even if they only change the look of your eyes. They require an eye-care professional’s prescription and appropriate fitting. Do not let a costume deadline replace that assessment or assume a “nonprescription” label makes a lens safe to wear.

Start with professional advice, before shopping

The FDA identifies decorative lenses as medical devices, including lenses that do not correct vision. Poor fit or improper use can damage the eye. So ask an eye-care professional whether the lens and wear plan are okay for your eyes.

Check the seller’s prescription process

Buy only from a legitimate seller that requires a valid prescription and provides the prescribed product. Be cautious about offers that make the prescription seem unnecessary or treat lenses as one-size-fits-all accessories. Ask your eye-care professional if you are unsure about a product or source.

The FDA advises against buying lenses from novelty shops, Halloween stores, street vendors or unknown online sellers. Do not borrow a friend’s pair, share yours or substitute a different product because the intended lenses will not arrive in time. Choose a costume without contacts if proper arrangements cannot be made.

Understand the fitting and care instructions

If you are new to contacts, ask to learn insertion, removal and the specific wear and care routine. Ask what follow-up is needed and when the prescription is finalized. A fitting can involve more than the first appointment.

AVCC’s contact lens exams can start that conversation. Confirm the scope and expected cost directly with the office. Ask which lens options the office can assess and how much time to allow for fitting and follow-up before your event.

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Keep the care routine during the event

Follow the prescribed wear time and replacement schedule. Use clean, dry hands to handle lenses and the care products recommended for that lens. Keep them away from water and do not use saliva to moisten them. Bring glasses if you need vision correction and the lenses have to come out.

The CDC’s decorative-contact guidance emphasizes that colored lenses need the same professional oversight and proper care as other contacts. A single evening does not make unsafe habits harmless. If you cannot follow the care routine at the event, discuss another option in advance.

Act promptly if your eyes become uncomfortable

Remove the lenses and seek prompt eye-care advice for redness, ongoing pain, discharge or reduced vision. Do not put them back in to finish the evening or wait for another person to decide whether the eye looks serious. The FDA advises immediate professional assessment for signs of infection.

For sudden vision loss or severe pain, seek immediate available eye or emergency care. A routine online request is not the right route for urgent symptoms. For advance, non-urgent questions, contact your Aurora, Greensburg or Richmond office and confirm any appointment directly.

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