Stay Spooky and Safe: Your Guide to Halloween Colored Contact Lenses

Halloween is an exciting time as it allows us to go all out for costumes, giving us an opportunity to create a look that stands out. For many, the ultimate detail that helps complete a spooky ensemble is a unique pair of colored contact lenses.

However, most people aren’t aware that this fun feature can be dangerous in cases where an individual has purchased cheap or non-prescription colored contact lenses. It’s a risk that can have serious repercussions, and these instances occur more often than you think. It’s important to know the dangers associated with wearing non-prescription colored contact lenses in order to avoid any harm to yourself, so let's dive below to find out how you can steer clear from a frightening scare this Halloween season.

The Importance of Prescription Colored Contact Lenses

First, let’s find out why it’s important to purchase colored contact lenses that are prescription-based. After all, wouldn’t you want to wear something that has been uniquely fitted for you?

Many people don’t know that colored contact lenses are actually considered medical devices. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) actually regulates and oversees their safety and effectiveness, just as they would for regular contact lenses that are meant to help correct your vision.

The reason why colored contact lenses require a prescription is because the technology behind them is very similar to regular contact lenses. Just like regular contact lenses, colored contacts sit on the tear film layer within our eye, which covers the cornea. When it comes to the colored part of the lens, however, the color of the iris is temporarily altered to either change your natural eye color or enhance it. Prescription colored contacts are crafted to fit well on and naturally move with your eyes, guaranteeing that the colored portion does not obstruct your vision. For individuals with visual impairments such as astigmatism, refractive errors, and other issues, prescription colored contact lenses can be customized to address those concerns.

Now that you know how exactly colored contacts work and why they require a prescription, let’s dive into the dangers associated with wearing non-prescribed colored contact lenses. 

The Dangers Associated with Wearing Non-Prescription Color Contact Lenses

With the popularity of colored contact lenses on the rise, it has become easier for people to gain access to cheaper alternatives. Many are unaware that the FDA does not regulate counterfeit products, so they believe that getting a prescription for colored contact lenses is unnecessary. However, there are various risks associated with wearing these types of lenses when they have not been fitted for your eyes. 

• Eye Infections: Purchasing poor-quality colored contact lenses that haven’t met safety standards can trap bacteria on the eye’s surface. This can lead to painful eye infections such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Conjunctivitis is when inflammation of the eye's outermost white layer and the eyelid's inner surface occurs. Meanwhile, a corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea that may threaten vision, leading to blindness. Immediate treatment by an eye care provider is required as it is considered a medical emergency.

• Allergic Reactions: Your eyes might not be able to properly tolerate the materials and dyes that non-prescription color contacts may have. Some of these allergic reactions may include redness, itching, discomfort, and many more symptoms.

• Visual Impairments: In the case of those who suffer from visual impairments, colored contact lenses that lack a prescription may cause blurry vision, making it difficult to navigate your celebratory plans for Halloween.

• Blindness: Unfortunately, in extreme cases, non-prescription colored contacts may cause serious complications leading to permanent vision loss.

There are so many other possible complications that can occur with wearing non-prescribed colored contact lenses. Taking precautionary measures is important in order to ensure the health and safety of your eyes and vision. It may feel like you’re snagging a deal when you come across low-priced colored contact products, but it’s crucial to remember that these alternatives are made with cheap materials that can negatively affect your eyesight. If these knock off products are so dangerous, why are they still able to be sold?

Why or How are Cheap Colored Contact Lenses Able to be Sold?

As mentioned before, contact lenses are considered medical devices that are required to undergo regulations. Unfortunately, illegally sold contacts can bypass some of these important safeguards, such as having them be professionally fitted and sold without medical approval. In these cases, illegally sold contacts often do not come with instructions about wear and care and can be contaminated from repackaging practices.

At Blue Planet Optics, we care about the integrity and efficacy of our products. We know how important it is to have a great experience with your eye products, which is why we offer high-quality prescription options for your contact lens needs, including fun colored lenses for any spooky or extravagant occasion.

Head on over to our colored contacts page to browse our selection.