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

Halloween is an exciting time. You can go all out for costumes and make a look that really stands out. For many, the ultimate detail (or finishing touch) of a spooky ensemble is a unique pair of colored contact lenses.

However, most people aren’t aware that this fun feature can be dangerous with cheap or non-prescription colored contact lenses. It’s a risk that can have serious repercussions, and these cases happen more often than you’d think. It’s important to know the dangers that come with non-prescription colored contact lenses. In this article, you’ll 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, as they would for regular contact lenses. Colored contact lenses require a prescription because the technology behind them is very similar to regular contact lenses. Colored contacts, like regular ones, sit on the tear film layer within our eye, which covers the cornea. Prescription colored contacts  are fitted to naturally move with your eyes, so that the colored portion does not obstruct your vision. Prescription colored contact lenses can be customized to correct astigmatism, refractive errors, and other visual impairments..

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

The Dangers of Non-Prescription Color Contact Lenses

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

Eye Infections: Poor-quality colored contact lenses can trap bacteria on the eye’s surface. This can  cause 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. A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea that may cause blindness. Immediate treatment by an eye care provider is required for a corneal ulcer, as it is considered a medical emergency.

Allergic Reactions: Your eyes might not tolerate the materials and dyes that non-prescription color contacts may have. This allergic reaction may include redness, itching, discomfort, and many more symptoms.

Visual Impairments: For those who suffer from visual impairments, colored contact lenses that lack a prescription will not correct vision,  making it difficult to navigate Halloween plans.

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

There are so many possible complications with wearing non-prescribed colored contact lenses. Taking precautionary measures is important in order to ensure the safety of your eyes and vision. It may feel like you’re getting a good deal with low-priced colored contact, but remember that cheap materials can negatively affect your eyesight. 

If these knockoff products are so dangerous, why are they still available?

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 by the FDA. Illegal contacts bypass these important safeguards (like professional fitting) and are sold without medical approval. In these cases, the contacts often do not come with instructions about wear and care, and are contaminated from repackaging practices.

At Blue Planet Optics, we care about the integrity and value of our products. 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. 

Published: November 1, 2024

Updated: September 23, 2025

Edited by Brooke Ballew