Are you going all out with your Halloween costume this year? Are you thinking of using spooky contact lenses to add to the finishing touches?
If so, Specsavers are encouraging you to put your eye health first, and make sure you are sourcing contact lenses responsibly.
While coloured contact lenses may seem like a perfect costume addition, they can damage your eyes – especially if they are not handled correctly. It can be very tempting to source cheap creepy contact lenses for a last-minute party, but all contact lenses must be fitted by an eye care professional. If they are not, it can result in numerous minor eye conditions – such as red eye, infections, and scratches – as well as more serious complications that can, in severe cases, lead to sight loss.
Dr Nigel Best, Specsavers clinical spokesperson, says: “Halloween contact lenses have become incredibly popular in recent years; however, consumers often are not aware of the risks associated with misusing contact lenses.”
“If a wearer hasn’t had a proper consultation with an optometrist beforehand, they probably haven’t been taught how to wear or care for their lenses correctly. The results can be nasty and range from mildly irritating complications to potentially sight-threatening conditions such as fungal infections like microbial keratitis.”
Specsavers are encouraging everyone to follow their do’s and don’ts for wearing contact lenses this Halloween:
DO:
- Take them out immediately if they feel uncomfortable at any point.
- Make sure you understand how to clean and handle the lenses, as well as other recommended instructions.
- Look out for ‘CE’ marking on packaging. This indicates the lenses conform to health, safety and environmental protection standards.
- Come in and see us if you’re worried at any time.
DON’T:
- Share your lenses with other people, as this can cause infection.
- Wear them for extended periods of time.
- Wear them over your normal contact lenses.
- Wear torn or damaged lenses.
If you have any further questions, or you’re worried at any point, just come into your local Specsavers store where you can be advised. For more information see www.specsavers.ie/contact-lenses/coloured-contact-lenses-halloween.
