Warning about Halloween contact lenses

Dr. Charles Boulet

Dr. Charles Boulet, courtesy of Gateway Gazette

An increasingly popular item on the Halloween supply shelf is costumes for eyes, that is, special contact lenses. While these are fun, they put users at risk, a risk that is never explained.

These lenses are most often sold as a specialty item at this time of year at discount stores and other stores that carry seasonal items. The lenses themselves are generally manufactured in China and meet no regulatory health, safety, or optical standards.


The lenses are thin films of plastic, painted with varied designs. They are applied directly to the sensitive tissue at the front of the eye (aka the cornea), tissue that needs a constant supply of oxygen. The lens chokes off the oxygen supply, while trapping bacteria, fungus, and other particles against the already weakened eye. The result is infections of the cornea and sight-threatening ulcers can lead to corneal transplants and even blindness. In Canada and the United States, only doctors of optometry and ophthalmology may prescribe approved contact lenses. This is because they are medical devices that can be dangerous when misused.

Cosmetic contact lenses should be avoided. If they are used, they should be used with frequent use of non-medicated artificial tears. As a guideline, avoid the drops that make your eyes white, such as Visine, Murine, Clear Eyes, etc., even if they say they are safe for use with contact lenses. Look for Blink, Refresh Tears, and the like. One should never sleep with the lenses still in the eyes.

Finally, the moment there is trouble, see your family optometrist asap. This does not warrant a visit to the emergency room and is best treated in a specialty clinic.

Safe colored contact lenses, approved by all the regulatory bodies, are available through your optometrist.

Have fun this Halloween and stay safe.

Related links:
FDA warns conterfeit contacts cause tragic eye injuries
Diamond Valley Vision Care