Protect your eyes from spooky contact lenses and dangerous costumes, says the Minnesota Optometric Association

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Protect your eyes from spooky contact lenses and dangerous costumes, says the Minnesota Optometric Association

The Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA) warns that far from being just cosmetic, these decorative lenses, like all contact lenses, are medical devices and can pose dangers to the eyes if not properly fitted and prescribed by an eye care professional.

Halloween wigs, masks and hats that obscure eyesight are just some of the real risks posed by Halloween costumes. “Cat eye,” “Bloodshot,” or other costume contact lenses available online and at some novelty shops can pose a risk to the wearer’s eyesight. The Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA) warns that far from being just cosmetic, these decorative lenses, like all contact lenses, are medical devices and can pose dangers to the eyes if not properly fitted and prescribed by an eye care professional.

“An inappropriately fitted lens can result in serious harm, such as irreversible vision loss. We also don’t recommend wearing costume lenses while driving,” said Dr. Dirk Colby, president of the MOA and a doctor of optometry with West Metro Ophthalmology, Golden Valley and Plymouth, Minnesota. “And for people who don’t ordinarily wear contact lenses and haven’t been trained to correctly insert contact lenses in their eyes, there is a significant risk of scratching the cornea or front of the eye.”

While most people can wear contact lenses, not all lens types are appropriate for everyone. Today’s lens technology and materials offer many options for family eye doctors to precisely fit patients for maximum benefits and minimal risk.

Those non-prescription cat eye lens look scary, and they are. If you have already experienced problems with non-prescription decorative lenses, stop using them immediately. Then notify the FDA of problems associated with the lenses by submitting complaints to the FDA district office consumer complaint coordinator. The Minnesota FDA complaint coordinator can be reached at (612) 334-4100, extension 184.

Here are some vision and eye safety tips from the Minnesota Optometric Association this Halloween:

Make sure there are no sharp edges around hats or masks that can poke eyes.
Only wear hats, masks and wigs that fit and don't slip over the eyes.
Avoid costumes that only allow small holes for eyes or that do not allow full front and peripheral vision.
Avoid wearing costume make-up near the eyes.
Don't allow children to carry long sticks or sharp objects as part of a costume.
If glasses are needed under a mask or hat, make sure the costume fits comfortably around the glasses.
Make sure children's costumes can be seen in the dark. Use reflective tape. Carry flashlights.
Avoid costume contact lenses unless they have been prescribed and fitted by a family eye doctor.

Please see your family eye doctor for further information. To locate a doctor in your area please click here.

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