The Impact of Colored Contacts on Vision Health: What You Need to Know Before Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, many people are preparing their costumes, looking for that perfect spooky look. One popular way to enhance a costume is by adding colored contact lenses to create a unique, striking appearance. Whether you're aiming for eerie, bright, or otherworldly eyes, colored contacts can make your costume stand out. However, before you add these lenses to your Halloween ensemble, it’s crucial to understand how they can impact your vision health.
 

Are Colored Contacts Safe?

Colored contact lenses, like any contact lenses, can be safe to wear if prescribed and fitted by an optometrist. However, purchasing them from unauthorized sources can be dangerous. Non-prescription colored contacts sold at costume stores, flea markets, or online marketplaces may not meet the safety standards set by the FDA. These lenses may be ill-fitting, leading to irritation, infection, and, in severe cases, permanent vision damage.
 

How Colored Contacts Affect Vision

Unlike prescription lenses that are designed to correct your vision, cosmetic colored lenses are primarily for aesthetic purposes. Although many colored contacts do not correct vision, they still sit directly on your cornea, impacting eye health in the following ways:
 

• Reduced Oxygen Flow: Contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea. Poor-quality lenses can decrease oxygen even further, causing discomfort, dryness, and potential corneal damage.
   

• Blurred Vision: Poorly fitted or low-quality colored lenses may not align correctly with your eyes, leading to blurry or distorted vision. This can be particularly dangerous in low-light settings, like during nighttime Halloween festivities.
   

• Risk of Infection: Using non-prescription colored lenses increases the risk of eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, as they may not be sterile or made from safe materials. Proper lens hygiene and care are essential to preventing infections.
   

Prescription Colored Contacts

The safest way to enjoy colored contacts this Halloween is to get them from a trusted source, such as your optometrist at Texas State Optical. When you obtain a prescription for colored contact lenses, you ensure that:
 

• The lenses fit properly and won’t irritate or damage your eyes.
   

• The material is safe and allows your eyes to receive the necessary oxygen.
   

• You’re educated on proper lens care, including cleaning and storage, to minimize the risk of infection.
   

If you don’t have a prescription yet, schedule an eye exam before Halloween to ensure your colored contacts are safe for your eyes.
 

Caring for Your Colored Contacts

Whether you're wearing prescription or non-prescription colored contacts, caring for them properly is essential to protect your vision. Here are some important tips:
 

• Clean and store your lenses correctly: Always follow your optometrist’s instructions for cleaning and storing your lenses.
   

• Wash your hands before handling your lenses: This reduces the risk of transferring harmful bacteria to your eyes.
   

• Don’t share lenses: Sharing contacts, even just for fun, can spread bacteria and infections.
   

• Limit wear time: Colored contacts should not be worn for extended periods. Remove them as soon as your Halloween festivities are over.
   

• Never sleep in your lenses: This increases the risk of infection and can cause serious eye damage.
   

If you notice any discomfort or signs of infection after wearing colored contacts, it’s essential to seek professional help immediately. Symptoms like redness, swelling, blurred vision, or pain should not be ignored. Contact your optometrist right away if these symptoms occur.
 

Schedule a Consultation with Texas State Optical Today

Colored contacts can be a fun and exciting way to complete your Halloween look, but it’s essential to prioritize your eye health. At Texas State Optical, we offer prescription colored contact lenses that are safe and high-quality.
 

Ready to take your Halloween costume to the next level safely? Contact Texas State Optical to schedule your exam and get fitted for prescription-colored contacts. Visit our office in Kingwood, Texas, or call (346) 466-4600 to book an appointment today.