5 Risks of Wearing Coloured Contact Lenses This Halloween

Considering coloured contacts this Halloween? Here is what you need to know!

---

Coloured contact lenses allow patients to alter the appearance of their natural eye colour, either with a subtle enhancement or something more dramatic. They are available with a corrective power (if you have a prescription) or purely for cosmetic use (if you don’t.)

People may wear coloured contact lenses for the following reasons:

• To add depth or intensity to their natural eye colour.
• For Halloween costumes
• They are looking to enhance or transform their appearance

Coloured Contact Lenses & Contact Lens Fittings at our Calgary Eye Clinic

At our Calgary eye clinic, we offer our patients comprehensive contact lens services, including fittings to teach you how to properly handle your lenses and minimise your risk of developing infections.

Whether you’re looking for a natural, everyday look, or are seeking a spooky, supernatural style for Halloween, we can help you achieve it safely with coloured contact lenses.

Want to know more?

Book An Eye Exam

Is it Safe to Wear Colored Contact Lenses For Halloween?

Coloured contact lenses are popular year-round for people who are looking to alter the natural colour of their eyes, but every year at Halloween there is a surge of people using coloured contact lenses to enhance their costumes.

While these cosmetic lenses can take your costume to a whole new level, they can also turn your Halloween into a genuine nightmare if you don’t have a professional contact lens fitting beforehand.  

In fact, buying your lenses online instead of at your local eye clinic, and doing so without a prescription can cause serious eye conditions such as:

• corneal abrasions
• corneal ulcers
• keratitis (painful bacterial infection)
• vision loss
• eye infections

Why You Should See an Optometrist Before Buying Colored Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are medical devices that require a commitment to proper wear and care by the patient, which is why it’s important to visit your optometrist if you have never worn lenses before.

During this exam, your eye doctor will:

• Measure your eyes in order to properly fit the contacts.
• Assess whether you are a good candidate for this type of vision correction.
• Instruct you on appropriate contact lens care to reduce your risk of infection and vision loss.
• Instruct you on how long you can wear your coloured contacts (eg. NEVER go to sleep with your contacts).

Remember: Whether you’re buying coloured contact lenses for cosmetic purposes or for vision correction, you should ALWAYS visit your optometrist first. They can help you best understand which lenses will keep your vision safe and comfortable so you can pick the right brand for you.

Are You New To Wearing Colored Contacts? Follow These 4 Tips

When purchased from qualified optometrists, contact lenses can be a fun and safe way to enhance your everyday look and Halloween costume. If you are a first-time wearer, here are some useful tips:

1. Never share your lenses. Sharing or swapping coloured contacts with your friends can lead to eye infections, discomfort, and strain, especially if the lenses have a prescription.
2. Take care of your contacts. You must follow the lens care instructions given to you by your optometrist. NEVER overwear your contacts or sleep with them. If you wear daily lenses, make sure to throw them out at the end of the day.
3. Stop wearing your lenses if your eyes become irritated. Sore, itchy, and red eyes can be harmless but sometimes, they can lead to infections. If your lenses are causing you discomfort, take them off straight away.
4. Experiment and enjoy different styles. Coloured contact lenses offer a great opportunity to try new looks, just remember to get a prescription and contact lens fitting at your local eye clinic first!

Call Today

To find out more about our wide range of contact lens services including contact lens fittings and dry eye care, contact our Calgary eye clinic today at 403-286-4884 or book a contact lens fitting today.