Submitted by administrator on
So tonight is All Hallows Eve and you or members of your family may be going all out to win the best costume! However if your Halloween costume includes contact lenses to give your eyes that super scary look of a werewolf or vampire, you may want to just consider the dangers, especially if you haven't had them supplied from a doctor.
The American Optometric Association has said that contact lenses should be fitted by a physician. However just under a third of people who buy colored contacts for Halloween buy them illegally. They are picked up from cheap market stands, discount stores, flea markets, beauty salons and online.
The doctors group said that by doing this people are putting themselves at risk for bacterial infections, allergic reactions and irreversible eye sight loss.
Th following recommendations are for all contact lens wearers:
- Only wear lenses if fitted and prescribed by an optometrist.
- Don't purchase contact lenses from gas stations, video stores, or any other vendor not authorized by law to dispense contact lenses.
- Don't swim while wearing contacts. There is a high risk of eye infection when contact lenses come into contact with bacteria in swimming pool water.
- Make sure the lenses are cleaned and disinfected as instructed by your eye-care professional.
- Make sure you wash your hands before handling and cleaning your contact lenses.
- Never swap or share contact lenses.
- Never sleep while wearing contact lenses unless they are extended-wear lenses specifically designed for that purpose.
Happy Halloween! Stay safe AND scary!