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As Halloween approaches, you may be purchasing costume contact lenses to complete your outfit. Red vampire eyes, white zombie lenses, and circular “anime” lenses are popular choices this time of year. These decorative lenses are often inexpensive at convenience stores, beauty supply stores, costume shops, and even online. But how safe are they?

For the skilled ophthalmologists at Hawaii Vision Clinic in Honolulu and Aiea, the greatest danger in costume contact lenses comes from obtaining them without a prescription. Although decorative contact lenses are often marketed as a cosmetic product, they are medical devices and should only be purchased and worn with a prescription from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. However, you can still enjoy many forms of colored costume lenses if you keep these tips in mind:

  • Always See A Licensed Professional For An Eye Exam: Even if you have perfect vision, any contact lenses need to be properly sized to fit your eyes. Improperly fitted contacts can scratch or damage your cornea. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will measure each eye, see how your eyes respond to contacts, and will offer you specific instructions for caring for these lenses.
  • contact lensesOnly Purchase Your Contacts From A Licensed Dealer: Many of the contacts sold at costume shops and novelty stores can be dangerous if worn. A licensed eye product retailer will ask for your prescription, and the lenses provided should include a brand name, measurement, and expiration date.
  • Follow All Care Instructions: Your eyes are very susceptible to injury and infection, so it is important to follow all care instructions carefully. Do not exceed the recommended time of wear, do not sleep with contact lenses in, clean your lenses regularly, and do not share your contact lenses with another person.
  • Not All Products On The Market Are Safe: Some costume lenses, specifically circular “anime” lenses, are not FDA approved at all. The shape of circular lenses is larger than traditional contact lenses and can limit the amount of oxygen entering the eye. They have not been deemed safe to wear, and you will not be able to obtain a prescription for them.

Hawaii Vision Clinic is on hand to help you obtain the right pair of colored or standard contacts to suit your needs. Their staff is also trained in treating cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, and specializes in Lasik and laser surgeries. To make an appointment today, visit their website or call (808) 487-7938.

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