Contact lenses are meant to correct people’s vision, but they can also be fashion accessories. Some can change the wearer’s eye color, which tends to be especially popular around Halloween. However, the lenses that are sometimes offered at costume stores and beauty parlors aren’t as safe as the ones you can get from your local eye doctor. Here’s why you should only use contact lenses with a prescription.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Store-Bought Contact Lenses

1. Eye Injury

Every eye is different, and contact lenses are made to fit each individual. Buying from a store either means settling for a one-size-fits-all product or guessing your size. Those that don’t fit properly can scratch or injure the eye, potentially leading to corneal abrasions or ulcers. When you get them from an eye doctor, you first get fitted to ensure that your contacts are the proper size.

2. Bacterial Infections

Contact lenses are prescription medical products, so their sale is regulated by law in the U.S. It’s illegal to sell them over the counter, which means the companies that produce them aren’t abiding by the laws and standards that are intended to protect consumers. They may use low-quality materials or production methods that aren’t up to health codes. This can lead to bacterial contamination on the lenses, which can cause eye infections.

3. Improper Use

Wearing contacts requires daily cleaning and other maintenance. Those who are not used to them may not know how to put them in safely or have access to the right cleaning solutions and accessories. Getting them from a qualified eye care professional allows you to learn the proper care methods and get the appropriate solution and containers to avoid contamination.

If you want costume contact lenses for Halloween or any other occasion, get them from a qualified eye care professional to ensure safety. Russellville Eye Clinic PA in Arkansas is an optometry and ophthalmology center that offers contact lenses, glasses, eye exams, screenings, and even eye surgery. The qualified doctors have years of experience, and the entire team works hard to ensure that patients enjoy a comfortable and personalized experience. Visit the website to see a list of eye care options. To make an appointment, call (479) 968-7302.