Why You Need to See Your Eye Doctor for Your Halloween Contact Lenses

Will you wear cool, wild contacts for Halloween this year? You can elevate your Halloween look with colorful lenses with fun designs. But special effects contacts come with real risks if you do not get them properly fitted by an eye doctor.

Prescription Vs. Nonprescription Lenses

Contact lenses come in two main types – prescription and nonprescription. Prescription lenses correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Plano lenses do not correct vision. They are for looks and do not need a prescription.

The FDA regulates both medical devices to ensure their safe and appropriate usage. Illegal sales of one-size-fits-all specialty contacts without prescriptions still happen. Trying to save a buck on these has enormous risks for your eye health and vision.

The Dangers of Unprescribed Contact Lenses

Using nonprescription contacts without having an exam and getting properly fitted by an eye doctor is risky:

Ill-fitting lenses can badly damage your corneas
You may have blurry, distorted vision with the wrong lenses
There is a greater risk of severe eye infections
You may have an allergic reaction to lens materials
It may lead to permanent vision loss and eye damage

Only contact lenses specifically prescribed and fitted to your eyes are safe for wear. This is the case even for just one night of Halloween festivities. It would be best if you did not gamble with your eyes.

Proper Professional Fitting

When you see an optometrist, they carefully measure your eyes' unique shape and vision needs. The doctor then orders custom contact lenses to fit your eyes properly.

You cannot entrust your eye health to a shady one-size-fits-all gimmick. Only a qualified eye doctor can thoroughly evaluate important factors before prescribing specialty lenses, including:

Proper fit and comfort
Adequate vision correction and clarity
Maintaining eye health with contact lens wear
Proper wear, removal, and care for your lenses

FDA Rules on Contact Lens Prescriptions

Under FDA contact lens regulations, all lenses, including seasonal, costume, and cosmetic contacts, are medical devices requiring prescriptions and professional fitting. It is illegal for retailers to sell lenses without exams or prescriptions because they are unsafe. Your eye doctor knows best what lenses are suitable for your eyes.

Buying Properly Prescribed Lenses

Some optometrists sell decorative contact lenses directly through their offices after examining your eyes and fitting you properly. They can also provide a valid prescription you can use to purchase novelty lenses elsewhere. Talk to your eye doctor to explore safe options to rock crazy contacts.

Here are some fun pet costumes to inspire your look this Halloween: https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/pets/dog-halloween-costume-cat

Bottom Line

With crazy contact lenses, vision and comfort are essential for a fun night. Do not cut corners with unprescribed lenses. See your eye doctor and get properly fitted decorative contacts before wearing them. Follow all wearing and care instructions diligently. Remove lenses promptly if any problems arise. Prioritize your eye health, even with temporary costume wear.

For more eye care tips, visit Lifetime Vision and Eye Care at our office in Miami Gardens, Florida. Call (305) 902-3320 to schedule an appointment today.