Halloween contact lenses could be seriously bad for us
[Photo: Getty]
Whether you’re planning on being a skeleton this Halloween or going full zombie, adding novelty contact lenses is sure to make any costume pop.
But sadly they may be too good to be true, as experts have warned that they could pose a serious health risk.
According to the College of Optometrists, wearing our favourite creepy lenses could be putting our eye health at risk as unlike normal contact lenses, they aren’t fitted by professionals who can give you advice on how to use them correctly.
Because for one, lenses which you buy from a fancy dress shop probably won’t be tailored to your eyes, meaning they might scratch them or cause an infection.
They also might not have been kept clean with the correct solution.
[Photo: Getty]
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, Clinical Adviser for the College of Optometrists, said: “Most people think that you don’t need the same level of care when using novelty contact lenses as you do with ordinary contact lenses, because they don’t have a prescription.”
He goes on to explain that the issue isn’t with the lenses themselves, but how people use them - so even if they’re purchased from a reputable outlet, they can still cause harm.
“Fancy dress lenses are often purchased by people who do not wear contacts regularly and who may not know how to handle and care for them safely,” he continues.
[Photo: Getty]
“It is absolutely vital for the health of your eye that you are able to remove and insert your contact lenses safely, know how to keep them sterile, and have been instructed on how to do so by an optometrist.”
Importantly, don’t try cleaning them with regular water, and definitely don’t share them with your friends.
Think about it - the last thing you want to be taking risks with is your eyes, so use contact lenses safely, or not at all.
Have you had a bad experience with novelty contact lenses? Tweet us at @YahooStyleUK.
