Are Novelty Contact Lenses Safe?

Novelty contact lenses go under various names, such as cosmetic contacts, costume contacts, Halloween contacts and decorative contacts, but they are all essentially the same thing. They are worn for appearance rather than function. Novelty contacts are not prescription-based, and they don’t alter vision as a primary function.

Difference Between Colored Contacts and Novelty Contacts

It’s important to distinguish the difference between prescription colored contact lenses that you get from your eye doctor in Eldridge, MD and novelty contacts. Colored contacts prescribed by your eye doctor have the added feature of being colored. When worn, they alter the appearance of the iris to a different natural hue, such as blue, brown or green. They will be from a reputable contact lens brand, with all the safety standards of traditional, clear contacts.

Some novelty contacts, on the other hand, can be made by other companies that do not make prescription contacts. They may be purchased without a prescription, and without any eye exam.

Note that only with a prescription and a contact lens eye exam can you be sure that a contact lens will properly fit your eyes.

The Dangers of Novelty Contact Lenses

Wearing non-prescription novelty contact lenses, even for a short time, can cause permanent eye damage. Unfortunately, these lenses have become more popular and widely available, due to certain social behaviors such as cosplay, and real-life role-playing activities. Eye doctors are seeing more instances of eye damage from novelty contact lenses than ever before.

There is no such thing as a safe one-size-fits-all contact lens. Novelty contact lenses can cause scratches on the cornea, eye infections and even lacerations. Long-term, these non-prescription lenses can lead to corneal ulcers and keratitis, a painful bacterial infection that can cause blindness.

Contact lenses are considered medical devices and are regulated by the FDA. If you are procuring non-prescription, novelty contact lenses that don’t carry the FDA seal of approval, they aren’t safe to wear. If you choose to wear novelty contact lenses for an event, first obtain a prescription for contact lenses in Eldridge, MD from your eye doctor. Next, choose a seller that requires a prescription for the novelty contact lenses. Do not buy from cheap, seasonal Halloween stores, street vendors, beauty supply stores or anyone that does’t require a prescription.

Part of keeping your vision healthy is making sure you don’t fall prey to third-party sellers who are willing to break the law to sell unsafe novelty contacts. Always consult with your eye doctor if you’re unsure, by booking an appointment.