Halloween costume contact lenses may be scarier than you think

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Americans can be haunted by scary eye infections long after Halloween if they wear costume contact lenses without a prescription (CDC).

The agency notes of the 45 million Americans who wear it contact lenses, it is difficult to estimate approximately how many decorative contact lenses they actually wear, but the number is always increasing around Halloween, with the greatest demand often in the demographic group most at risk for infectious complications, according to a recent report.

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The CDC advises purchasing contact lenses only from an ophthalmologist, as there is a high risk of eye-related complications when selling decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription and proper medical education.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies contact lenses as medical devices, meaning they pose a moderate health risk without proper medical supervision. eye doctor, a warning that any site that sells costume contact lenses without a prescription violates the law.

Recently Article on the safety of contact lenses for costumes dr. Phillip Yuhas, an assistant professor of optometry at Ohio State University, says: “A contact lens is a piece of plastic that covers the eye and can prevent oxygen from reaching its anterior surface. New blood vessels grow, redness, tearing and pain are all signs and symptoms of the eye suffered from oxygen. “

A woman uses a dropper … applies eye drops
(iStock)

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Without proper education or a valid prescription, the lens may not fit perfectly, making the outer layer of the eye more susceptible to scratches or ulcers, which can lead to prolonged scarring and permanent vision loss. CDC.

The Agency notes that between 40% -90% of contact lens wearers do not follow the routine care instructions correctly and reports that almost everyone who wears them has admitted to at least one high-risk behavior in their hygiene routine that has increased the risk of eye infection. oz. inflammation.

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Yuhas warned, “Of these risky behaviors, perhaps the most dangerous is sleeping in your contact lenses. In fact, you expose yourself to a high risk of infection of the cornea, the transparent dome that covers the front of the eye.”

This painful eye condition is called keratitis, which sometimes leads to bacterial, viral or parasitic infections. Mayo Clinic.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has found that cosmetic contacts that people often wear during Halloween to change the color of their eyes contain certain chemicals that can be toxic to the eyes, sometimes leading to vision. loss.

Yuhas advised that most contact lenses are generally safe for patients who wear them as directed.

Click on this CDC connection for advice on proper practice of costume contact lenses.