Avoid Halloween ‘sight-mare’ from novelty contact lenses

WANNABE witches, warlocks, black cats and devils in Devon are being urged to avoid using spooky novelty contact lenses that could harm their eyes this Halloween.

An increasingly popular trend at this time of year is for people to wear coloured novelty contact lenses – but not knowing how to wear or care for them can also result in numerous eye conditions.

This includes red eye, infections and scratches, as well as more serious complications that can, in severe cases, lead to sight loss. 

Giles Edmonds, Specsavers clinical services director, says: ‘Halloween contact lenses have become a popular choice the last few years. However, consumers are often not aware of the risks associated with misusing contact lenses.   

‘In particular, if a wearer hasn’t had a proper consultation with an optometrist beforehand, they probably haven’t been taught how to wear or care for their lenses correctly.

‘The results can range from mildly irritating complications, such as blurry vision and conjunctivitis, to potentially sight-threatening conditions, such as fungal infections like microbial keratitis.’  

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) is working to drive out the unregulated sale of coloured contact lenses across the UK, following a rise in the number of eye infections at this time of year.

Mr Edmonds adds: ‘If you do start to notice any discomfort, irritation or pain during or after wearing Halloween contact lenses, it is important that you visit your optometrist immediately. Most of our stores offer eye health clinics where you can receive treatment for a range of minor eye conditions without needing to visit your GP or hospital.’  

It is also important to ensure that any make-up is properly removed before going to sleep to avoid a spooky disaster. 

Mr Edmonds says: ‘Leaving your eye make-up on when you go to bed – particularly eyeliner and mascara – will increase your chances of getting bacterial and oil build up around your eyes or even inflammation. Make sure that you always gently remove beauty products to reduce infection and keep your eyes clean.’  

Specsavers sells coloured contact lenses, including non-prescription lenses. For more information visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/contact-lenses/coloured-contact-lenses-halloween.