In just a few weeks ghosts, goblins, vampires and princesses will be showing up at your front door hoping for treats instead of tricks.  Halloween can be a really fun time for both children and adults to don costumes and transform themselves into something different for a day. One costume trend you may have seen in recent years is decorative or “cosmetic” contact lenses.  These lenses come in many styles – from zombies and vampires to sports team logos and animal prints.  They can be pretty cool to look at, but are they safe?

Wearing decorative contacts can be a scary choice at Halloween and any time of the year.  Federal law requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate decorative lenses as medical devices.  Decorative lenses, on the other hand, are often illegally marketed and distributed directly to consumers through places like flea markets, the Internet, beauty salons and other retail outlets.  Don’t assume that because they are sold in a reputable store they are safe. 

Historically, however, the biggest problems associated with decorative contacts have not been the contact themselves, but rather from poor hygiene, improper lens care and sharing of lenses by the wearer. Improper care of contacts can put you at risk for eye problems such as conjunctivitis, swelling, allergic reaction and even corneal abrasion.  Decorative contacts need to be treated with the same level of care as regular contact lenses, so if you do decide to use them follow the basic care instructions outlined below:

1. NEVER share lenses with anyone else. Doing this allows microscopic organisms to transfer between wearers and can result in serious eye problems.
2. Never buy your color contacts from flea markets or beauty salons. The lenses you obtain from these places may be of questionable quality and can be made from materials that are dangerous to your eyes.
3. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
4. Carefully clean contact lenses using only products recommended by your optometrist.
5. If you have 20/20 vision and want to wear color contacts just for fun, visit an eye doctor. Most colored lenses offer two or more options for a base curve, a parameter that needs to be established by a doctor to ensure a proper, comfortable and safe fit.