If you thought only people with weak eyesight wear contact lenses, then you are wrong. When Halloween approaches, many people are seen buying costume contact lenses or cosmetic contacts to complete their Halloween outfits. Ever seen those fiery eyes with a cat costume around the holidays? Yes, those are decorative contacts. Before you indulge in one of these fashion trends, have you ever considered the dangers of using these contact lenses? The damage inflicted by these low quality cosmetic contacts is something even a laser eye surgery might not be able to fix!
Before you get attracted to blackout lenses that make you look like a vampire or those that are shaped like a cat’s corneas, do weigh your risks because there is only so much as Lasik can do. Baltimore Sun reports that 28% people who buy these contacts are purchasing them from unreliable sources such as the gas stations or even online. FDA does not recognize these sources and selling these lenses is even considered illegal!
Here are some risks of using decorative contacts on Halloween or any of the other holidays.
Allergies or in some cases, even blindness
According to experts like Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston, all the contact lenses must be fitted by the physicians. Poorly fitted lenses can cause bacteria in your eyes that can expose you to the risk of getting allergic reactions or in some extreme cases, even blindness. Lenses that do not fit properly scratch the cornea or prevent it from getting the requisite amount of moisture that can lead to infection.
Corneal Ulcers
In most extreme cases, decorative lenses have also led to corneal ulcers that can be very painful and cause sensitivity to light and vision changes. If you want to add lenses to your Halloween costume, it is better to consult your ophthalmologist who can offer you a good quality brand that is perfect for your eyes. Avoid buying from online shops because they are offering huge discounts. It is not worth it to pay for your lenses with your eyesight.
Cuts and Open Sores
Non-prescription contact lenses also leave you vulnerable to injuries such as open sores and cuts that are caused by ill fitted lenses. Sometimes, these open sores can be so severe that it may require an eye surgery such as corneal transplants. Or it may cause permanent vision loss if not corrected in right time.
If you really want to add contact lenses to your holiday look, then the least you can do is avoid buying from over the counter or sources that are not legally allowed to sell these lenses. Take help from an eye care professional to prescribe and fit these lenses in your eyes so that eliminate the risk of eye injuries. It is absolutely necessary for your lenses to fit perfectly which can only be determined by an individual eye exam. By not caring for this step, you are exposing yourself to some grave dangers that can even result in permanent eye loss.
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugar Land Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/glasses-contacts-lasik/colored-lenses.cfm
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-10-31/health/bal-halloween-contacts-safety_1_contact-lenses-risk-of-eye-infection-extended-wear-lenses:
