Halloween Warning: Over-the-Counter Costume Contact Lenses Could Contain Harmful Chemicals

Ophthalmologists say to stay away from non-prescription lenses, which can damage eyes and vision

Wearing costume contact lenses on Halloween can be a real scream. However, the scare from non-prescription contact lenses can be all too real when chemical exposure or potentially blinding infections take place.

To help prevent eye damage and vision loss, Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons is sharing a warning from the American Academy of Ophthalmology to costume shoppers about over-the-counter decorative contact lenses after a recent study found that several varieties tested positive for chlorine and other harmful chemicals.

Research published in September found chlorine in three types of non-prescription costume contact lenses.[1] Iron was found on four pairs of lenses. One pair seeped chlorine after a routine rinse, prompting concern from researchers about toxicity to the eye. Researchers say the chemicals may come from colorants used to tint and create playful patterns on the lenses. Their study also noted that colorants printed or pressed onto some decorative lenses create an uneven texture. Those rough surfaces could scratch the eyes, potentially allowing in bacteria that can cause infection and even blindness.

Four of the five lenses in the study are not available legally in the United States because they are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Despite that sales restriction, many decorative lenses of unknown origin can be bought online. Around Halloween, they often crop up for sale at beauty parlors or even gas stations. The problem is that contact lenses not approved by the FDA may be made with materials that can harm the eyes by causing corneal ulcers or keratitis. Both of these conditions can result in scarring that impairs vision or causes blindness. For this reason, the Academy advises against wearing decorative lenses without a prescription.

“You can’t be sure what you’re getting when you buy over-the-counter contact lenses, which can be very dangerous to your eyes,” said ophthalmologist Thomas Steinemann, M.D., spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “If you want decorative contact lenses, get a prescription or steer clear of them. It’s not worth the risk to your vision.”

Costume Contact Lens Safety Guidelines

To safely wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween or any time of year, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following these guidelines:

• Only buy decorative contact lenses from retailers who require a prescription and sell FDA-approved products.
• If you don’t already have a contact lens prescription, obtain a valid prescription and schedule an eye exam at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons to see one of our Doctors.
• Even for those with perfect vision need to get examined and fitted for the right size contacts by an eye health professional. Ill-fitting lenses can scratch the surface of the eye, creating an opening for infection.
• Redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort can signal eye infection. If you have these symptoms, immediately see an ophthalmologist. Eye infections can cause blindness if left untreated.

For more information on costume contact lenses click here!

[1] Scanning Electron Microscopy Findings with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Investigations of Cosmetically Tinted Contact Lenses, Eye & Contact Lens, Sept. 2015