My Halloween

There have been many FDA warnings and publications in Optometry magazines about the dangers of halloween costume contacts. As a result many people are afraid to wear them, considering them to be unsafe.

While it is true that there have been numerous cases of individuals contracting serious eye infections after having worn costume contact lenses, the lenses themselves aren’t the cause. Most times the problems have been caused by poor hygiene, improper lens care and sharing of lenses between friends. Even though Halloween Costume contacts can really complete the dramatic character transformation that your halloween costume requires always remember that your eyes are very precious. Halloween Contacts have to be treated with the same level of care that a regular contact lens wearer would take when caring for their regular contact lenses. NEVER share lenses with anyone else and NEVER wear someone else’s lenses. When lenses are shared, microscopic organisms are transferred between the wearers and serious eye problems can result.

How can I find safe lenses?

Firstly look for a well known brand like Gothika, available from ExtremeSFX.com or Crazy Lenses manufactured by Coopervision. The Gothika Lenses are manufactured using the same materials, processes and in the same machines used to make conventional (clear) contacts. The only difference is that a layer of color is machine printed onto the front surface of the lens. Because the color is on the outside of the lens, it does not actually touch your eye. The color layer is sealed over with a thin layer of clear contact lens material to ensure it does not flake off or irritate your eye. If cared for properly and fitted on the advice of a licensed eye care professional, they are perfectly safe for your eyes and are just as comfortable as regular clear contacts.

The Gothika brand of lenses, available at ExtremeSFX.com are of very high quality. In fact they are the exact same lenses sold online by the largest internet retail stores like Coastal Contacts, Vision Direct, Lensquest etc. They are manufactured, packaged and sterilized to the highest international standards for contact lenses and are fully in compliance with US contact lens manufacture, packaging and sterilization regulations.

One word of caution though, they should not be worn for extended periods of time, usually no more than 8 hours at a time or as recommended by your eye doctor. Because they are slightly thicker than regular contacts, not as much oxygen is able to penetrate the lens and reach your eye. Lenses worn for long periods of time will cause your eyes to become red and irritated. Most people report that they are comfortable if worn for less than 8 hours at a time. Only if you have very sensitive eyes, you might feel some irritation and discomfort during shorter wear periods. As with regular contacts, halloween costume lenses need proper cleaning. Always wash your hands before handling your lenses and rinse your lenses with fresh contact lens solution before inserting them in your eyes. Always follow the recommendations of your eye doctor.