Color and costume contact lenses may seem like the final touch to your Halloween costume but remember that they are medical devices in Canada!
Because your eyes are one of your body’s most important and delicate parts, what you put in and on them must be medically safe and properly fitted. That’s why contact lenses are actually considered medical devices, even though they may be used like a fashion accessory or makeup.
Whether for long-term use, a one-time costume party, or a short-term character portrayal, plan ahead before buying any type of color or decorative contact lenses. The most important step is to consult an eye care practitioner or optometrist. Even if you don’t need vision correction, an eye exam, prescription and contact lens fitting by an eye care professional is essential.
Contact lenses that are not precisely fitted to your eyes can cause serious eye problems, including:
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Scratches, cuts and open sores
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Blood vessels growing into the cornea
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Damaged or impaired vision
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Potentially blinding eye infections
Eye and health care professionals are particularly concerned because of the number of unlicensed providers selling popular costume lenses and other decorative contacts to an unsuspecting public. It may be easy and quick to purchase them on the internet but the damage they can cause will last a lifetime.
Coloured Contacts Lens Don’t
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Don’t borrow any contact lens from a friend, even if they’re not vision correction lens
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Don’t reuse contact lens from last year’s Halloween. Contact lens kept in idle solution can be contaminated and may cause serious eye infections
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Don’t keep wearing them if your eyes are burning or itching. This can be the sign that you are developing an infection.
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Don’t sleep or even take a short nap wearing your lens. It severely limits oxygen transmission to your cornea and can cause microscopic rips to the cornea. Most colored contact lens are not approved for extended wear.
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Don’t put your coloured contact lenses after doing your makeup but before to avoid getting makeup on your lens