Key Takeaways
- Coloured and costume contacts are medical devices, even when you wear them just for fun.
- Your eye doctor can measure your eyes and prescribe lenses sized to fit you.
- Lenses from costume shops or unverified websites carry added risk.
- Redness, pain, or discharge after wearing contacts is a sign to see your optometrist.
- Makeup, masks, and temporary tattoos can complete your look without lenses.
You’ve found the ideal costume. The cape fits, the makeup is planned, and a pair of glowing cat eyes or ghostly white lenses could pull the whole look together. Before you order those lenses, the team at Insight Eyecare wants you to know how to wear them safely.
The safest way to wear coloured contacts this Halloween is with a valid prescription, a proper fitting, and lenses from a trusted source. A contact lens exam and fitting at Insight Eyecare gives your optometrist the measurements needed to choose lenses that sit comfortably on your eyes.
What Are Halloween and Coloured Contacts?
Coloured contacts are tinted lenses that change the colour or look of your eyes. You might turn brown eyes a soft grey, or pick a costume design with cat slits, spirals, or a bright red ring.
Some designs keep the centre of the lens clear, but others can block or dim your vision, especially in low light.
Some styles are larger and cover the white of your eye for a full zombie or demon effect. These can limit your side vision and may not suit every eye, so talk to your optometrist before choosing one.
When Are Coloured Contacts Safe to Wear?
Safety starts well before Halloween night. It begins with a prescription and lenses from a trusted source.
Why Contacts Need a Prescription
Even if your vision is clear, decorative lenses count as medical devices. They sit right on your eye, just like the contacts people wear to see better.
Every eye has its own size and shape. During a fitting, your eye doctor can measure your eyes so the lens rests comfortably. A proper fit helps lower your risk of irritation and infection, so you can enjoy the party instead of rubbing your eyes all night.
Where to Get Safe Lenses
Choose trusted, brand-name lenses that match a valid prescription. Lenses from costume shops and unverified websites carry added risk, since they skip the fitting step and you can’t confirm they suit your eyes.
If you’d like coloured lenses this year, book a fitting with our optometrists in South Surrey and White Rock. The team can help you pick a style and order lenses sized for you.
What Are the Risks of Costume Contacts?
Possible Eye Problems
Poorly fitted or unclean lenses can lead to problems that range from mild to serious. These eye problems include:
- Eye infections can leave your eyes red, sore, and watery.
- Painful sores can form on the clear front surface of your eye.
- Vision loss is possible if these problems go untreated.
Signs to Watch For
Your eyes often give you clues when something is off. Take your lenses out and contact your eye doctor if you notice any of these signs:
- Redness, pain, or more tearing than usual
- Discharge or a gritty feeling, as if something is stuck in your eye
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Discomfort that continues or worsens after you take your lenses out
Prompt care can help your optometrist manage the problem and protect your vision.
Tips for Safe Coloured Contact Use
A few simple habits can help keep your eyes comfortable all night long, whether you’re going trick-or-treating or heading to a party. Follow these steps on Halloween night:
- Wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses.
- Put your lenses in right before you head out.
- Take them out as soon as your costume comes off, and never sleep in them.
- Never share lenses with friends.
- Use only fresh contact lens solution, never water or saliva, and never top up old solution.
- Follow the replacement schedule your optometrist gave you.
These steps keep your wear time short and your lenses clean. That way, you can wake up on the 1st of November with your eyes feeling like usual.
Fun Costume Ideas Without Contacts
You can still create a striking look without putting anything in your eyes. Try one of these ideas for your costume:
- Bold eyeliner or face paint can frame your eyes, so test each product on a small patch of skin 24 to 48 hours ahead.
- A mask can complete your character, as long as the eye holes let you see clearly.
- Temporary tattoos on your cheeks, temples, or forehead add spooky detail without going near your eyes.
A swirl of silver makeup or a painted skull can turn heads at any party. Plus, you can wash it all off in minutes when the night ends.
Book a Contact Lens Exam in South Surrey and White Rock
Whether you’re planning glowing green eyes or a full blackout look, the team at Insight Eyecare can help you wear coloured contacts comfortably this Halloween. Book an appointment with our optometrists in South Surrey and White Rock, and give yourself time to try your new lenses before October 31.
