Does your Halloween costume include cosmetic contacts?
If you plan on wearing those, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, the Canadian Association of Optometrists, and the Opticians Association of Canada wish you'd reconsider.
They warn cosmetic contact lenses pose serious risks to eye health, even if you only wear them for one occasion.
Like contact lenses, cosmetic or decorative contact lenses sit directly on the eye. If they don't fit right or are handled improperly, they can scratch the cornea. There's also the risk of infection and allergies.
Complications can include corneal ulcers and other serious infections that can lead to permanent vision loss.
"If you experience redness, pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light, remove the lenses and seek prompt assessment from an eye care professional," said Past President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Dr Phil Hooper.
Cosmetic contact lenses are regulated as Class II medical devices in Canada and must be licensed by Health Canada to be legally sold. Product licensing doesn't replace the need for appropriate fitting and instruction from an eye care professional.
The organizations that represent eye care professionals say if you insist on wearing cosmetic contact lenses, see a regulated eye care professional for the appropriate fit, buy them through an authorized dispenser, and only use lenses licensed by Health Canada. They also suggest caution when buying lenses online, including from U.S. websites where a product is labelled FDA approved.
"Halloween is a time for creativity and fun, but eye health should never be part of the risk," said President of the Opticians Association of Canada, Claudia Rojas. "Cosmetic contact lenses may seem like a harmless addition to a costume, but they are medical devices that require proper fitting, handling and care. No costume is worth putting your vision at risk."
