Switching up your eye color is a fun way to get into the festive spirit for Halloween, a parade, or even a costume party. Color contacts can be the finishing touch for many costumes as they can totally change your face’s look. However, there are potential dangers of costume contacts that you need to be aware of before you add them to your costume. Below you will find out what to look for and how to stay safe if you choose to wear costume contacts.
Dangers of Costume Contacts
In some cases, costume contacts can be relatively safe. However, you should be aware of the dangers of costume contacts sold by unauthorized parties.
Prescription Contacts
While you may be tempted to buy some color contacts online or at a costume store, you should refrain from doing so. No matter what, contacts are a medical device that should have a prescription. Many people will buy over the counter contacts, but it’s best to get a prescription from a board-certified optometrist.
It is actually illegal to sell contacts in the United States without a prescription. This means that a supplier or vendor who provides you with contact lenses without a prescription should raise some serious concerns. Further, if they are willing to fill your order without a prescription they may be unethical in other areas of business, including factors that could impact your health. For example, contacts need to be sterile and in sanitary conditions. Instead of risking getting contacts from a business without a prescription, be safe. Talk with your optometrist as they can advise you on what’s best for your unique medical needs.
Still, even when provided by specialists, there are disadvantages of contact lenses.
Color Prescription Contacts
If you are concerned about talking with an optometrist about color contacts, even if it is for a costume, you shouldn’t be! People get prescription contacts for reasons outside of just helping with their eyesight. Many people get prescribed color contacts for everyday use. An optometrist will not be surprised or shocked if you want to get contacts for a costume.
A prescription is required because everyone’s eyes are different. Contacts need to fit the unique shape of your eye, which is why it’s important to have a board-certified optometrist provide you with a prescription that is right for you. Not only the eyeball itself, but the size of your cornea needs to be measured. A contact lens that is too flat or curved can cause problems with your eye and vision, including falling out or even injury.
Cleaning Routine for Contact Lenses
Caring for your contact lenses can help ensure your vision and eyes aren’t negatively impacted by adding contacts to your routine. Below are some of the best tips for keeping your contact lens cleaning routine as healthy and safe as possible.
- Clean Hands for Removal: Before you do or touch anything related to your contact, wash your hands with hot soapy water. Remove and put them in properly. If they are stuck, stay calm. You’ll need to add some contact friendly eye drops, close your eye for a minute, blink once they are open, and it should come out.
- Clean Solution: Always use clean solution and do not reuse it. This is a hotbed for infection. Additionally, do not use any other type of solution unless it is specifically for contact lenses.
- Follow Instructions: Your contact lenses will have instructions, so it’s highly advisable to follow them. Don’t go over the recommended amount of time in terms of keeping them in. Also, replace them in the intervals recommended on the instructions.
- Eyedrops: Use contact friendly eyedrops to keep your eyes and contacts hydrated. Do not rub your eyes with your contacts in as you risk them falling out, eye injury, or infection.
Ophthalmologist Mission Viejo
If you want prescription color contact lenses, contact Dr. Ghosheh at Advanced Eye Medical. Dr. Gosheh is one of the most well-known and trusted eye surgeons in Orange County. He is focused on providing patients with the most cutting-edge eye care to ensure their unique needs are met. Contact his office today for an appointment!