Halloween contact lenses could cause permanent vision loss, experts warn
Advised Public Has The Or These Not Any Shops Ireland Supplied To Lenses Costume Or Through Contact Websites Purchase Optometry
Those contemplating wearing cosmetic or 'fun' contact lenses this Halloween are advised to rethink their decision, due to serious health risks and the potential for permanent vision loss, Optometry Ireland has warned.
The eye experts have condemned the risky trend of people buying fun ‘Halloween party’ contact lenses online or from pop-up shops as part of costumes.
There are a number of proven complications associated with wearing these lenses, which can carry serious health risks and are also illegal.
Optometry Ireland President Tania Constable said many complications can arise as a result of wearing these lenses, such as permanent loss of vision.
This view is supported by many international studies, with some stating the pigment included in the contacts to change eye color makes the item much more difficult to adequately clean and sterilize.
"This makes microbial adherence much stronger," she said.
“The second major risk is that the lenses are not fitted by a registered practitioner, so adherence to safe insertion and removal are often not practiced – resulting in a very high level of complications.”
Optometry Ireland has advised the public not to purchase these or any contact lenses supplied through websites or costume shops.
“Not only is it dangerous, but it is also illegal. Evidence of shops supplying these lenses should be reported to the State health and social care regulator CORU," she said.
Contact lenses are a regulated product in Ireland, and so they may only be fitted and supplied by a qualified, regulated professional such as an optometrist, she explained.