Halloween is fast approaching and the popularity of Halloween contact lenses, to wear as an enhancement to the perfect costume, is growing each year. Particularly in the last couple of years, thanks largely to the recent burst of vampire movies and TV shows.

Halloween contact lenses are not widely available in Australia, with most optometrists choosing not to endorse the issue of them to their patients. This is because these types of lenses are quite restrictive to your vision and can cause irritation and infection if not used correctly. These crazy contact lenses are largely sought out by younger persons, who may not fully understand the dangers of wearing contact lenses if they are not cared for and used correctly. This can be because they are viewed upon as a fun, short term cosmetic accessory and not as the medical device that they were intended. Younger people who wear these lenses are also more likely to share their lenses with their friends which could be devastating if a transfer of germs or infection occurred between people.

Most Halloween contact lenses are shipped from overseas where the sale of them is not quite as regulated, however Halloween contact lenses are still available within Australia via some online sites. Netlens does not endorse the supply of Halloween contact lenses due to the risk involved in wearing them. Due to the colour and style of the lenses your vision is greatly restricted, so they can’t be worn whilst driving, and even negotiating stairs and other obstacles is difficult for some people. In addition to that Halloween and special effect lenses are designed to be worn for short periods of time, and can cause headaches and eye irritation if worn for too long simply due to the way your eyes have to adjust to the change in view through these lenses. Halloween contact lenses are mostly available in plano scripts, which have no vision correction for those that need it. Add on top of that, the risk of getting heavy make-up or glitter (typically worn with Halloween costumes) on the lenses while inserting them or during their use and smokey, boozy parties that may be attended whilst in costume, Halloween and special effects contact lenses really can be quite volatile to your delicate eyes.

Netlens recommends that if you do go ahead and decide to obtain and wear Halloween or special effect contact lenses that you seek the advice of your optometrist first and that you have them correctly fitted by your optometrist, well before you plan to wear them. Netlens also recommends that you seek professional training from your optometrist on how to care for your contact lenses and safe handling procedures while using the lenses if you are not a regular wearer of contact lenses. Your optometrist can then recommend the best place to purchase the contact lenses that are suitable for you.

 Some tips if wearing Halloween contact lenses: