Published on
updated on
Reading 3 min.
Colored lenses often make the Halloween outfit even more impressive. But be careful, because these devices to be placed in the eye are not harmless and they must be worn with certain precautions.
Whether they give a white look, blood red or even cat eyes, fancy and colored contact lenses are the popular accessory that will make your face look scary. But if used incorrectly, they can also cause real irritation or even more serious eye problems. Ophthalmologists react to lenses sold particularly commercially.
What are the risks with colored lenses sold without a prescription?
In the magazine Very Well HealthDr. Ashley Brissettes, an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in New York, deplores the use of over-the-counter items that can be found everywhere today. They often lack the necessary sterility and proper fit which can lead to serious eye infections like keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea caused by bacteria or fungus. The risks for your eyes are very real:
- Poorly fitted contact lenses can lead to corneal abrasions (a scratch or scrape on the surface of your cornea), which can cause pain, redness, and even vision loss. Moreover, “certain materials or dyes in these lenses may trigger allergic reactions, causing discomfort and inflammation” she emphasizes;
- Lenses can also prevent oxygen from reaching the cornea, which can lead to complications such as swelling or neovascularization, a condition in which new blood vessels grow in the cornea;
Wearing colored contact lenses, even for a short time, also increases the risk of complications, which is why it is generally not recommended to do so. The danger is not, however, reserved for non-prescription lenses, for ophthalmologist Miel Sundararajan (Washington).
Poor hygiene practices – such as sleeping, swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses, not washing hands, or reusing contact lenses or solution inappropriately – can lead to corneal abrasions or serious infections . Even with prescription lenses.
If you still decide to wear colored contact lenses to refine your look, it is important to take several precautions, add the experts:
- Consult a professional. Have your contact lenses fitted by a licensed eye care professional. He or she will ensure that your vision is clear for activities like driving and reading and that the lenses fit properly to avoid discomfort and irritation.
- Follow proper instructions and usage guidelines. This includes cleaning the lenses, replacing them frequently, and following the recommended wear schedule.
- Maintain good hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Use the recommended lens solution and never clean or store your lenses with water or saliva. Clean the lenses as directed and store them in fresh solution in a clean case, replacing the case every three months.
- Buy safely: Shop at reputable opticians or pharmacies and only buy from trusted online stores that require prescriptions and provide safety certifications. If you buy from fancy dress stores, make sure the lenses meet European standards and include proper care instructions.
If you experience discomfort or pain after wearing colored contact lenses, it is important to monitor your symptoms. And to go to an ophthalmologist if you notice the following symptoms:
- Persistent redness that lasts more than a few hours or gets worse;
- Persistent pain, discomfort or feeling of grit in the eye, accompanied by discharge;
- Blurred vision;
- Increased sensitivity to light;
- Swelling of the eyelids.
If you do not see improvement within 24 hours of removing your lenses and using artificial tears, you should make an appointment.