By: Douglas R. Fredrick MD, FAAP
Whether you're putting the finishing touch on a Halloween costume or just trying a new look, decorative contact lenses can seem like a fun way to stand out. But don’t be fooled—these lenses are more than just fashion accessories. If you buy them without a prescription or skip a visit to your eye doctor, you could be putting your vision at serious risk.
What are decorative contact lenses?
Decorative contact lenses let you transform the look of your eyes. While they don't always correct vision, they can make brown eyes appear green, for example. Or, they can give dramatic special effects such as slitted pupils for cat eyes or glow-in-the-dark vampire eyes.
Decorative contact lenses are considered medical devices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees their safety and effectiveness, just like regular contact lenses that correct your vision.
Decorative contact lenses are sometimes also called:
Color or colored contact lenses
Halloween contact lenses
Fashion contact lenses
Cosmetic contact lenses
Theatrical contact lenses
Special effects contact lenses
Cosplay contact lenses
What are the risks of decorative and Halloween contact lenses?
Just like prescription lenses, decorative contacts sit directly on the eye. And if they're not properly fitted or used without a prescription, they can cause serious problems such as eye infections, scratches, and even long-term vision damage. Always talk to an eye care professional before wearing any kind of contact lenses, even if they're just for looks.
Problems from not using contact lenses correctly can include:
When wearing any type of contact lenses, be aware of signs of possible eye infection such as:
If you have any of these signs, you need to see a licensed eye doctor (optometrist or
ophthalmologist) right away. An eye infection could become serious and lead to permanent damage if it is not treated.
You can avoid some of these risks by getting any type of contact lenses—decorative or prescription—from your eye doctor. And make sure to follow the directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses.
How to safely use decorative contact lenses
If you plan on wearing decorative contact lenses, even if only for a special event, keep these tips in mind to protect your eyes.
What to do:
Start with an eye exam. A licensed eye doctor will check to make sure the lenses fit properly. A poor fit can lead to irritation or injury.
Get a prescription—even for non-corrective lenses. It should include the brand name, correct lens measurements and expiration date. This ensures the lenses are safe and suited to your eyes.
Follow care instructions closely. Cleaning, disinfecting and wearing lenses correctly helps prevent infections. If instructions aren't provided, ask the eye doctor for them.
Watch for warning signs. If eyes become red, painful or start to produce discharge, remove the lenses and contact an eye doctor right away. These could be signs of an infection that needs prompt treatment.
What to avoid:
Sharing lenses. Even if they look clean, sharing contact lenses can spread bacteria and cause serious eye problems. Plus, all eyes are not the same size and shape; your contact lenses are fitted just for you.
Buying lenses without a prescription. Lenses sold online, in stores or by street vendors without a prescription might not fit properly—and that can lead to scratches, infections or long-term eye damage. Even if everything seems fine at first, problems can develop over time. Only buy from places that require a prescription and sell
FDA-cleared or approved contact lenses.
Remember
Decorative contact lenses can be safe if you treat them like the medical devices they are. Start with an eye exam and get a proper prescription, even if the lenses don't correct vision, and follow all care instructions. A little extra effort now can help you avoid a big problem later—and keep your eyes healthy for all the fun looks ahead.
More information
About Dr. Fredrick Douglas R. Fredrick MD, FAAP, a pediatric ophthalmologist with Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American College of Surgeons. He also serves on the Board of the American Orthoptic Council as President and Co-Chair of the Examination Committee. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Fredrick is on the Executive Committee as Education Chair in the Section on Ophthalmology. Dr. Fredrick has served as volunteer faculty on more than 20 missions with Orbis, an international non-profit organization that improves access to eye care.
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