While novelty Halloween contact lenses may seem like a bit of fun, party-goers should be careful when it comes to putting cheap products in their eyes.
That's because the spooky costume contacts are actually illegal - and experts say they can cause damage to your eyes and sight.
Feel Good Contacts has revealed the dangers of buying lenses without a prescription as it could lead to horrible infections, scratches on the cornea, conjunctivitis and even impaired vision.
Experts say contact lenses are medical devices and should only be purchased with an optician’s prescription - and it's actually against the law to buy them without one.
Sharon Copeland, Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts warned: “While we want Halloween to be a memorable evening, we want it to be unforgettable for the right reasons and are warning consumers of the dangers of buying costume lenses without a prescription.
"Contact lenses are medical devices and should only be purchased with an optician’s prescription. In fact, it’s illegal to buy contact lenses without one.
"Even if you don’t need any vision correction, you still need to visit an optician to ensure that contact lenses are suitable for your eyes.”
“We recommend that before buying your contact lenses you visit your eye care practitioner for a check-up, regardless of whether you are buying cosmetic lenses with or without powers.
"It is advisable that you avoid buying them from salons, beauty supply stores, boutiques, flea markets, novelty stores, Halloween stores, convenience stores or untrustworthy internet retailers.
"These outlets may not abide by the same safety standards and regulations as a reputable contact lens retailer.
"When purchasing contact lenses from non-optical establishments, you could be putting your eyes at risk of a long list of eye-related conditions, including but not limited to; corneal infection, scratches on the cornea, conjunctivitis and reduced visual acuity.
Here's checklist of safety advice for those thinking of getting spooky lenses.
1. Before buying your contact lenses you should visit your eye care practitioner for a check-up.
Even if you have good eyesight, you will still need to visit an optician to ensure that contact lenses are suitable for your eyes.
If suitable, you will obtain a prescription with the lens dimensions to help you buy a proper fitting lens.
2. Buy the lenses from an eye care professional or vendor that requires a prescription.
It is advisable that you avoid buying lenses from untrustworthy retailers as they might not abide by the same safety standards and regulations as a reputable contact lens retailer.
Reputable brands will only stock lenses from manufacturers that adhere to the strictest safety and quality regulations.
Remember, contact lenses are medical devices and should only be purchased with an optician’s prescription. In fact, it’s illegal to buy contact lenses without one.
3. Always put your lenses in before applying your Halloween make up
Take them out before you remove your make up at the end of the night.
4. Do not share your lenses with anyone
By sharing, you increase the chances of spreading eye diseases and corneal ulcers.
5. Follow the directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses (do not use water)
Do not overuse your lenses. If it is a single use lens, then only wear it for the day and do not exceed the recommended wearing time. If in doubt, follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
6. Do not sleep with your cosmetic lenses in
The lenses will become misaligned, irritate your eyes and in a worst-case scenario, permanently damage your eyes.
7. If you suffer from any redness, itching, swelling or irritation then remove your lenses immediately
Consult an optician or visit A&E that has an eye department and get your eyes treated as soon as possible.
