The Scary Truth About Halloween Eye Trends

With in-person celebrations prevented by the pandemic last year, people may be going all out this Halloween. Costume makeup and colored contacts are two common tools people use to amp up their look, but many people don’t know that they could be risking sight-threatening injury and infection while wearing them.

A survey found that 25% of young adults would wear novelty lenses for their costumes, and 12% of respondents would share makeup. Over 40% of survey respondents didn’t know that novelty lenses are dangerous, which means they would be risking their vision and eye health unknowingly. Now that’s scary!

Over-the-counter contacts are dangerous.

These lenses are not FDA approved, meaning they can be made with harmful materials, like paint, that prevent oxygen from reaching the eye. These lenses are not sterile, and many people who buy them are unaware of proper lens care, meaning that they could be exposing their eyes to sight-threatening bacteria. 

Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all.

Everyone’s eyes are unique, and contact lenses that are not properly fitted can scratch the cornea (especially if they are made with abrasive, non-FDA-approved materials). In fact, ill-fitting, toxic novelty contacts are so dangerous that it is illegal to sell them without a prescription. The companies that make these lenses are willing to break the law and risk peoples’ vision to make money.

For those interested in colored contacts for Halloween (or anytime!), an eye doctor should write a prescription. Even without vision correction, a prescription for contacts ensures that lenses will fit the eyes properly and be made of clean, safe materials.

Halloween makeup can pose a threat to eye health.

Costume shops and vendors will often sell non-FDA-approved makeup and face paint around Halloween. Everything that goes on the face or near eyes should be safe, approved makeup. Plus, sharing applicators or products, especially eye makeup, can spread harmful bacteria.

Craft glitter can get in the eyes and scratch the cornea. Anyone interested in adding some sparkle with glitter should ensure that their products are makeup glitter. In addition, most eye makeup, including mascara and eyeliner, should be discarded after three months. Checking the expiration date before use can lessen the risk of eye infections.

This Halloween, protect your eyes so that the only frights you have come from haunted houses and scary movies. At Better Vision New Jersey, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about eye health, especially Halloween safety. Have a fun, spooky, and safe celebration!

Book your appointment!

If you are committed to wearing colored contacts to elevate your look, give us a visit! We’ll find the right prescription for your eyes. To book your next appointment, call the team at Better Vision New Jersey today!