How to avoid an eye health scare this Halloween

People planning to wear spooky lenses to parties this Halloween are urged to buy their lenses from registered practitioners. Cosmetic lenses are often sold illegally online, at fancy dress shops, and at market stalls and carry the risk of causing serious damage to your eyes.  

“If you or your child are planning to wear lenses, it is vital you purchase them from a registered optician,” says Mr John Dart, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Risk to sight

“Sadly, people aren’t aware of the risks of cosmetic lenses, which don’t always fit eyes, or have not been safely stored. We have seen patients, including children, come in with corneal abrasions and more seriously, infections after wearing cosmetic lenses. In severe cases, this can even lead to sight loss. We also hear of people who have shared lenses with their friends and worn the same lenses well past their expiry date.  

“It is also important wearers are aware of how to fit and store their lenses.

“We strongly advise people to get a registered practitioner to check that contact lenses fit properly. It’s also important to wash and dry your hands before touching your eyes, and to never wash or shower with your lenses in.”  

Protect your eyes this Halloween, and all year round, by following these simple but important steps.