Beware of Cosmetic Contact Lenses: The Hidden Dangers You Need to Know

As Halloween approaches, it’s tempting to complete your costume with a pair of cosmetic contact lenses to transform your look. However, while these lenses are often marketed as fun accessories and sold in various stores or online, they come with serious risks to your eye health.

The Truth About Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Cosmetic contact lenses may look harmless, but did you know that it’s illegal for stores to sell them without a prescription in Canada? These lenses are classified as medical devices and should only be obtained through a licensed eye care professional, such as an optometrist. If they aren’t properly fitted to your eyes, wearing them can lead to severe eye damage, even if worn for just a short time.

Why You Should Avoid Over-the-Counter Lenses

The biggest risk with non-prescription contact lenses is that they often don’t fit the shape of your eye. This improper fit can cause irritation, corneal abrasions, and even serious infections that could lead to long-term vision problems or blindness. Without the guidance of an optometrist, there’s also a lack of education on how to properly wear, clean, and store the lenses—further increasing the risk of harm.

The Risks of Poor-Quality Lenses

Many cosmetic lenses sold without a prescription are made with lower-quality materials. These subpar lenses can restrict oxygen from reaching your eye’s cornea, leading to a condition called hypoxia. In addition, poor-quality manufacturing can result in sharp edges or rough surfaces that can scratch the surface of your eye, leading to painful infections like keratitis.

Avoid Cosmetic Contact Lenses Altogether

Instead of risking your eye health with cosmetic contact lenses, we encourage you to explore safer alternatives for your Halloween look, such as makeup or special effects that don’t involve your eyes. Your vision is too valuable to put at risk for a temporary effect. If you’re ever in doubt about eye care or eye safety, feel free to reach out to Ambleside Family Optometry—we’re here to help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

Protect your eyes—there’s no costume worth sacrificing your vision!