Halloween contacts can add a lot of impact to your Halloween costume. People who wear corrective contact lenses often experiment with costume lenses as well. But if you don't wear contacts on an everyday basis, would Halloween costume lenses be safe and comfortable for you?
What are Halloween contacts lenses?
Halloween lenses, also called costume or theatrical lenses, are soft contact lenses with a layer of color embedded in them. Top quality costume lenses are produced by the companies that also manufacture ordinary (corrective) contact lenses. To ensure that painted special effect lenses are safe, manufacturers use special paints that don't irritate the delicate surface of your eye.
There are hundreds of different designs: cat's eyes, snake eyes, spirals, white-out and black-out lenses, banshee, vampire red, and many more besides.
Quality special effect contacts are comfortable for most people. In fact, if the lens is properly fitted, you shouldn't feel it at all. Soft contact lenses don't have any adjustment period and generally feel comfortable in your eyes straight away. However, if you don't wear contact lenses every day, you might want to order your costume contacts in advance and wear them for a few hours each day, several days before the party.
Costume lenses might get a bit less comfortable as the day goes on. The reason is that they can't be as thin as clear corrective lenses - the opaque color layer adds extra thickness - so the lens doesn't let enough oxygen get to your eyes. It is recommended not to wear them for longer than 8 hours. And you should always take them out before going to bed.
Do I need doctor's prescription to get special effect lenses?
It might sound silly, but you do. Corrective or not, costume lenses are medical devices, and even though most people can wear them without problems, you should consult your eye doctor and get a prescription. Also ask the doctor how to put your costume lenses in and take them out. All brand name special effect contacts come with clear instructions, about putting them in and taking them out, but it takes a bit of practice.
Where can I get Halloween costume contact lenses?
After getting your prescription comes the time to buy your lenses. You can order them through the doctors office, but this is the most expensive option. You would save a lot if you purchased your Halloween lenses from an online contact lens retailer instead. Just make sure that the shop is reputable and specializes on contact lenses, not just Halloween costumes.
If you are wondering if it is all too much trouble, I would say go for it. Without eyes to match, a costume just doesn't look complete.
