Halloween is all about creativity, but if your costume includes coloured or decorative contact lenses, your eye health could be at risk. Costume lenses sold online or in stores without a prescription can cause serious problems, including infections, corneal scratches, or even vision loss. At My Optometrist Calgary, we don’t sell cosmetic lenses, but we do help patients understand how to wear contact lenses safely, and what to watch for if something feels wrong. If you’re planning to wear lenses this Halloween or already have, a quick eye exam can help protect your vision. Contact My Optometrist Calgary today to book an appointment in Calgary or Three Hills to make sure your eyes stay safe this spooky season.
Costume Lenses May Look Cool—But They Can Seriously Harm Your Eyes
They may match your costume perfectly, but costume contact lenses bought online, in novelty shops, or from social media sellers can pose a real threat to your eyes. Unlike prescription lenses, these decorative contacts are often made of lower-quality materials, fit poorly, and are used without any professional guidance.
Many people assume that coloured contacts are harmless if they don’t need vision correction, but in Canada, all contact lenses (even cosmetic ones) are considered medical devices and require a valid prescription from a licensed optometrist. Without that, you’re taking a risk with one of the most sensitive parts of your body: your corneas.
The Risks of Costume Contact Lenses
Wearing unprescribed or improperly fitted contact lenses can lead to:
- Eye infections
- Corneal abrasions or scratches
- Redness, burning, or blurred vision
- Allergic reactions
- Potential long-term vision loss
These risks increase when lenses are shared, not cleaned properly, or worn for too long—things that are all too common with Halloween costume use.
What the Law Says in Canada
Health Canada regulates all contact lenses, including cosmetic ones. That means retailers aren’t legally allowed to sell them without a prescription. But many online or novelty sellers ignore this law, leaving you with lenses that may not be sterile, safe, or correctly shaped for your eyes.
At My Optometrist Calgary, we don’t provide or recommend cosmetic lenses. However, we do offer comprehensive contact lens exams and can help you understand whether your eyes have been affected by recent lens use.
What to Do If You Wore Costume Lenses
If you’ve worn costume contacts and now feel any of the following:
- Pain or irritation
- Redness or swelling
- Discharge or tearing
- Blurred or foggy vision
You should book an eye exam right away. Even minor symptoms can be signs of serious issues like corneal ulcers or infections that need treatment fast.
Protect Your Vision—Book a Contact Lens Exam in Calgary or Three Hills
Decorative contact lenses may complete your look, but they can also come with hidden risks. At My Optometrist Calgary, we’re committed to protecting your eye health, especially when seasonal trends can put it in danger. If you’ve worn costume lenses recently or plan to in the future, make sure your eyes are safe with a proper exam and guidance from our experienced team. Contact My Optometrist Calgary to book a contact lens exam today in Calgary or Three Hills and avoid a scary surprise after Halloween.
FAQs
Q: Are costume contact lenses safe to wear?
A: Only if they’re prescribed and properly fitted by a licensed optometrist. OTC lenses are not safe.
Q: Why are non-prescription coloured lenses dangerous?
A: They often don’t fit properly and can cause scratches, infections, or vision loss. If you have more questions about OTC contact lenses, please contact My Optometrist Calgary to confirm the risks, or schedule an exam for professional fitting.
Q: Can I get decorative contact lenses at My Optometrist Calgary?
A: No—we do not sell cosmetic lenses. We only provide medically necessary contact lenses through proper exams.