What are Costume Contacts and Are They Safe?

What are They?

Costume contacts, or decorative contact lenses, are contacts that will change the appearance of you eyes. They are mostly used for cosplay, Halloween costumes, and theater. With them, you can change the color or shape of your eyes or even give yourself cartoon or animal eyes. They also come with the option of a vision correction prescription. Life of the Party here in Fort Collins has a wide selection of non-prescription costume contacts that can give your costume that extra detail to really bring it to life. They can give you anything from Dracula to Loki to zombie eyes.

Are They Safe?

While costume contacts are mostly used to bring a costume together, they can’t and shouldn’t be purchased in the same way as clothing for a costume. Unlike clothing, costume contacts need a prescription from an optometrist to buy them. Any company that says they are “one size fits all” or “doesn’t need a doctor’s approval” are dangerous. It is also illegal to sell them without requiring a prescription.

“Improperly-fitting contacts that are not FDA approved can cause damage to your eye. Contacts can cause scratches on the outer layer of the eye or even corneal ulcers if they aren’t prescribed by a professional,” said Dr. Bryant, Optometrist and owner of Edge Optics.

Contacts that fit poorly or are not properly cleaned can also result in conjunctivitis, or pink eye, decreased vision, or even blindness.

But, if you get your eyes checked by an optometrist first, they can ensure that you buy properly fitted costume contacts. During the appointment, they will measure your eyes and evaluate how your eyes react to contacts. They can also give you advice on how to properly clean the contacts. Dr, Bryant says that it’s also important to have them show you how to put them in and take them out and the proper “wear schedule” for them.

Where to Buy Costume Contacts?

In Fort Collins, you can visit Life of the Party to buy costume contacts that are FDA approved. They know how important contacts that are properly fitted are, so they work with local optometrists to provide you with a valid prescription that is required to buy their contacts.

One business they work with is Edge Optics. Their optometrists can provide you with expert-level care and advice at competitive prices. Don’t have insurance? Edge Optics offers a VIP Discount Plan that won’t break the bank.

Life of the Party and Edge Optics want to make sure everyone has a fun, spooky, and safe Halloween!