Are Halloween Contact Lenses Safe? An SF Eye Doctor Explains
Halloween contact lenses need a prescription and a proper fit from an eye doctor. The FDA classifies decorative and costume lenses as medical devices, and selling them without a prescription is illegal in the US. Costume-shop and no-prescription lenses can scratch the cornea, cause infection and even lead to blindness.
The costume is set. The wig is ordered. And then someone suggests red vampire eyes or pale zombie irises to finish the look. Colored contacts are one of the most convincing costume details there is, and one of the few that can do real harm to your eyes. Here is what the FDA and the American Academy of Ophthalmology say, and how to reduce the risk.
Are Halloween contact lenses safe?
They can be worn more safely with a prescription, a proper fit and correct care, but no contact lens is risk-free. The FDA states that all contact lenses must be prescribed by a doctor, including decorative lenses, and that lenses not prescribed by a doctor are illegal and could cause you harm.
The problem is where most costume lenses come from. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, lenses sold as "one size fits all" are not safe, because contact lenses must be tailored to each eye. A lens that is the wrong size or shape can scratch the eye and open the door to infection.
Do I need a prescription for colored contacts if my vision is perfect?
Yes. This is the part that surprises people. Decorative lenses that do nothing for your vision are still regulated the same way as corrective lenses. The FDA's consumer guidance is direct: get an eye exam from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist "even if you feel your vision is perfect."
A contact lens prescription is not only about vision. It records the brand, the lens measurements and an expiration date, so the lens that sits on your eye is matched to your eye. A proper fit helps reduce the risk of rubbing, sliding or limiting the oxygen that reaches the cornea.
Is it illegal to sell costume contacts without a prescription?
Yes. The FDA says decorative lenses are not cosmetics or over-the-counter merchandise, and that places selling them without a prescription are breaking the law.
The FDA's list of places never to buy contact lenses includes:
Street vendors and flea markets
Salons and beauty supply stores
Halloween stores and novelty shops
Convenience stores and beach shops
Websites that do not ask for a prescription
Some of these lenses may be counterfeit or may never have been cleared by the FDA. Anyone legally selling you contacts, in person or online, must ask for your prescription and verify it with your doctor.
What can go wrong with costume contact lenses?
The FDA and AAO warn about these risks, and none of them are minor:
Corneal abrasion, a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye
Corneal ulcer or infection, including keratitis
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) and allergic reactions
Decreased vision
Blindness, in serious cases
Speed matters here. The FDA warns that bacterial infections can move quickly and cause blindness, sometimes within as little as 24 hours if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
How do I wear colored contacts safely this Halloween?
If you want the look, these steps help reduce risk, drawn from FDA and AAO guidance:
Get an eye exam and a contact lens fitting, even if you have never worn contacts and your vision is sharp.
Get a valid prescription with the brand, measurements and expiration date.
Buy only from a seller that asks for that prescription, whether in person or online.
Follow the cleaning and wearing instructions exactly. Use fresh contact lens solution, never water. Our contact lens hygiene guide covers daily habits that help reduce infection risk.
Never share lenses. Not with a friend, not for one night. The FDA compares it to sharing a toothbrush.
Take them out on time. Don't sleep in them after the party unless your eye doctor has told you that lens is approved for overnight wear.
If you have never worn contacts before, allow time before Halloween for the fitting and for learning how to put lenses in and take them out. The difference between a contact lens fitting and a glasses exam is worth knowing before you book.
Planning dramatic eye makeup to match? Our guide to makeup for sensitive eyes pairs well with contacts, since glitter and liner near the lash line are common irritants.
What are the warning signs after wearing costume contacts?
Remove your lenses and see an eye doctor right away if you notice:
Redness that doesn't settle
Eye pain that doesn't go away after a short time
Swelling or discharge
Blurry or decreased vision
Do not put the lenses back in to "see if it gets better." Keep the lenses and the case and bring them with you. For what counts as urgent, see our guide to the signs of an eye emergency and our overview of emergency eye care in San Francisco.
When should I see an optometrist about colored contacts?
The best time is before the party, not after it. Book a visit if:
You want colored or costume contacts and have never been fitted for lenses
You already wear contacts and want a colored version of your prescription
You bought lenses without a prescription and want them checked before wearing them, or want to know if you should skip them
Your eyes have felt irritated, red or blurry after wearing any contact lens
At Eyes in Disguise, our optometrists fit a full range of contact lenses, including color and cosmetic lenses by prescription. You can see the lens types we fit on our contact lens page, and meet Dr. Michelle Blas and Dr. Nina Stroud before you come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Halloween contact lenses safe?
Halloween contact lenses need a prescription, a proper fit and correct care. These steps reduce risk but do not make lenses risk-free. Non-prescription costume lenses can scratch the cornea, cause infections such as keratitis and, in serious cases, lead to blindness.
Do I need a prescription for colored contacts if I have perfect vision?
Yes. The FDA regulates all decorative and colored contact lenses as medical devices, even when they do not correct vision. An eye doctor needs to measure your eyes and fit the lens to reduce the risk of damage to the cornea.
Is it illegal to sell costume contacts without a prescription?
It is illegal to sell contact lenses without a prescription in the United States. The FDA says stores that sell decorative lenses over the counter, including Halloween, novelty and beauty supply stores, are breaking the law.
Can costume contacts cause an eye infection?
Yes. Poorly fitting or poorly cleaned costume lenses can cause corneal ulcers and bacterial infections. The FDA warns that bacterial eye infections can cause blindness, sometimes within as little as 24 hours if not treated promptly.
What should I do if my eyes hurt after wearing costume contacts?
Remove the lenses right away and see an eye doctor if you have redness, pain, swelling, discharge or blurry vision. Do not put the lenses back in, and bring the lenses and case to your appointment.
Plan your contact lens visit
A great costume is worth the effort. Your eyes are worth a little more. If colored contacts are part of your Halloween plan, let us check the fit and talk through safe wear and care first. Book your contact lens visit at Eyes in Disguise on Union Street in Cow Hollow, or call us at (415) 474-5321. Ask which prescription color options are suitable for your eyes; novelty and special-effect styles may not be available.
