Those dressing up for Halloween are urged by a Wick optician to take extra care when it comes to choosing any ‘spooktacular’ eye accessories and makeup.
Whether it’s vampire-inspired red contacts, spiderweb-like lashes or the timeless cat-eye, the experts at Specsavers want to ensure fancy dress revellers treat their eyes with the care they deserve however they choose in order to celebrate this October 31.
An increasingly popular trend is for people to wear off-the-shelf novelty contact lenses, with research by the College of Optometrists showing nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of people who plan to dress up with regard to Halloween will consider wearing cosmetic disposable lenses.
The study also showed that only a quarter of people (27 per cent) would buy uniqueness lenses from a licensed optometrist, despite it being illegal to sell contact lens with no prescription in the UK without the supervision of a registered optometrist, dispensing optician or doctor.
Not knowing how to wear or care for them can lead to numerous minor eye conditions – such as red eye, infections and scratches — as well as more serious complications that can, in severe cases, lead to sight loss.
Valerie Loy, Specsavers Wick optician, warns of the importance of staying safe this particular Halloween and making sure people protect their eyes.
She said: ‘Halloween contact lenses have grown to be a popular choice the last few years, however , consumers are usually often not aware from the risks associated with misusing lenses.
“In particular, if the wearer hasn’t had a proper consultation along with an optician beforehand, these people probably haven’t been taught how in order to wear or care for their own lenses correctly. The results can be nasty and range from mildly irritating complications, like blurry vision and conjunctivitis, to potentially sight-threatening circumstances, such because fungal infections like microbial keratitis. ”
Industry body, the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), is working to drive out the particular unregulated sale of coloured contact lenses across the UK to reduce the associated dangers, following a rise in the number of eye bacterial infections at this time associated with year.
Ms Loy continues: “If you do start to notice any discomfort, irritation or pain during or even after putting on Halloween get in touch with lenses, it is important that you visit your optometrist immediately. Most of our stores offer eye health clinics where you may receive treatment for a range of minimal eye situations without needing to visit your GP or hospital. ”
How in order to avoid a frightening mishap this Halloween:
1. Seek guidance from your optician before using originality contact lens.
2 . Prevent purchasing cheap products online.
3. Clean and store your lenses properly to avoid infection.
4. Do not really fall asleep in your lens.
5. Never share contacts with other people.
It is also important to ensure that any kind of make-up is properly removed before going to sleep to prevent the spooky disaster. Ms Loy adds: “Leaving your attention make-up on when you go to bed – particularly eyeliner plus mascara – will increase your own chances of getting bacterial and oil build up around your eye or even inflammation. Make sure that you always gently remove beauty products to reduce infection and keep your eyes clean. inch
For more information check out: www.specsavers.co.uk/contact-lenses/coloured-contact-lenses-halloween
Specsavers sells coloured contact lenses, including non-prescription lenses.