Colorful or cat-eye contact lenses can complete a costume, but decorative lenses still need to fit your eyes properly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against buying lenses without a prescription.
Why a proper fit matters
Costume lenses sold as one-size-fits-all may not match the shape of your eye. A poor fit can scratch the cornea or contribute to ulcers and infections, including keratitis. The CDC warns that complications can affect vision. In a 2017 report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found bacterial contamination in 27% of the costume contact lenses it examined.
In the United States, contact lenses require a prescription. An eye-care professional can assess the fit and provide guidance, while the Federal Trade Commission says patients are entitled to their prescription after a fitting.
Safer lens habits
Wash your hands before handling lenses, store them in contact lens solution, and keep their case clean. Avoid sleeping or swimming in them, and never share lenses. If you experience redness, swelling, pain, or unusual discharge, remove the lenses and seek prompt eye-care advice.
As access to eye-care guidance grows, informed choices can help people enjoy creative costumes while making eye safety part of the experience.
