Focus on Eyes: Considering colored contact lenses for your Halloween costume? Know the risks
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Halloween costumes are frequently enhanced with face paint and eye makeup.
Common Halloween eye accessories include colored or cosmetic contact lenses, eyelash extenders and sparkling eye shadows.
Misuses of these eye cosmetics can cause eye damage and even visual loss.
Cosmetic or colored contact lenses are used to change the shape or color of the eyes.
People who purchase these contact lenses without prescriptions run the risk of serious eye problems.
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The lenses are not sized for individual eyes.
The poorly-fitted contact lenses can scratch the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye, and cause corneal abrasion.
When eyes have corneal abrasions, they feel sore, are sensitive to light and look red.
The abraded cornea is susceptible to infection resulting in corneal ulcers.
A corneal ulcer appears as an opaque spot in the cornea and the eye is painful, red and inflamed.
Corneal ulcer is a very serious infection that requires intensive antibiotic treatment.
After a corneal ulcer is healed, a corneal scar can form and result in visual decrease.
Colored contact lenses can contain chemicals that are toxic to the eyes. The chemicals can enter the eyes setting off inflammation, scarring, and visual loss.
Faux eyelashes can highlight the appearance of the eyes as part of Halloween dress-up. They can be applied safely by professionals in a sanitary environment.
Most eyelash extensions are placed with tweezers and glues.
Eye infection occurs when there is inadequate hygiene in the salon or direct contact of the eyes with the instruments.
Chemicals in the glue can trigger allergic reactions. The eyelids will feel itchy, red and swollen.
It is best to avoid heated eyelash curlers that can accidentally burn the skin of the eyelids and the cornea.
Shiny eye shadow draws a lot of attention to the face on Halloween Night.
Metallic or sparkling flakes can accidentally fall into the eyes. They can irritate the eyes and infection can occur, particularly in people who wear contact lenses.
When applying face paint, it is best to stop before reaching the lash lines.
To prevent eye complications from Halloween cosmetics, only use cosmetics designed for the eyes.
Before application, make sure hands, face and eyelids are clean.
Apply eye makeup and face paint at or before the lash line.
Avoid putting on eye makeup in a moving vehicle.
If the eye is red, irritated or blurry, carefully remove the eye makeup immediately and seek medical attention as early as possible.
Enjoy Halloween by following the simple and safe recommendations above.
Swollen, red, teary and blurry eyes do not make for a good Halloween experience.
Dr. Frederick Ho, the medical director of Atlantic Eye MD and Atlantic Surgery and Laser Center, is a board certified ophthalmologist. Atlantic Eye MD is located at 8040 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. To make an appointment please call (321) 757-7272. To learn more visit AtlanticEyeMD.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Wearing colored contact lenses on Halloween can cause serious problems
