Visual health professionals have warned that the use of costume contact lenses and other typical Halloween accessories can lead to various eye disorders, including irritation, allergies, infections, and damage to the cornea.
"A costume lens may seem like a purely aesthetic accessory, but it requires individualized fitting," explained the optician-optometrist in charge of visual health, ophthalmic and contact lenses at the company General Optica, Viviana Outeda Domínguez, who focused on it and added that "before using it, an optician-optometrist must assess whether it is suitable for that person and explain how to handle it correctly."
Along these lines, and after emphasizing that party contact lenses "require specific conditions of use and safety," she indicated that seven out of 10 people buy them without having undergone a professional checkup beforehand. For this reason, and with the aim of protecting eye health, she stated that General Optica has chosen not to dispense costume contact lenses to those who are not already contact lens users without a prior assessment.
"A poorly fitted lens, incorrect handling, or poor hygiene can cause anything from mild discomfort to more serious complications, such as irritations, eye infections, abrasions or injuries to the cornea, dryness, blurred vision or eye strain," she stressed, adding that "the first thing is to check that the eye can use it and that that specific lens is the right one."
How to use contact lenses safely
In any case, she insists on always going to an authorized optician, verifying that the eye is in condition to use contact lenses, being extremely careful about hand cleanliness before touching them, avoiding sharing them, respecting the maximum wearing time, and not sleeping with them. She also asks to watch makeup and remove them at any worrying symptom. "A contact lens should not cause pain, intense redness, or alter vision," she stated.
In similar terms, the optician-optometrist of the entity Alain Afflelou, Ana Díaz, has spoken, who has emphasized the need to resort to "approved products, suitable for each user," and that "the usage instructions are respected." In her opinion, "it is essential to purchase them in specialized establishments" and "consult with a professional optician-optometrist."
Likewise, he has reminded that "before putting them on and after taking them off, it is important to wash and dry your hands well". In addition, he recommends "always respecting the recommended wearing time indicated by the manufacturer".
Another of the tips he offers is "avoiding contact with water, makeup, or other products that may contaminate them", since "if contact lenses are not used properly, problems can arise ranging from discomfort, dryness, irritation, or redness to more serious problems, such as infections or lesions on the ocular surface".
Risks of makeup and other products at Halloween
From the Baviera company they broaden the warning to other common items in costumes, such as makeup, and remind that "the eye area is one of the most delicate parts of the face". For this reason, they insist that "the appropriate materials" be used and "minimum hygiene measures" be followed.
Among the most common discomforts they mention "itchy eyes, redness, tearing, or swelling of the eyelids", to which are added "allergic reactions and irritations caused by pigments and adhesives not suitable for the eye area; infections, such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis; and, in the most serious cases, injuries to the cornea, such as corneal ulcers".
To avoid these complications, they recommend washing your hands well before and after putting in and taking out the contact lenses; purchasing them at regulated points of sale and using them following the instructions of a professional; opting for specific makeup for the eye contour; avoiding glitter and powders near the lash line; being extremely careful with adhesives; and not going to sleep without removing makeup completely.
Advice from ophthalmologists when dressing up
The ophthalmologists of Baviera propose a series of basic guidelines to preserve visual health during these celebrations:
- Clean hands and tools ready: before and after applying makeup or putting on contact lenses, the first thing is to wash your hands well and brushes, sponges, pencils, and concealers must also be clean and in good condition so that they do not accumulate bacteria or fungi that could cause an infection. It is also advisable to resist the temptation to share makeup or contact lenses with friends.
- Use specific makeup for the eyes: The makeup applied in this area must be specifically formulated for it, be from a recognized manufacturer, hypoallergenic, and not be expired. It is important to read the labeling, check the ingredients, and buy it in trusted establishments, since this ensures that they are regulated products that have passed the corresponding safety controls. Face paints and artificial blood should be kept away from the eye contour if they are not suitable for this area.
- Glitter and powders, better away from the lash line: shiny finishes and powder makeup are very common at Halloween, but their particles can come loose and enter the eye, causing irritation or small injuries on the ocular surface. Whenever possible, it is preferable to opt for liquid or cream textures.
- Special care with adhesives: false eyelashes, latex prosthetics or fake scars require adhesives that must not come near the eye or be accidentally introduced into it. It is also necessary to check that they do not contain pigments or adhesives unsuitable for this area, which may cause allergies, irritations or infections.
- Fancy contact lenses, with head: white, cat or bright red eyes are the star accessory of many costumes. However, especially for those who use them for the first time, it is essential to obtain them in regulated establishments and use them under the advice of a professional, who checks that they fit the eye properly and that it tolerates them. It is also not advisable to wear them for a prolonged time, and it is advisable to follow proper cleaning and maintenance guidelines. This will avoid discomfort such as redness, swelling, itching or tearing.
- Take off your makeup, even if the party ends late: one of the greatest risks of makeup comes when removing it. No matter how late the night ends, makeup must be removed completely and properly, since the remains can end up inside the eye and cause irritation or infections.
And if, once the party is over, any eye discomfort related to the use of these products persists, specialists advise seeing an ophthalmologist for an evaluation and to determine the most appropriate treatment.