Halloween
Contact Lenses
can be
Scary
|
 |
We know that the production of opaque lenses by well known, established companies has been very successful and desired by the public.
A survey conducted by the American Optometric Association reveals that more than half of all Americans would consider changing the color of their eyes via colored contact lenses. Contact lenses have proven to be a safe correction for vision. |
However, the sinister Halloween costume contact lenses that can turn human eyes to monster eyes and other sensational Hollywood effects could be dangerous to eye health and safety. Celebrants should be aware that risks are high when these crazy looking lenses are purchased at any place other than a qualified, professional eye care provider. Costume contact lenses are sold illegally at various outlets by unlicensed vendors such as beauty salons, video stores, the internet, gas stations and flea markets. They are also referred to as “scary”, "Gothic” or "monster” designs. Teenagers have been the most frequent victims. Bacterial infections, corneal abrasions and allergic reactions head the list of the most reported conditions. Other effects, such as blurred vision, reddening and light sensitivity result from costume lens mismanagement.
The public thinks that the costume lenses can be purchased and worn in the same haphazard manner as over the counter plano sunglasses. Unlicensed vendors give no instructions as to care and cleanliness of the contact lenses nor are they versed in the skill necessary to properly insert and remove the contacts. The people take risks. They don't clean or disinfect the lenses. They sleep in them and swap them with their friends. An especially flat or steep cornea has special requirements that are not met by the over the counter lenses. The FDA issued a warning last month concerning potential eye injuries that can cause permanent eye damage which may eventually lead to blindness. The late, lamented Senator from Mass., Edward Kennedy, helped to introduce a bill to recognize and regulate both corrective and non corrective contact lenses, describing them as medical devices. It is hoped that costume contacts will be brought under this purview and control.
A significant number of teenagers have been guilty of noncompliance in the matter of contact lenses. Those who purchased the costume lenses illegally were never warned of the importance of proper care and cleanliness or wearing time regulations. They use tap water, which contains bacteria, to rinse the lenses and carrying case, thereby increasing the risk of problems. Ragweed pollen begins to bloom about Halloween time. It is particularly offensive to the wearers of the "scary" contact lenses since it exacerbates the problems of an ill fitting lens. Advertising campaigns by the contact lens manufacturers have caused people to think of those lenses as beauty or style enhancements instead of the medical devices which they are.
Hollywood has been using costume contact lenses for years to transform the appearance of actors. The eyes are where most of us first look when meeting someone. Changing the appearance of the eyes can make an actor seem more handsome, beautiful, dangerous, magical, inhuman or any other impression the designer wishes. Consequently, there is a feeling that a person could be anything he/she desired by inserting unusual lenses into the eye. The normal, round, shape of the lens is most common. There are sclero-corneal lenses that are quite large and give the entire eye a red or green glow. Perfect for a Halloween costume party, but very dangerous if not fitted professionally. Too many wearers who should have a contact lens prescription have gambled on a plano lens.
Apparently, the users of these "scary" lenses feel that sacrificing good vision for the few hours of wear at a party is worth it to them. High visual impact is also afforded by "hard" contact lenses. The designers claim that this type of lens gives them more scope to produce extraordinary variations not capable with soft lenses. Hand painted special effects are available at an increased cost. There are disputes as to whether these paints are toxic or can cause corneal sensitivity or worse. The "hard" lenses have a longer lifetime and can be used during the year and perhaps still usable for the next Halloween. Most makers of theses lenses recommend that it is essential for a professional examination and fitting.
Tips for safe and sane Halloween contact lens wear:
-
Make sure that your soft lenses have a decent life span before using.
-
Always wash hands with soap before inserting or removing the contact lenses. Use a plain soap that does not contain extra moisturizers, as they may coat the lenses.
-
Never share or exchange lenses with your friends. It is very easy to pass infections through contact lenses.
-
Remove the lenses before sleeping. Halloween lenses are not designed for extended wear.
-
Even if the wearer has perfect vision the actual fit should be done professionally, no matter the design or color to be ordered.
-
Use an accepted, recommended lens care system. Some lenses may be ruined by non compatible solutions.
-
Buy Halloween lenses from a reputable source. Never consider untrusted sources, as mentioned previously in this article. We never really know if those lenses have been sterilized and stored properly.
-
When not using the lenses, the fluid should be replaced every few weeks and the lenses cleaned properly.
-
Remove the lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
Trick or treat accessories, like swords, axes and wands should be checked to make sure that no harm comes to the eyes. Some Halloween masks may interfere with vision and make it difficult for children to walk about safely without impairment to the vision field.
It has been suggested that a safer alternative to masks would be make-up. A careful inspection of the contents is advised. It should indicate that the contents can be used safely near the eyes and on the face. Another tip frequently suggested for the holiday is for the celebrant to carry a flashlight. The children ought to use iron-on reflective fabric or tape strips on costumes and clothing for easy recognition by motorists.
We have been accenting the role that our young people have exerted on the use of costume lenses, especially at the Halloween season. It seems that our oldsters had best leave it to the youngsters to celebrate the holiday in their own way. The picture of an oldster in costume, trick or treating, conjures a scenario that brings a smile to the lips. I once accompanied my preteen daughter on a neighborhood canvas with her collection bag. One man greeted us with a remark to me that he admired my scary, bloodshot contacts. But, I wasn't wearing any such thing.
My favorite story concerns the cute, innocent, blue eyed blonde little girl who knocked on a door and said, "Twick or tweat?" The housewife thought it was so precious that she called her husband to the door and asked the child to repeat the request. The cute little girl repeated, "Twick or tweat?" The housewife was so entertained that she carefully polished an apple and dropped it into the child's trick or treat bag. The child said, "Thanks a lot. You just broke my @#%^&*x cookies."
|
