Halloween Hazards

Boo!

Halloween bringing lots of fun; dressing up, trick or treating, haunted houses....

But did you know that some Halloween practices can have some scarey results?

Halloween contacts are wildly fun with everything to monster eyes, goblin eyes, cat eyes, sci-fi or a glamour look. If properly fit by Dr. Potter or another eye care professional, they can be just the added touch you need for that perfect costume. However, taking the chance of permanently damaging your eyes and vision is a frightening prossibility that could last long after the last Halloween candy is eaten.  Some people do not realize that the FDA classifies contact lenses as a medical device that can alter cells of the eye and that damage can occur if they are not fit properly.  Problems such as infection, redness, corneal ulcers, hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the eye) and permanent blindness can occur if the proper fit is not ensured. 

Another concern that ICE, FTC, and FDA have are the illegal black market contacts that come into the country unchecked. Proper safety regulations are strictly adhered to by conventional contact lens companies to insure that the contact lenses are sterile and packaged properly and accurately.

Health concerns arise whenever black market, unregulated contacts come into the US market and are sold at flea markets, thrift shops, beauty shops, malls, convenient stores and the likes. These are sold without a prescribers prescription, and are illegal in the US. Buyer beware - these contacts cause concern. You don’t want to bargain shop on parachutes OR your eyes! There have also been reports of damage to eyes because Halloween Spook houses ask employees to share between shifts the same pair of Halloween contact lenses as they dress up for their costume.

So the take-home message is; we don't want to spook you and we hope you have a great time at Halloween, enjoying the flare that decorative contacts can bring to your costume, but get them from a reputable venue and be fit by Dr. Potter or another eye care professional with a proper legal prescription. 

Call Potter Eye Care to schedule your eye health and vision consultation!

 

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