🎃 Be The Star Of The Party, Don't Let An Eye Infection Haunt You This Halloween 👻

Whether you're channeling a zombie apocalypse or rocking a glamorous vampire look, Halloween is the season for bold costumes and dramatic eye effects. But before you pop in those spooky contact lenses, Dr. Lauri Baldwin, lead optometrist at Surfside Family Eye Care, wants you to know: not all costume lenses are created equal, and some can haunt your vision long after the party ends.

👁️ The Hidden Dangers of Costume Contacts

Many costume/ theatrical lenses are labeled “one size fits all” or “no prescription needed,” but that’s a trick, not a treat. Just like regular contacts, decorative lenses must be prescribed and properly fitted by an eye care professional. Otherwise, you risk scratching your cornea, inviting bacteria and viruses that can cause serious infections. In extreme cases, scarring may require a corneal transplant or worse, lead to permanent vision loss.

🧙‍♀️ Dr. Baldwin’s Top Tips for Halloween Eye Safety

To help you stay spooky and safe, Dr. Baldwin shares her top optometrist-approved tips:

• 👩‍⚕️ Get Professionally Fitted: Even if you have perfect vision, see a doctor of optometry for decorative lenses. A proper fit helps reduce chances of contact lens related issues..

• ⏳ Limit Wear Time: Costume contacts are often made with cheaper materials and dyes. Limit wear to 4–5 hours to reduce irritation and dryness.

• 😴 Never Sleep in Costume Lenses: No matter how tired you are after trick-or-treating or dancing the night away, remove your lenses before bed to give your eyes a break.

• 🧼 Practice Good Hygiene: Follow all cleaning and disinfecting instructions. Ask your eye care professional for tips on safe lens care.

• 🚫 Don’t Share Lenses: Sharing contacts, even for a quick photo and can spread bacteria and viruses, including pink eye.

🕸️ Don’t Let  An Eye Infection Haunt You After Halloween 

Eye infections from contaminated or poorly fitted lenses can develop quickly, sometimes within hours. According to recent studies, serious infections affect up to 1 in 500 contact lens users annually. Even minor infections can cause pain, redness, and disrupt your daily life.

Whether you're dressing up for a haunted house or a neighborhood bash, let your eyes shine safely this Halloween.

See you soon for your eye and contact lens exam

The Surfside Family Eye Care Team