A strong warning has been issued against the use of cosmetic contact lenses.
The lenses are often used as an addition to a Halloween costume.
The Association of Optomtrists say that they have identified a growing trend in recent years of buying seasonal or fun contact lenses, online or from pop up costume shops, as part of Halloween costumes.
The eye experts warned today that they have also identified growing complications associated with wearing these lenses, which carry serious health risks.
Their Optometric Advisor Lynda McGivney Nolan said complications arising from contact lens wear can result in devastating consequences with the potential to cause permanent vision loss.
“Studies investigating the reasons for the increased risk of complications with these lenses has showed two important things. Firstly, cosmetic contact lenses are more difficult to clean and sterilise because of the materials they are made of and the pigments which colour them. This makes microbial adherence much stronger.
“The second major risk is that the lenses are not fitted by a registered practitioner, so adherence to safe insertion and removal are often not practiced – resulting in a very high level of complications.
Ms McGivney Nolan said: “AOI is calling on schools and parents to warn children and young adults about the dangers of wearing these products and to refrain from purchasing contact lenses supplied through websites or costume shops.
“Not only is it dangerous, but it is illegal and evidence of shops supplying these lenses should be reported to the State health and social care regulator CORU.”
In Ireland, as in most countries throughout the world, contact lenses are regulated and may only be fitted and supplied by a qualified, regulated professional such as an Optometrist.
