Sherborne optometrist warns Halloween cosmetic contact lenses could lead to sight loss
Contact lenses issued without a prescription are illegal in the UK
A Sherborne-based optometrist has urged Dorset residents to reconsider wearing cosmetic contact lenses this Halloween that are not prescribed by an optician.
Steve Lockey from Matthew's Opticians told us here at Greatest Hits Radio that these colourful lenses often only come in one size.
Therefore, he says, "the least you can get is discomfort due to the poor fit, but you can also get a scratched cornea quite easily.
"When you get a scratched cornea, this can lead tothe development of a sight-threating cornea ulcer."
"Some of these contacts that have patterns on the lenses have also been known to contain lead and mercury which obviously is very dangerous when it is in close contact to the body at all in any instance."
He continued: "All contact lenses are classed as a medical device so they should only be fitted by opticians, it is actually illegal for these to be sold elsewhere."
The Royal College of Optometrists are also worried about cosmetic contact lenses this Halloween after a survey they conducted showed 63% of people who plan to dress up tomorrow will consider adding these lenses to their costumes.
The same research shows that only 27% of people would buy novelty lenses from an optometrist and 71% of survey respondents did not realise it was illegal to sell contact lenses without a prescription.
Advice has been rolled out by the royal college for people who want to wear these contacts this festive season but also look out for their sight:
• If you are re-wearing contact lenses of any sort, including novelty lenses, you must make sure that they are suitable for this purpose, and only within the re-use period after first opening.
• You should clean and disinfect them thoroughly after use with the recommended contact lens solution.
• Never use tap water, the wrong solution, or lick them – and if they drop on the floor don’t simply pop them back in.
• You should never use contact lenses after their expiry date.
• You should not share contact lenses with friends, as even quickly trying them on can lead to eye infections.
• Driving with novelty lenses (even if you wear glasses over the top) may also be dangerous: if the lens aperture does not align with your pupil they may impair your vision.
• If you experience any eye discomfort when, or after, wearing any type of contact lens you should contact your optometrist for advice without delay.