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Can I see while wearing theatrical contacts?
Yes, you can. Even though
lens is completely opaque, its center is clear so you can see. The only exceptions are white-out contacts, which create effect of blind eyes. In this case, entire lens is fully opaque so, unless you want to find out how it is to be blind, you should wear a white-out contact lens in one eye only.
Are costume contacts safe?
There are many FDA warnings about dangers of costume lenses, although lenses themselves are usually not to blame. Unfortunately, some people wear their costume contacts for several days straight, or put them in without washing their hands first, or swap lenses with their friends, and then blame theatrical contacts when they get an eye infection.
The truth is that if you get reputable brand name costume lenses and take proper care of them, costume contacts are as safe as any other type of contact lens.
Here are 5 simple rules, to keep costume contact lenses safe:
- Don’t wear your costume contacts for longer than a few hours
- Don’t swap them with other people
- Order your lenses from your doctor’s office or a reputable online retailer. Contacts sold in costume shops or flea markets might be of questionable quality
- Have an optometrist fit you with theatrical contacts
- Clean your costume lenses properly
How do I take care of my costume lenses?
Novelty contact lenses don’t require any special care; you simply treat them same way as you would treat any contact lenses.
All you need is a multi-purpose solution and a contact lens case, which you can get in any chemist shop. Rinse your lenses in solution before inserting them in your eyes, and don’t forget to wash your hands before handling lenses.
When you’re not using your costume lenses, keep them in solution, in their case. It is recommended that you change solution at least once a week, if you don’t use them for long periods of time. But who would bother? If you have to wear contacts that have spent a month or so in their case, just give them a double rinse in fresh solution.
Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/ where you can find unbiased information about all types of contact lenses, including costume Halloween contacts with reviews and pictures.
