Don’t Risk Eye Damage with Halloween Contacts

Baptist Eye Surgeons • October 16, 2017

Don’t Risk Eye Damage with Halloween ContactsDecorative lenses are often used during the Halloween season to give that spooky costume a little extra flair. Finding the right colored contacts to complement your costume over-the-counter is pretty easy and with the ease of online ordering, you can purchase exactly what you want from any vendor around the world. But is it safe?

The short and sweet answer is no, it’s not.

What most people don’t know is that pop-up Halloween stores and novelty shops are not FDA-approved and any retailer who is selling decorative or colored contact lenses without a prescription is doing so illegally and may be fined up to $16,000 per violation . While the same law may not govern international retailers selling these contacts online, the illegality of doing the same in the United States should be a big warning sign.

Prescription contact lenses are designed to mimic the unique contours of your eye in order to ensure a proper fit. Decorative and colored contact lenses that are sold wholesale are made in bulk and are generally shaped to fit the average eye. The problem is, there’s no such thing as an “average” eye, because everyone’s eyes are different.

Wearing contact lenses that are not measured for your eyes alone may do some serious long term damage to your vision and the eyes themselves. Julian Hamlin, a 17-year-old in South Carolina, required 10 eye surgeries to treat the infections and injuries caused by his non-prescription colored contact lenses and is now legally blind in his left eye. You can read more about his story here .

Don’t Risk Eye Damage with Halloween ContactsThe risks associated with wearing non-prescription contact lenses, include:

  • scratches on the cornea (the clear dome of tissue over the iris—the part of the eye that gives you your eye color)
  • corneal infection (an ulcer or sore on the cornea)
  • conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • decreased vision
  • blindness

Anyone who experiences eye redness, eye pain that doesn’t go away after a short period of time, or decreased visit should make an appointment with their ophthalmologist right away. In many cases, irreversible damage can be done within 24 hours if not diagnosed and treated immediately.

The good news is that your eye doctor is more than capable of examining your eyes and writing you a prescription for a safe pair of decorative or colored contact lenses that are FDA-approved and won’t harm your vision. To schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists for contact lens measurements and/or a comprehensive eye exam, contact us online or by calling 865-579-3920.

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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