Overview
- Emergency departments report yearly post-Halloween spikes in severe eye infections and corneal injuries linked to decorative lenses.
- Even a few hours of wear with cheap or unlicensed products can lead to corneal abrasions or bacterial keratitis that can worsen within 24–48 hours.
- Full-eye fashion lenses reduce oxygen to the cornea and can trap debris or chemicals, increasing the risk of ulcers, scarring, and potential vision loss.
- Experts emphasize that cosmetic lenses are regulated medical devices that require proper fitting and purchase from reputable sellers who verify prescriptions.
- Safety guidance includes strict hand hygiene, never sharing lenses, avoiding sleep or water exposure, limiting wear time, and removing lenses immediately if pain, redness, or blurred vision occurs.