With Oct. 31, or Halloween,  just around the corner, public health officials want to remind you about protecting your eyes against serious infections with advice about the use of decorative contact lenses  with your costume next Monday.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says decorative contact lenses are medical devices like other contact lenses. Wearing decorative contact lenses without being properly fitted by an eye care provider can lead to serious problems – ulcers (open sores), scratches, infection, and vision loss—and haunt you long after October 31.

Health officials offer the following tips concerning decorative contact lenses:

1. GET A PRESCRIPTION: Contact lenses acquired without wear and care education and a prescription are illegal and could lead to serious eye injury or infection.

2. CHECK YOUR BUYING SOURCE: Decorative contact lenses purchased from costume shops, online stores, beauty salons, drug stores, flea markets, or anywhere not issued by an eye doctor will not properly fit.

3. PROTECT YOUR EYES: One night is not worth your eye health. The best way to protect your eyes from potential complications is to talk to your eye doctor and learn about healthy contact lens wear and care habits.

Read more about contact lenses below: