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Halloween Costume Ideas for People with Glasses

Skip the decorative contact lenses and rock glasses instead with these fun Halloween costume ideas.

You may be considering costume contact lenses to add an extra bit of spookiness to your Halloween costume. But over-the-counter contact lenses can seriously harm your eyes. Skip the decorative contact lenses and rock glasses instead with these fun Halloween costume ideas.

Why Shouldn’t I Wear Non-Prescription Colored Contact Lenses?

Costume contact lenses are often labeled as “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye doctor.” But those claims aren’t true. Costume lenses must be prescribed and fitted by an eye care professional, just like regular contact lenses.

Contact lenses that are not fitted for your eye can scratch the cornea, making the eye more vulnerable to infection-causing bacteria and viruses. Sometimes the scarring from an infection is so bad that a corneal transplant is required to restore vision. In the most extreme cases, an eye infection can lead to blindness.

Costume Ideas for People with Glasses

Dress up as one of these famous glasses-wearing characters:

  • Where’s Waldo
  • Maribel from Encanto
  • Stranger Things characters Suzie, Barb or Murray
  • Harry Potter
  • Milhouse from The Simpsons
  • Velma from Scooby Doo
  • Charles (“Chuckie” Finster) from Rugrats
  • Edna Mode from The Incredibles

How to Avoid Eye Infections on Halloween

  • If you’re going to use contact lenses, make sure they are FDA-approved products. The safest place to buy properly fitting eyewear is directly from an eye care professional.
  • For safe eyelash extensions, go to an experienced aesthetician and make sure proper hygiene is practiced.
  • If you’re using face paint or other costume makeup, make sure you read our tips on how to use cosmetics safely around the eye.
  • Never share contact lenses or cosmetics. Sharing contacts or eye makeup can spread germs and bacteria, potentially causing infection such as pink eye.
  • Practice good hygiene whenever using eye makeup or contact lenses. Ask your eye care professional for tips on how to care for your lenses.

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any swelling, redness, pain or discharge from the eye when using eye makeup or contacts.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology