Halloween contact lenses: Eye-popping horror

Scary look, isn't it? Halloween fans can purchase horror, or "fun," lenses in stores or online. Some of them come with prescription-strength lenses, but all of them are only available in standard sizes. Human eyes, however, come in many different shapes and sizes. And if the lenses don't fit right, they can cause scratching or more severe damage.

With many fun lenses, the color seals your eye's pores, and the eyes don't get enough oxygen. In time, the cornea can swell up and your vision could deteriorate. Even part-time Halloween zombies should be concerned about this one.

Listen up, clown! Without oxygen under your lenses, a closed-off, moist environment forms. Bacteria can multiply easily there. That increases the risk of pink eye and cornea infections, so even after dropping the costume, you'll still be horrifying.

When a contact lens's pigment is right on the surface, bacteria can stick even better. The safer option? Lenses that sandwich the color between two layers and therefore help protect your eyes.

Good zombies share everything from brains to contact lenses, right? Wrong. Never swap lenses with a friend. Otherwise pathogens will travel directly from eye to eye. Even when using lenses yourself, hygiene is incredibly important. Be diligent about washing your hands before putting them in and taking them out.

Fun lenses are extremely dangerous while driving. Cat eyes and other horror lenses significantly reduce your field of vision and how sensitive you are to contrasts. That's why colored lenses are taboo in traffic, as many manufacturers have pointed out as well.

Ophthalmologists say you should only wear colored fun lenses for as short a time as possible. If you can't get them out after wearing them for too long, you can moisten them with eye drops. That should make them more flexible and easier to take out.

Always check your lenses' recommended maximum wear time, and once the party is over, toss 'em! That said, if you have multiple-use fun lenses and do want to save them for next year, make sure you do the following: clean with the correct fluid, use disinfectant and keep them in a sterile container. Happy Halloween!