Posted by: SightTrust Eye Institute in Eye Health, FAQ

October is Contact Lens Safety Month – just in time to remind you: spooky season is no excuse for risky lens behavior.

Between Halloween costumes, colored lenses, and dramatic makeup, it’s easy to forget that your eyes aren’t just part of the look—they’re delicate, complex, and vulnerable to infection and injury. At SightTrust, we’re using the month of October to help you avoid frightening mistakes that could cost you your vision.

Frightening but True: Bad Habits Can Blind You

Millions of people wear contact lenses, but too many cut corners when it comes to hygiene. Poor lens care can lead to serious complications like:

  • Corneal ulcers

  • Bacterial or fungal infections

  • Scarring or permanent vision loss

The scariest part? These issues are often 100% preventable.

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Sleeping in contacts that aren’t designed for overnight wear

  • Using water or saliva (!) to clean or store lenses

  • Wearing lenses longer than recommended

  • Skipping handwashing before handling lenses

Costume Lenses: Cool Look, Big Risk

Those eerie white or cat-eye lenses might complete your Halloween look, but if they’re not prescribed by an eye care provider, they’re dangerous.

You should only wear FDA-approved prescription lenses. Non-prescription costume contacts can:

  • Fit poorly, scratching your eye

  • Block oxygen flow to your cornea

  • Introduce harmful bacteria, leading to infections that can permanently blind you

Bottom line: if it didn’t come from your eye doctor, don’t put it in your eyes.

Halloween Makeup: Tricks That Protect

Heavy eye makeup can irritate your eyes, especially if you’re wearing contacts. Keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Apply makeup after putting in your contacts

  • Avoid glitter and metallics near the lash line

  • Never share makeup

  • Take it all off before bed – no shortcuts

Protect Your Vision Year-Round

Your eyes aren’t props. Treat them like the essential organs they are. Contact Lens Safety Month is your annual reminder that smart habits now can protect your sight for years to come.

And if you are tired of the hassles involved in using contact lenses, schedule a visit with SightTrust – we’ll discuss vision correction options that can keep your vision crystal-clear, long after the ghosts and ghouls go home.