Special-Effect, Theatrical and
Costume Contact Lenses

Special-effect contact lenses are available for Halloween, theatrical, and novelty uses. In fact, many of the special effects you see in movies are the result of specially designed contact lenses.

These special-effect contact lenses can be used whether or not you normally wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, because they are available both with and without prescriptive correction.

Unless you've taken an unusual role in a theatrical production, the most likely time for you to consider costume contact lenses is Halloween. You can use these novelty contact lenses to enhance your costume choice. For example, cat eye designs work great if you're dressing as a black cat or other animal.

Your eye doctor is most likely to carry the WildEyes brand (by CIBA Vision), but other lesser-known brands are also available. WildEyes special-effect contact lenses include the ones shown here.

While novelty contacts are designed for fun, they are still medical devices, and they require a prescription. Like all contact lenses, they can cause eye infections if not fitted correctly or cared for properly. You must see an eye care professional to have them fitted and prescribed, even if your eyes don't need a prescriptive correction (that is, you don't usually wear eyeglasses or contact lenses)

You also need to clean and disinfect them like any other contact lens, and you must never share or swap your costume contacts with anybody. An eye infection caused by improper use could lead to blindness.

You can buy special-effect contact lenses from the eye care professional who fits and prescribes them for you; or you can ask for a copy of your prescription and buy them elsewhere. To ensure a safe wearing experience, buy them from an authorized source.

WildEyes contact lenses can be worn anytime. Shown is Zebra.

Never buy special effect contact lenses at any store that doesn't ask you for a valid prescription. Don't buy contact lenses at a flea market or similar setting. Such sales are illegal in the United States, and for good reasons:

• You might be getting unsafe products that are not FDA approved for sale in the United States. Don't risk your eyes on products that may have been manufactured improperly or don't have sterile packaging.
• Even wearing FDA-approved lenses can be dangerous, if they haven't been specifically fitted to your eyes. It can cause serious vision problems, abrasions, and infections. Plus, they probably won't be comfortable!

Special-effect contact lenses are as safe as any other contact lens, as long as you follow the rules. Generally, special-effect lenses are not made from materials that can be worn overnight. And clean them regularly: make sure to ask your eyecare practitioner to explain the proper care regimen for special-effect lenses.