At Halloween
JONATHAN GEDDES
Witches, warlocks, black cats and devils across Rutherglen are being urged to make sure they look after their eyes this Halloween.
Specsavers in Rutherglen want to ensure fancy dress revellers don’t play a trick on their eyes through costume lenses and make-up tomorrow.
The opticians have warned that while novelty contact lenses may seem like a perfect costume addition, they can cause damage to eyes – especially if they are not handled correctly.
Not knowing how to wear or care for them can also result in numerous minor eye conditions – such as red eye, infections and scratches – as well as more serious complications that can, in severe cases, lead to sight loss.
Peter Beaton, store director at Specsavers Rutherglen, said: “Halloween contact lenses have become incredibly popular in recent years; however, consumers often are not aware of the risks associated with misusing contact lenses.
“In particular, if a wearer hasn’t had a proper consultation with an optometrist beforehand, they probably haven’t been taught how to wear or care for their lenses correctly. The results can be nasty and range from mildly irritating complications, to potentially sightthreatening conditions such as fungal infections like microbial keratitis.”
Peter added that any make-up should be properly removed.
He said: “If you do start to notice any discomfort, irritation or pain during or after wearing Halloween contact lenses it is important you visit an opticians immediately.
“Leaving your eye makeup on when you go to sleep – particularly eyeliner and mascara – will increase your chances of getting bacterial and oil build up around your eyes or even inflammation. Make sure you always gently remove beauty products to reduce infection and keep your eyes clean.”
Other tips include avoiding purchasing cheap products online and cleaning the lenses properly to avoid infection.