Every year around Halloween, I get asked the same question: “Is it OK to wear costume contact lenses just for one night?”

Every year, my answer is the same: absolutely not.

As an ophthalmologist, I’ve seen firsthand what can go wrong when people treat contact lenses like costume accessories. The truth is, contact lenses are not fashion items. They are medical devices. They require a prescription, a professional fitting and proper hygiene. Buying cheap, unregulated costume lenses from a Halloween store or online vendor is very risky and should be avoided. That goes for both adults and children.

Unlike prescription lenses, contact lenses sold in costume shops or online costume marketplaces are not custom-made. Your eyes' shapes are unique, and each of your eyes may even be different. That

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