The Spooky Truth Behind Halloween Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Nigel Robinson on October 2, 2023

With Halloween around the corner, the frenzy for the perfect costume and accessories is in full swing. Among the myriad of ghastly get-ups, add-ons, and frightful face paints, one item has gained significant traction in recent years – Halloween cosmetic contact lenses. Cosmetic contact lenses might seem like a harmless way to create incredible effects, but the reality is as chilling as a Halloween fright.

What are cosmetic contact lenses?

Designed to alter the natural appearance of your eyes, cosmetic contact lenses come in various forms. Whether you want to change the colour to a mesmerising azure, add a starburst around your iris, or fully embody an alien from Mars, the possibilities are endless. But these contacts are not the same as your standard corrective lenses. They are often bought over-the-counter from novelty shops or online without the consultation of an eye care professional.

Why are these lenses harmful?

The issue with these off-the-shelf spooky lenses is multi-faceted, much like the eyes they cover. The lenses can be made from materials that may not conform to safety standards, leading to an increased risk of scratching the cornea or infection. Some are so thick and opaque that they suffocate the eye, reducing the flow of oxygen — a crucial element for maintaining eye health. Ill-fitting lenses can lead to discomfort and even dislodging, while improper handling during insertion and removal can cause corneal abrasions and infections.

Where to get contact lenses

The witching hour does not overrule the need for proper eye care. Contact lenses, whether cosmetic or not, should only be sourced through a registered optician or a certified stockist. Optometrists will ensure the lenses are not just theatrically pleasing but safe for your eyes. They will fit the lenses to your unique specifications and provide essential training in lens hygiene and wear.

Wearing your contacts safely

A person holding a contact lens on their finger

To ensure your Halloween transformation doesn’t result in a real-life horror show for your eyes, follow these safety tips when wearing your contact lenses for Halloween:

Learn the correct way to insert and remove the lenses.
Apply makeup before inserting the lenses to minimise the risk of contamination.
Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the lenses.
Only use lenses for the recommended length of time.
If your eyes become sore or red, cease use and seek medical advice.
Never share your lenses with others, no matter how bewitching they appear.

Get ready for Halloween safely

This Halloween, remember your eyes are irreplaceable. Contact our friendly opticians in Whitley Bay so they can fit you with the safest pair of spooky lenses. When it comes to cosmetic contact lenses, the only genuinely spooky gaze is the one casting a blind eye to safety.

A Beginners Guide to Contact Lenses

Nigel Robinson on June 1, 2023

Switching to Contact Lenses: An Essential Guide for Beginners

Are you considering making the switch from glasses to contact lenses? It’s a big decision that can make a huge difference in your everyday life, allowing you to get back to enjoying activities and feeling more confident in your appearance. But it can be an intimidating process to consider for some.

The good news is that understanding what’s involved with contact lens wear – from taking care of them and keeping them clean to choosing the right type for your eyes – doesn’t have to be complicated!

We’ll break down everything you need to know about switching from glasses to contact lenses so that you feel prepared and confident when you decide to try them.

Why Choose Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses offer clear vision and a panoramic field of view compared to glasses, providing a more natural visual experience. They’re perfect for active lifestyles, whether you’re an athlete, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply want the freedom to move without the hassle of glasses.

Contact lenses stay securely in place directly on your eye, allowing you to comfortably engage in sports or other physical activities. They are virtually unnoticeable and ensure maximum comfort throughout the day. Unlike glasses, contact lenses don’t fog up, making them ideal for those in humid or cold climates.

Contact lenses also allow you to have a more natural appearance.

Types of Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses & Opticians in Monkseaton

Photo credit: Acuvue UK

When it comes to finding the perfect contact lenses in Whitley Bay, there are several options available to suit your needs. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Daily disposable contact lenses: These are designed for single use, making them incredibly convenient. Say goodbye to cleaning and storing – simply discard them at the end of the day and insert a fresh pair the next morning. From a hygiene perspective, this also means you’ll be less prone to developing irritation and potential eye infections. These are great for people who want to alternate between glasses and contact lenses and may only opt to wear them for special occasions, or activities like sports.

2. Two-weekly and monthly contact lenses: These are worn for 2 weeks or a month at a time, and then replace with a new pair to last for the same period. They’re available in a wide range of materials and designs, compared to daily disposables, which means some, for example, might be slightly thicker and retain more moisture, making them more suitable for dry eye sufferers. While they require regular cleaning and disinfection, they offer cost-effectiveness and are perfect for environmentally conscious individuals looking to minimise waste.

3. Specialised lenses: These are designed for special vision correction needs, such as presbyopia or astigmatism. Whether you need multifocal contact lenses or lenses to correct astigmatism, there are plenty of options to provide clear and comfortable vision, whatever your prescription.

As an independent practice, we have access to a wide variety of contact lenses from major brands, giving us the freedom to find the most suitable type for your individual lifestyle and vision needs.

Alternating between contact lenses and glasses

Although contact lenses can be worn throughout the day, there are a few occasions where changing between contact lenses and glasses may be necessary. Unless you’re wearing specialist overnight contact lenses, sleeping with your lenses in is a no-go. Keep a pair of glasses handy for those late nights and early mornings when you don’t have your lenses in and may need to get up to go to the bathroom or get a glass of water.

Contact lenses and water do not mix. It’s important to remember to remove your contact lenses before showering and partaking in activities such as swimming and hot tubs. Water contains bacteria that can enter through scratches or minor cuts in the eye and cause nasty infections. If you wear reusable lenses you should also never clean them or your contact lens case with water either for the same reason – always use the recommended saline solution.

You may also need to swap back to your glasses if you suffer from allergies such as hay fever. Pollen can become trapped underneath the contact lenses, making your eyes even more itchy and swollen. If this persists and eye drops don’t help, taking a break by wearing glasses may be the best solution until it dies down.

Making The Switch To Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses in Monkseaton & Whitley Bay

If you’re considering switching to contact lenses, it’s important to consult a qualified optometrist. At Robinson Optometrists, your trusted opticians in Monkseaton, we offer a free tolerance contact lens trial following an eye examination and contact lens fitting consultation and teaching session. This allows you to experience wearing contact lenses for a week once you’re confident with inserting and removing them, helping you decide whether they are right for you. We don’t charge a fitting or annual fee, as all future contact lens aftercare appointments are covered by a monthly fee, ensuring your ongoing eye health is taken care of.

Ready to make the switch? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and enquire about our contact lens services and get ready to experience the freedom, comfort, and clear vision that contact lenses can provide!

What are the benefits of wearing contact lenses?

Nigel Robinson on June 11, 2022

Since their invention in 1887 contact lenses have come a long way, and now, more and more people are wearing them.

According to the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM) there are approximately 4.2 million contact lens wearers in the UK. Out of this group, 1.8 million regularly use prescription contact lenses, and 1.2 million use daily disposable contact lenses. Whether you need lenses for distance or near vision, or multifocal contact lenses, advances in technology mean that nowadays most prescriptions can be accommodated.

Why wear contact lenses this summer?

Summer is the perfect time to switch to contact lenses or try them for the first time. Let’s look at why:

They give you a panoramic field of vision, unlike frames which can sometimes obstruct your peripheral view. This is great for driving and can really help when playing sports too
Contact lenses offer a more natural look that goes with any outfit
They are weightless to wear, breathable, and comfortable when cared for properly
Contact lenses don’t smudge or steam up like glasses lenses can do in certain environments
They give you the freedom to wear non-prescription sunglasses, so you don’t have to keep swapping them with your regular specs to see clearly
They do provide UV protection to an extent, helping to protect your eyes in summer
They can be worn full time, or simply for special occasions

Get contact lenses at our opticians in Whitley Bay

Here at Robinson Optometrists, we offer a range of options if you’re interested in trying out contact lenses.

As well as daily disposable contact lenses and multifocal contact lenses we have the latest super oxygen permeable silicone hydrogel lenses. They allow 5 times more oxygen to reach your eye than a standard lens, which means you can wear them for an extended period of time.

Whichever contact lenses you choose, you’ll be well looked after by our team at your contact lens consultation. Our practitioners have years of experience and will always carry out a thorough assessment, working with you to align with your vision and lifestyle needs before recommending lenses to you.

Contact lenses eyecare plans in Whitley Bay

You’ll be taught how to insert and remove your lenses, and our team will be on hand to help until you feel confident enough to do it yourself at home. You’ll then be able to take them away for a free tolerance trial for a week before you make your final decision.

If you opt to wear lenses, you can benefit from our Lens Eyecare Programme, which means all your appointments will be covered by a £7 monthly fee, including eye health assessments.If you’re interested in trying out contact lenses this summer, contact our opticians in Whitley Bay to find out more or book your appointment!