Optometry Australia warns of danger of using novelty contact lenses for Halloween

Using novelty contact lenses could add to the scare factor when dressing up for Halloween parties. However, the user of these non-prescription accessory lenses could also be a source of health scare, Optometry Australia warns.

The users of these Halloween costume accessories could lead to long-term eye damage, specifically infections and even permanent blindness. “The surface of the eye is extremely delicate and wearing non-prescribed novelty contact lenses, particularly those from a dubious source, could cause eye damage ranging from mild infections to sight-threatening conditions such as corneal scarring and even blindness,” optometrist Simon Hanna explains.

He advises people who want to enhance their Halloween look by using fancy-dress lenses to use only contact lenses prescribed by an optometrist who would measure each eye to properly fit the lenses. Hanna also recommends proper hand washing prior to touching the contacts and removing the lenses before sleeping, SBS reports.

Meanwhile, News.com.au reports that Woolworths issued a national recall of the LED Spinning Wand, a popular Halloween toy. Sold in Woolworths and Safeway supermarkets with a Halloween Ghost and Pumpkin head from Sept 28 through Oct 18, the toy was found to be risky for children’s use.

Woolworths warns on its website that the want may crack open when dropped which would expose the button cell batteries. If young children would ingest the batteries, it could cause internal burns that could further result in serious injuries or death.

The supermarket giant recommends to immediately stop using the toy and return it to Woolworths of Safeway supermarkets to get a full refund. It apologised to customers for causing them inconvenience and provided the toll-free Customer Service number 1800 103 515 for more information about the recall.