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A MAN wore cosmetic contact lenses as part of a Halloween costume – and I feared he might go blind.
Kyle Bryant, 22, from Windsor, was preparing to enjoy a night out with friends for some spooky festivities last year.
Kyle Bryant, 22, feared he was losing his sightCredit: SWNS
The novelty lenses were priced at just £10 from an online sellerCredit: SWNS
Wearing a white shirt splattered with “blood” and the eerie lenses, Kyle inserted them and initially thought little of it.
The novelty lenses were only £10 from an online retailer – but within minutes of inserting them, he began to feel a “swelling” in his eyes.
After about 45 minutes, Kyle felt as though the lens was scratching against the surface of his eyeball.
However, it was only after he removed the lenses that the true extent of the damage became apparent.
Experts from Specsavers claim that inexpensive cosmetic contact lenses can scratch the eye's surface, deprive it of essential oxygen, and even introduce harmful bacteria – all of which can lead to infections and, in severe cases, blindness.
Kyle remarked: “People had warned me to be cautious with them beforehand. It was only when I took them out that I realized the contact lens was scratching my eyeball.
“It was extremely painful – my eye was swelling. I was concerned it might impact my vision.
“This experience has definitely put me off wearing them, which is unfortunate because they actually look quite cool.”
The damage to Kyle’s eye caused it to appear, and feel, larger for several days, and he also experienced discomfort.
Consequently, he has decided against purchasing fancy dress lenses again, even though they are still widely available from numerous online and physical retailers.
Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, stated: “The scratching Kyle experienced indicates that these lenses were likely poorly made and ill-fitting.
“Contact lenses rest directly on the sensitive surface of the eye, and any irregularities in the lens material or shape can cause corneal abrasions – essentially scratches to the eye's surface.
“The swelling he described is a common inflammatory reaction to such trauma.
“Kyle’s experience serves as a serious warning about the risks of purchasing cosmetic contact lenses from unregulated online vendors, especially around Halloween when these novelty lenses become exceedingly popular.
“What began as harmless fun for a costume could have led to permanent vision damage.
“I cannot emphasize enough that individuals should never buy contact lenses from unregulated online sources, market stalls, or costume shops.
“These lenses are often produced without proper quality standards and sold without consideration for the wearer’s eye health or safety.
“Contact lenses are medical devices, not fashion accessories, and should always be fitted by a qualified professional.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dangers of using cosmetic contact lenses?
Using cosmetic contact lenses can result in scratches to the eye's surface, infections, and even blindness if they are poorly manufactured or used improperly.
Why should I avoid buying contact lenses from unregulated sellers?
Unregulated sellers often do not adhere to safety standards, which can lead to the sale of lenses that are unsafe for use and can harm your eye health.
