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- Spooky stats: one in four young people would wear fake contact lenses as part of Halloween costume
Spooky stats: one in four young people would wear fake contact lenses as part of Halloween costume
New research by Optegra has revealed that four in ten survey participants were not aware that novelty contact lenses can harm eye health
1 min read
Optegra
30 October 2020
A survey of 1511 UK adults has revealed that four in ten (42%) respondents were not aware that fake contact lenses can harm eye health.
The research, which was commissioned by Optegra Eye Health Care, found that 25% of 16 - 24 year olds would wear coloured or horror contact lenses as part of a Halloween outfit.
More than one in ten respondents (12%) said that they would share fancy dress make up.
Optegra medical director, Amir Hamid, emphasised the concerning nature of the survey responses.
“For the sake of changing their pupil colour or adding to the gore and horror of their Halloween make-up look, they are risking infection and damage to the surface of the eye,” Mr Hamid said.
He highlighted that cosmetic contact lenses can cause sight-threatening eye conditions or an abrasion to the surface of the eye – which is a particular risk for those who are not used to wearing contact lenses.
The AOP has several contact lens resources for patients, including a 60-second advice video that can be downloaded by practices.
The research, which was commissioned by Optegra Eye Health Care, found that 25% of 16 - 24 year olds would wear coloured or horror contact lenses as part of a Halloween outfit.
More than one in ten respondents (12%) said that they would share fancy dress make up.
Optegra medical director, Amir Hamid, emphasised the concerning nature of the survey responses.
“For the sake of changing their pupil colour or adding to the gore and horror of their Halloween make-up look, they are risking infection and damage to the surface of the eye,” Mr Hamid said.
He highlighted that cosmetic contact lenses can cause sight-threatening eye conditions or an abrasion to the surface of the eye – which is a particular risk for those who are not used to wearing contact lenses.
The AOP has several contact lens resources for patients, including a 60-second advice video that can be downloaded by practices.
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