In our image-obsessed society, we often find people wearing contacts for reasons other than correcting their vision! Cosmetic contact lenses are increasing in popularity, especially due to role models such as Lady Gaga as well as the spooky Halloween season.

At GetLenses, we advise that all patients should seek professional guidance before using cosmetic contact lenses as they may increase the risk of eye problems. Peter McDonnell, consultant ophthalmologist and honorary treasurer of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said that contact lenses are 'generally effective and safe', as long as the patient is supervised by a qualified professional and follows the instructions.

With the popularity of contact lenses on the rise, there has also been a rise in businesses illegally selling cosmetic lenses. These illegally sold contact lenses can pose health risks, according to experts in the UK. According to the Hartlepool Borough Council’s recent warnings, a local optician has submitted a complaint about shops in the area selling cosmetic contact lenses. In the United Kingdom, it is the law that any shop or online store selling contact lenses must have a registered optometrist, optician, or medical professional on-site. The fear among eye care professionals is that people will damage their eyesight by wearing contact lenses that are sold illegally.

According to Beryl Young, the senior technical officer of the Hartlepool council’s trading standards, “Improperly worn contact lenses can cause a loss of oxygen to the front of the eye which in turn can lead to blood vessels growing over the front of the eyes, infections, eyelid changes, allergies, swelling and possibly even blindness”. Many legitimate sources of contact lenses are available, with safe alternatives to the illegally obtained lenses wreaking havoc on people’s eyesight in recent months.

If you want to use coloured contact lenses for any purpose, it's best to get an eye exam and a prescription that takes your exact eye measurements into consideration. You should never wear contact lenses, especially for an extended period of time, without an eye check-up and prescription from your doctor and never ever share cosmetic contact lenses with your friends or sleep in them.