Cosplay contact lenses are a fantastic way to complete your look and transform into your favorite character, giving your eyes a stunning, otherworldly effect. From vibrant colors to unique patterns, Cosplay Contacts add that final touch that makes your costume stand out at conventions. However, wearing contact lenses, especially for cosmetic purposes, comes with risks if not handled properly. It’s essential to prioritize eye safety to ensure you can enjoy the convention without harming your vision.
In this article, we’ll go over safety tips for wearing cosplay contacts at conventions, covering everything from selecting the right lenses to maintaining proper hygiene.
1. Get a Prescription from an Eye Doctor
Even if you don’t normally wear glasses or contacts, it’s important to get an eye exam and a prescription before purchasing cosplay contact lenses. In many countries, including the U.S., it’s illegal to sell contact lenses without a prescription because they are considered medical devices.
Why you need a prescription:
- Proper Fit: Everyone’s eyes are different, and contact lenses that don’t fit correctly can cause discomfort, infections, or even damage to the cornea. An eye doctor will measure your eyes and ensure that the lenses you buy fit properly.
- Vision Safety: Your doctor will also check for any underlying eye conditions that may make wearing contacts unsafe.
- Legal Protection: Purchasing contacts without a prescription from an unregulated source can result in buying low-quality or unsafe products. Only buy FDA-approved lenses from reputable sellers.
2. Purchase Lenses from a Reputable Source
Once you have your prescription, make sure you purchase your cosplay contacts from a reputable, licensed seller. There are many online stores and sellers that offer cheap contact lenses, but not all of them meet safety standards. Always look for:
- FDA-Approved Lenses: In the U.S., the FDA regulates contact lenses to ensure they are safe for use. Check the product description to see if the lenses are FDA-approved.
- Reputable Brands: Stick to well-known brands or online stores with good reviews and a history of selling safe, high-quality cosplay contacts.
- Avoiding Unregulated Sources: Never buy contact lenses from flea markets, beauty stores, or unverified online sellers. Poorly made lenses can cause infections, allergic reactions, or serious eye injuries.
3. Practice Good Hygiene Before Wearing Contacts
Hygiene is crucial when handling contact lenses. Poor hygiene can lead to eye infections or damage. Follow these essential hygiene practices:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses. Dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring dust or particles to the lenses.
- Clean the Lenses: If your lenses are reusable, use contact lens solution (not water or saliva) to clean and disinfect them before wearing. Never use tap water or household cleaners on your lenses.
- Avoid Sharing Lenses: Never share your contact lenses with anyone, even if they’re the same prescription. Sharing lenses increases the risk of spreading bacteria and infections.
4. Limit Wearing Time
While it’s tempting to wear your cosplay contacts all day during a convention, extended use can strain your eyes and increase the risk of complications. Here’s how to protect your eyes while still enjoying your cosplay:
- Limit Wear to 4-8 Hours: It’s generally recommended that you wear your cosplay contacts for no more than 4 to 8 hours at a time. Wearing lenses for too long can deprive your eyes of oxygen, leading to discomfort or damage.
- Take Breaks: If you plan on wearing your contacts for an extended period, consider taking them out for a short break to allow your eyes to rest.
- Remove Immediately If You Feel Discomfort: If your eyes start to feel irritated, dry, or uncomfortable, remove your contacts immediately and give your eyes time to recover.
5. Carry Contact Lens Solution and a Case
When attending conventions, always bring a contact lens case and solution with you. This will allow you to:
- Store Your Lenses: If your eyes become irritated or you need a break, having a contact lens case allows you to safely store your lenses instead of removing them without proper care.
- Rewet and Rehydrate Lenses: Contact lens solution can help keep your lenses clean and moist if they dry out during the convention.
- Emergency Use: In case of emergencies, having a case and solution ensures that you can properly remove and store your lenses to prevent damage to both your eyes and the lenses.
6. Stay Hydrated and Blink Frequently
Conventions can be exhausting, and all the excitement may cause you to forget basic habits like staying hydrated. Wearing contacts can sometimes make your eyes feel dry, especially in air-conditioned convention halls. To combat dryness:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps keep your eyes naturally lubricated and prevents dryness while wearing contact lenses.
- Use Eye Drops: If you experience dryness or discomfort while wearing your lenses, use rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses. Avoid regular eye drops, as they can damage or cloud your lenses.
- Blink Often: Wearing contacts may cause you to blink less frequently, which can dry out your eyes. Try to blink consciously to keep your eyes moist throughout the day.
7. Know When to Remove Your Lenses
Even with the proper precautions, your eyes might start to feel uncomfortable at some point during the convention. Pay attention to any warning signs that indicate it’s time to remove your cosplay contacts:
- Redness: If your eyes are becoming red or inflamed, remove your contacts immediately.
- Irritation: Persistent irritation, itching, or a gritty sensation could be a sign that something is wrong.
- Blurred Vision: If your vision becomes blurry or you have trouble seeing clearly, remove your lenses and assess whether they are damaged or dirty.
- Discomfort: If you’re feeling any pain or discomfort in your eyes, remove the lenses to avoid causing further harm.
If your eyes remain irritated after removing the lenses, consider visiting an eye doctor as soon as possible to ensure there is no lasting damage or infection.
8. Remove Lenses Before Sleeping
It’s crucial to remove your cosplay contacts before going to bed, even if you’re exhausted after a long day at the convention. Sleeping in contact lenses, especially ones not designed for overnight wear, can lead to severe eye infections, dryness, or even corneal ulcers.
Always remove, clean, and store your lenses properly before sleeping, and give your eyes time to rest and recover overnight.