Halloween Lenses in UAE: Risking Blindness?

Dangerous Trend: Why Wearing Cheap Contact Lenses in UAE on Halloween Can Lead to Blindness

Every year, the same scenario unfolds in the United Arab Emirates during Halloween: young people rushing to emergency rooms after wearing cheap, decorative contact lenses for a few hours and experiencing serious eye damage. The eye-catching, colorful lenses available online often offer a special appearance at a tempting price but we often forget that the eye is an extremely sensitive organ that cannot be risked merely for aesthetic reasons.

Decorative Contact Lenses: More Than a Fashion Accessory

The purpose of decorative contact lenses is not to improve vision but to change the color or shape of the eye. These are often worn during cosplay events, Halloween parties, or to achieve a unique appearance. However, many are unaware that these too are classified as medical devices, whose sale and use are regulated. Even if they do not contain diopters, proper fitting and hygienic handling are just as necessary as with corrective lenses.

The Dangers of Cheap Imitations

Ophthalmologists in the UAE warn every year that wearing contact lenses sold cheaply and without a license can have severe consequences. These products often contain unknown dyes, arrive in non-sterile packaging, and do not meet any standards. Improper fitting can cause the lens to scratch the cornea, opening the door for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.

Serious Complications Within 24-48 Hours

Common issues include bacterial keratitis, often caused by the rapidly spreading Pseudomonas bacterium. However, Acanthamoeba keratitis, conjunctivitis, allergic reactions, or even toxic responses can occur. If these problems are left untreated, the cornea may ulcerate, develop scarring, and eventually result in permanent vision loss.

Particularly dangerous are the scleral type lenses that cover the entire eye surface and significantly reduce the cornea's oxygen supply, and are prone to collecting dust, chemicals, or makeup residues. These often severely interfere with the eye's natural functions and frequently lead to serious corneal injuries.

Warning Signs Not to Ignore

Early symptoms — such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, tearing, blurred vision, or seeing “halos” around light sources — may indicate something is wrong. If these complaints do not disappear shortly after removing the lens, immediate ophthalmic care is needed. In some cases, complications such as vascular invasion into the cornea, secondary glaucoma, or ultimately corneal transplantation may occur.

Experts' Tips for Safe Usage

UAE ophthalmologists stress that contact lenses are not toys, even if worn for just a few hours for fun. All lenses must be treated as medical devices, and users should proceed accordingly:

Never sleep in contact lenses.

Do not swim or shower with lenses in your eyes.

Do not share lenses with others.

Adhere to cleaning and replacement schedules.

Purchase only from reliable, licensed sources.

Do not use expired lenses or care solutions.

According to ophthalmologists, all contact lenses—whether corrective or decorative—should fit properly, be in sterile packaging, and come from an authorized manufacturer. Vision is too valuable to risk with cheaply ordered, counterfeit lenses.

Why is the Danger Greater During Halloween?

During Halloween, there is a dramatic increase in the number of young people seeking a special appearance and ordering lenses online, often at the last minute. However, these products frequently undergo no regulatory inspection, and even their packaging may be of dubious origin. For the sake of quick effects and cheap prices, buyers often disregard the long-term consequences, which can be fatal.

Awareness and Prevention — The Key to Preserving Vision

Health authorities and professionals in the UAE are initiating more educational campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of decorative contact lenses. The message is clear: vision is not a game, and fun should never end in a medical emergency.

Safe lens usage depends not only on the product but also on its usage. Proper hygiene, conscious purchasing, and taking complaints seriously are essential.

Summary

For UAE residents, especially around Halloween, it is crucial to be aware: wearing colorful, “fashionable” lenses is not without risk. If you must wear such lenses, choose an authorized seller, seek expert help for fitting, and strictly adhere to hygiene rules. Vision is an irreplaceable asset—it's not worth jeopardizing for a few hours of entertainment.

(The article is based on the accounts of ophthalmologists.)