Decorative contact lenses obtained online without a prescription can quickly become a nightmare for patients — and optometrists who must correct the potential damage the lenses can cause. By educating patients in advance on the risks and dangers of lenses sold illegally and without FDA approval, O.D.s can ensure Halloween fun includes candy corn — not corneal abrasions.

START OUTREACH IN ADVANCE

“Patients don’t usually consult with us about wanting to make this type of purchase — they just go ahead and buy them,” says Frank Scolinos, O.D., of Inglewood Optometric Center in Inglewood, Calif. “This is especially true for patients who don’t plan in advance, leaving their costume to the last minute.”

Kate Holthaus, O.D., of Vision Specialists in Omaha, says that in the months leading up to Halloween, she starts asking patients about their Halloween plans to open the conversation about decorative contact lenses.

Both doctors advise using social media to spread the word about the risks and dangers of non-FDA decorative contact lenses and how O.D.s can help patients achieve the same aesthetic effect safely.

DON’T MISS AN OPPORTUNITY

There may be times when the O.D. hears after the fact that a patient has already worn decorative lenses that they’ve purchased online, and that’s an opportunity to educate the patient, says Dr. Scolinos.

“You can encourage the patient to go the proper route next time,” he says.

Dr. Holthaus agrees.

“We would set up one-on-one time with the patient to review their options for the lenses and properly train them on how to insert, care for and remove the lenses.” OM