What are Theatrical Contact lenses?
We pride ourselves at Eyecare Associates of Lee’s Summit in being contact lens specialists, fitting nearly all the options available. One that doesn’t get a lot of attention is theatrical or special effects contact lenses. They are available in both prescription and non-prescription styles.
Ever watched a sci-fi movie where a character from around world has cat like pupils or a zombie has blood red eyes? Those are custom made theatrical lenses and are ideal for theater performances or special effect make up, allowing you to take your costume or cosplay to the next level. These lenses add a new dimension to your look that you can’t get any other way.
Do I need a Prescription for Theatrical Contacts?
100% Yes! Theatrical lenses, like any other contact lens, is a medical device and carries significant risk of eye issues when used improperly. They can be safe to wear but only when fitted to your eye, used as prescribed and cared for. Because they are medical devices, even one-time wearers need a prescription.
Theatrical lenses can be used whether or not you normally wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you need vision correction, theatrical contact lenses are available to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, although there is some limit to some of the options depending on your glasses prescription.
Poorly Fitting Lenses can Cause Serious Issues
Even if you don’t need the contact lenses to correct your vision, they are still a piece of plastic sitting on your eye. Therefore, they need to fit properly. It doesn’t matter wear you got them from, our office, a Halloween store or a flea market, a poorly fitting costume lens can lead to eye infections, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers and even blindness.
There is no shortage of companies who sell all kinds of novelty contact lenses, especially around Halloween, but be ware, legitimate retailers will require you to provide a doctor’s prescription, even if you don’t require any correction. NEVER buy from a retailer who does not require a prescription; the health and safety of your eyes is too important. Modern medicine can fix lots of issues, but the eye isn’t one of them.
It can take a few days to get your special effect contact lenses in, as we need to custom order them for you, so plan ahead before your cosplay event or Halloween party. We look forward to helping you find a unique set of lenses that will elevate your costume!
Our skilled team can help you see more clearly for life! Call 816-524-8900 or schedule your eye exam online today.
Posted October 2022 by Laura Nennig, OD; she specializes in contact lens fittings, with advanced training with scleral lenses and other custom lenses.
