Costume Contact Lenses Can Cause Corneal Injury: A Kitsilano Optometrist on Staying Safe This Halloween
Vancouver, Canada - October 22, 2026 / Dr. Della Chow | Optometrist /
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, October 22, 2026 — Ahead of Halloween, Dr. Della Chow, OD, an optometrist in Kitsilano, is warning residents against decorative contact lenses obtained without a professional examination, valid prescription, or proper fitting, citing documented injury and infection risks.
Health Canada Warns of Injury and Infection Risk From Decorative Lenses
Health Canada warns that decorative contact lenses can cause corneal abrasions, allergic reactions, impaired vision, infections and blindness, and recommends consulting an eye care professional before using them. A 2018–2019 Health Canada inspection found that 35% of randomly selected retail outlets (8 of 23) and 59% of internet retailers (23 of 39) failed to meet medical-device licensing and labelling requirements, and inspectors found 584 pairs of grey-market decorative lenses at retail outlets in British Columbia.
"Decorative lenses are still medical devices, even when they're sold as a costume accessory," said Dr. Chow. "A poor fit or an unlicensed product is what leads to the corneal abrasions and infections that get reported."
A Contact Lens Exam Is What Separates a Costume Lens From a Safe One
Dr. Chow points to a valid prescription and a proper fitting as the difference between a safe decorative lens and one that risks injury. The Canadian Association of Optometrists advises that cosmetic lenses should be purchased only from an authorized dispenser and never shared between people, since fit and material vary by eye. A contact lens exam establishes the prescription and fit any contact lens needs, decorative or otherwise. Dr. Chow's practice provides that exam and prescription; the practice does not sell or fit costume-specific decorative lenses itself. Costume makeup, glitter and adhesive lashes worn close to the eyes can cause problems of their own: red rings around the eyes after a night in costume are often contact dermatitis or blepharitis, and redness that lasts more than a week is worth having checked.
"If someone wants to wear a decorative lens for Halloween, the safest path is still a proper exam and a prescription first," Dr. Della Chow said. "A proper exam takes the guesswork out of fit and material, which is exactly what's missing with the grey-market lenses Health Canada has flagged."
Dr. Chow's practice is welcoming new and existing patients for contact lens exams ahead of Halloween.
About Dr. Della Chow | Optometrist
Dr. Della Chow | Optometrist provides comprehensive vision and eye health care in Kitsilano for patients of all ages, led by Dr. Della Chow, OD. Services include routine and children's eye exams, contact lens fittings, and designer eyewear. The practice accepts BC's Medical Services Plan and most extended health plans and is located at 2589 W Broadway in Kitsilano, Vancouver.
Contact Information:
Dr. Della Chow | Optometrist
2589 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9
Canada
Della Chow
+1 778-743-7499
https://drdellaoptometry.com/
