The use of special effects contact lenses at Halloween should be avoided as these products can cause serious eye damage, eye experts have warned.

According to the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI), there has been a ‘worrying growth' in the use of decorative or special effects contact lenses, which are for cosmetic purposes only.

The AOI pointed out that the sale of such lenses is illegal and it urged members of the public not to use them.

"Members of the AOI have reported an increase in eye complications at Halloween in recent years, arising from wearing cosmetic or special effect contact lenses as part of costumes. We are issuing a strong warning to the public not to buy or use these lenses.

"Contact lenses are not ‘one size fits all' and improperly fitting contact lenses, or the wrong type of material can cause damage to the cornea, ulceration, conjunctivitis or blurred vision," explained AOI optometric advisor, Lynda McGivney Nolan.

She said that at its worst, bacterial infection resulting from incorrect contact lens wear can cause vision loss ‘within 24 hours'.

"Harmful bacteria adhere tightly to the surface pigments on cosmetic contact lenses, particularly cheap brands," she noted.

She emphasised that the purchase of contact lenses should only be made with a valid prescription and the supply of contact lenses without an eye examination and prescription is illegal ‘because it is dangerous'.

"Contact lenses are a regulated medical product and may only be supplied and fitted by an optometrist who has been professionally trained in the safe supply, insertion, removal, sterilisation and care of the lenses," Ms McGivney Nolan added.