Scary Costumes That Can Hurt Your Eyes

By: Dr. Jack Schaeffer

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many consumers as it gives them an opportunity to step out of the normal routine and become someone else for a day. Colored or "crazy contact lenses have become a popular costume accessory in recent years and can enhance the appearance of any character, but consumers need to be aware of the risks associated with wearing them.

With the increase of Hollywood using specialty contact lenses in costuming and special effects, we are seeing an increase in demand for colored and specialty lenses at Schaeffer Eye Center. What people may not realize is that you need a prescription for these lenses even if you do not have any vision needs. That is because contact lenses are a medical device that are regulated by the FDA and should be treated like any prescription contact lens.

You don't ever want to risk the only set of eyes you have. Without proper fitting and guidance from a licensed optometrist, you could do sever damage to your eyes from bacterial eye infections or scratching of the cornea.

Learn more in this video about the risks of specialty contact lenses

You can learn more in this video about contact lenses and proper fittings.

Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses from the American Optometry Association:

• See an optometrist for your regularly scheduled contact lens and eye examination and for a proper fitting and prescription.
  
• Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.


• Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by your optometrist. Rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking lenses overnight in sufficient multi-purpose solution to completely cover the lens.


• Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case every three months or sooner. Clean the case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.


• Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solutions must be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.


• Always recommend contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your optometrist.


• Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.

Barton Perreira Featured in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

This Friday marks the opening day of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps in area theaters. Michael Douglas returns in the sequel as the notorious villain Gordon Gekko and finds himself on the outside of the financial world he once dominated.

Costume designer Elle Mirojnick also reprises her role to dress the characters, and outfits Gekko in a pair of Barton Perreira glasses available exclusively in Alabama at Schaeffer Eye Center locations.

Mirojnick is credited for costume designer for more than 50 movies, including several Michael Douglas films. In Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, Douglas’ character undergoes a fashion transformation as he emerges from jail and works to redefine himself in a new era.

Repost for a chance to win tickets to Friday’s show at Vestavia Rave Theaters!

Oliver Peoples + Schaeffer Eye Center

Schaeffer Eye Center has collaborated on a postcard to be distributed. Hope you get one and if you want one, leave a comment and we'll send one to you. The post card has a savings of $50 towards Oliver Peoples frames for eye and sunglasses.

Limited edition Oakley Frogskin

Oakley continues its collaboration with snowboard company Grenade as the two team-up on a new pair of the brand’s iconic Frogskins model. Taking on a much more playful approach than last year’s version, the shades feature a tone-two fade upper with black iridium lenses adding a bit of balance. Call any of the Schaeffer Eye Centers to have us special order these frames.

Oakley Frogskins + nitraid

Tokyo based skate brand, nitraid's AGITO, teams up with Oakley on a collaborative Frogskin. The sunglasses keep the same Frogskin model with an Amber Black frame and Iridium Polarized lenses. Limited quantity so these will be gone quick. Hits Japan first, but will arrive stateside soon.

Call Schaeffer Eye Center at 1-888-987-2020 to have these special ordered.

Paul Smith Celebs

Paul Smith seems to popping up everywhere lately with their sunglasses this summer. We have Michael Cera (Arrested Development, Superbad, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World) sporting PS-509 and fresh from his "decision", Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat. Looks like he made the right decision... by going with the "Bolan" frame from Paul Smith.

You can check out these frames at any of the Schaeffer Eye Centers in Alabama. Just call 1-888-987-2020 for more information.

Oakley's Razor Blade frame

The History of Oakley is a new design concept from Staple Design. They have released the "Razor Blade" (circa 1997) and the "Jawbone" which features SWITCHLOCK technology. The SWITCHLOCK feature allows the lower part of th frame rim to open allowing for easy access to quick lens changing.

The "Razor Blade" is available in very limited quantities and can be special ordered from Schaeffer Eye Center.