Eye health resources

Plan ahead and have fun with Halloween and cosplay contact lenses

Q: How do I find costume contact lenses?

The best place to start is by seeing your eye doctor. They can determine if your eyes are healthy enough for contact lenses and work with you to find a type of contact lens that will fit your costume.

Q: Why is it illegal to buy Halloween contact lenses without a prescription?

In the United States, it’s illegal to buy any contact lenses without a prescription because contact lenses are classified as medical devices. It can be dangerous to the health of your eyes and vision to wear lenses that are not prescribed to you because it can put you at risk for serious infection or vision loss.

Q: What should I do if my Halloween contact lenses hurt my eyes?

If you’re wearing contact lenses that cause discomfort, you need to take them out immediately and get in touch with your eye doctor.

Q: Are Halloween contact lenses safe to wear?

Halloween contact lenses can be safe to wear, but only if they are properly prescribed and fitted by an eye doctor and used according to all care instructions. Like all contact lenses, they are regulated medical devices and can cause serious eye infections or injury if used improperly.

Q: What are cosplay contact lenses?

Cosplay contact lenses typically refer to colored contact lenses that complete the look of a costume a person is creating to look like a character from a book, tv show or film. They are often opaque or semi-opaque to change the color and/or appearance of your eyes.

Medically reviewed on March 6, 2026

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Published on May 18, 2026

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5 minute read

Key takeaways

What are Halloween or cosplay contacts?

The dangers of unprescribed colored contact lenses

Beware of black-market contact lenses

How to buy and use contact lenses the right way

Find an eye doctor

Popular styles for costume contacts

 Want to complete your costume? Call your eye doctor.

Find an eye doctor

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do I find costume contact lenses?

Why is it illegal to buy Halloween contact lenses without a prescription?

What should I do if my Halloween contact lenses hurt my eyes?

Are Halloween contact lenses safe to wear?

What are cosplay contact lenses?