Move over tattoos and neon hair! The eyes have it. I can’t imagine wearing contact lenses let alone these little embellishments just because I go nuts if I get fuzz in my eyes. But there are people out there who not only require them but who look for a new twist on the old green, blue, and brown. The twist is actually in the necks of those who encounter people wearing these oddities……especially if in a chance meeting in a dark alley somewhere.

I have seen many of these used in theatrical situations and have often wondered if they are potentially dangerous. Here is what I didn’t know:

While novelty contacts are designed for fun, they still are considered medical devices and cannot be purchased legally in the United States without a contact lens prescription. Like all contact lenses, they can cause eye infections if not fitted correctly or cared for properly.

You must see an eye doctor to have them fitted and prescribed, even if your eyes don’t need a prescriptive correction (that is, you don’t usually wear eyeglasses or contact lenses).

You also need to clean and disinfect gothic and special-effect contact lenses like any other contact lens, and you should never share or swap your contacts with friends. Doing so could lead to a serious eye infection and permanent vision loss.

I can’t imagine going to an eye doctor and asking for tiger eyes….or black eyes!