Soundbites: Dangers of Halloween costume contacts

Cosmetic contact lenses that make your eyes seem to be a different color or add another visual effect are growing in popularity for Halloween costumes.

Nonetheless, if you haven't talked to an eye doctor first (and purchased them from a legitimate source), you shouldn't wear them.

Dr. Russ Van Gelder, chair of ophthalmology and director of the UW Medicine Eye Institute, says if the lenses don't fit exactly right, they can scratch and harm your eye. Those injuries could cause a bacterial infection, like corneal ulcers, which can require surgery. They could even lead to vision loss.