Halloween candy and decorations are already on the shelves at my local stores, and costumes aren’t far behind!
If you’re planning a spooky costume, black contact lenses can take your look to the next level. But you may be wondering, where can you buy black contacts? And do you need a prescription to get them?
Keep reading to learn more about black contacts, how to get them, how to wear them, and the alternatives.
At a Glance
This article discusses what black contacts are and costume ideas. It also discusses alternatives if you’re having trouble finding black contact lenses.
What Are the Options for Black Contact Lenses?
Most black contact lenses cover the iris with a black pigment. Unlike some lighter-colored contacts, they can often work well on light or dark eyes. Depending on the brand and model that you buy, they may be disposable (dailies) or reusable for a certain period of time, like a week or a month.
If you’re looking for something specific, you may be able to find it with a quick search. Cosplayers often search by character or costume; for example, “Black contacts like Geralt of Rivia.”
Black contacts don’t have to be completely solid, either. You may find designs featuring:
- Concentric circles
- Reptile or animal eyes
- Spirals
- Stitches or other special effects
- Patterns inspired by movie, TV, or video game characters
Costume ideas
Here are a few other fun costume ideas you can use if you want to try out black contact lenses:
- Demogorgon from Stranger Things
- Wednesday from The Addams Family
- A dinosaur or reptile
- Jack Skellington (you’ll need some black makeup around the eyes, too)
- Hellraiser demon
- If you prefer a more abstract costume than a character, black lenses with spirals would work for a black hole costume.
What About Full Eye Black Contact Lenses?
Want your entire eye to look black? Some specialized theatrical or scleral lenses are designed to cover a much larger portion of the eye than standard cosmetic contacts.
These are typically custom-made rigid gas-permeable lenses. They’re usually prescribed to treat certain eye conditions, but you can also find options for cosmetic use. The pigment extends across the whole lens, not just the part covering the iris, while the area in the center is clear so you can see through the lens.
Scleral lenses are typically meant to be reused, often for a year or more. That means you’ll need to follow your eye doctor’s instructions for carefully cleaning and storing them.
How Do You Get Black Contacts?
You’ll need to get a prescription from an eye doctor. I know it’s tempting to just order some from a random website, especially if you don’t need prescription lenses, but it’s still a really bad idea.
If you order lenses on your own, it’s easy to get the wrong size. Poorly fitting lenses can cause irritation or infection. And in some cases, these issues can permanently damage your vision.
But your eye doctor can examine your eyes and recommend a safe option that will work for you. If you do need vision correction, they can make sure your prescription is up to date so you can see clearly through your new contacts.
When you have a prescription, you can order your black contacts online. But be sure to use a reputable retailer that requires a prescription or doctor’s visit before dispensing contacts.
Websites that send black contact lenses to anyone with a credit card number may not be dedicated to quality. The lenses they sell could be a poor fit for your eyes.
Alternatives to Black Contact Lenses
Sometimes, you may have trouble finding black contact lenses in the design you want. Fortunately, you have other options for creating a dark or spooky look.
Dark Brown Contact Lenses
Black contacts can sometimes be tricky to find. You could have an easier time finding dark brown colored contact lenses.
For example, AIR OPTIX COLORS has a Brown shade available. Dark brown lenses can create a dramatic effect while looking somewhat softer and more natural than solid-black lenses.
AIR OPTIX COLORS contacts are available on EZContacts. Just remember that you’ll still need a prescription to buy these colored contact lenses and wear them safely.
Makeup
You can also create a dark look around your eyes with makeup. Heavy, dark shades of eyeshadow and thick fake lashes can create a similar effect that may work just as well as black contacts. This way, you can look spooky without having to put anything directly in your eyes!
FAQs
Will I still be able to see clearly with black contact lenses in?
It depends on the lens design and fit. Many colored contact lenses have a clear area over the pupil so that the colored portion doesn’t cover the center of your vision. However, decorative lens designs can vary, and your vision may feel different when you’re wearing them.
For this reason, I recommend that you try your contacts out at home before Halloween. Wear them around the house and get used to how things look before you attempt to drive or do anything that might be dangerous.
Is it okay to wear eye makeup with black contact lenses?
Yes, but you should insert your contact lenses before applying eye makeup to avoid contamination that might cause an infection.
TL;DR
- Black contact lenses are great for a number of Halloween costumes, including demons, supernatural creatures, and characters from movie or TV franchises.
- Some are plain black, but others come with designs like spirals, stitching, or the look of animal eyes.
- Before ordering colored contacts, you’ll want to see an eye doctor first to get a prescription. Only order from reputable websites that require a prescription.
- If you don’t have time or money to go through this process for black contact lenses, consider alternatives like dark brown contacts or heavy eye makeup.
