Theatrical Contact Lenses : Jazz Up Your Next Costume

For many years now, Hollywood has used a lot of different special effects for movies and television productions. This includes special theatrical contact lenses which have been developed over the years to enhance an actor's appearance with eyes that appear to be anything from cold blue steel to cat's eyes. Contact lenses have come a long way in recent years, and now theatrical contact lenses are available to the general public, and can be a great option to add some creative and exciting flair to your next holiday costume.

A company called Hollywood Vision is one of the leading manufacturers of professional special-effect contact lenses. The lenses used by actors in movies, television and theatre for special effects are commonly known as "Special FX" contacts. In the past, companies like Hollywood Vision specialized only in custom-made theatrical contact lenses as needed for specific actors and productions. Special FX contacts have been produced for celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal, LL Cool J, and Demi Moore, and these contacts have been use in productions like Battledome, Godzilla, Sleepstalker, and The Young & the Restless. However, in recent years, these Hollywood companies and other manufacturers have begun to offer special effects contacts to the general public. In fact, they now carry many Special FX contact lenses as stock items in their inventory, which has made them very affordable - usually about $50 to $60 per pair.

CibaVision is one well-known company producing costume contact lenses, under the brand name "WildEyes". They offer lens styles that add an incredible touch to a Halloween costume, like Black-Out (makes your entire eye black), Cat Eye, Alien or glow-in-the-dark contacts. Most of these lenses can be ordered through your own eye doctor.

Another popular company selling novelty contact lenses is CooperVision which sells "CrazyLenses". They carry special effect lenses, including some that would be great for your next Mardi Gras costume, like Red Spiral, Fire, Stars & Stripes and NFL Football team logos. Once again, these theatrical contacts can be purchased through your own doctor.

Even if you don't need vision correction, you still need a prescription to get theatrical contacts, because they must be properly fitted to your eyes, and have to be designed to allow oxygen to circulate to your eyes, to be sterile and to avoid eye injury. Never buy novelty contacts from anyone who does not require a prescription; they are breaking the law and their lenses could cause significant injury or infection. Also, never share theatrical lenses, as this could spread bacteria and infection as well. Make sure you remove and clean special effect contacts daily like any other regular soft contact lens.

By following a few simple precautions, like proper fitting by your doctor, and proper cleaning and care, you can enhance your Halloween or Mardis Gras costume safely. You will find that special effects lenses are comfortable, since they are soft lenses, and can last for awhile with proper care. They can be a lot of fun and a really easy addition to your next costume with the variety of choices available and the ease of obtaining them through your regular eye doctor. Try a pair of theatrical contact lenses with your next costume, and you'll suddenly find that you've become the life of the party.