WickedEyez sees Dragon Con as start of Halloween lens season

WickedEyez is using Dragon Con in Atlanta to kick off what it expects will be a busy Halloween season for theatrical contact lenses. The Marietta, Georgia company says cosplay and costume demand will rise through September and October as fans finish looks with specialized eye colors.

Why it matters: - Dragon Con draws more than 75,000 science fiction, fantasy, gaming and pop-culture fans to Atlanta Sept. 3-7, creating a major early-season demand signal for cosplay accessories. - WickedEyez says theatrical lenses are often the final detail that turns a costume into a full character look. - The company expects demand to keep climbing through September and October as Halloween approaches.

What happened: - WickedEyez said Dragon Con marks the unofficial start of Halloween contact lens season. - The Marietta, Georgia-based company is preparing for the annual cosplay surge tied to the convention. - The convention is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year in downtown Atlanta. - WickedEyez says customers can shop theatrical, cosplay and cosmetic lenses at WickedEyez.com.

The details: - WickedEyez supplies theatrical and cosmetic contact lenses for cosplay, Halloween costumes, theatrical productions, photo shoots and everyday cosmetic looks. - The theatrical lineup includes white and blackout lenses, vampire red styles, character-inspired designs and vivid specialty colors. - WickedEyez offers both non-corrective and prescription theatrical lenses. - Many prescription styles are available in powers from -0.50 to -6.00. - The company also carries more natural cosmetic colors for customers wanting a subtler change. - Decorative contact lenses are medical devices and require prescription verification, including lenses that do not provide vision correction. - Customers with a valid contact lens prescription can submit it with their order. - If a prescription is not provided, WickedEyez can contact the customer’s eye care provider for verification. - WickedEyez says theatrical lenses should be cleaned, stored and handled like other contact lenses and used under the guidance of an eye care professional.

Between the lines: - Dragon Con has become an important calendar marker for costume retailers because it comes just before the Halloween rush. - Cosplay has broadened the company’s use case beyond Halloween into year-round character and special-effects looks. - The eye area can change the perceived character more than wigs, makeup or costumes alone.

What's next: - WickedEyez expects September and October demand to increase as attendees finish convention costumes and Halloween shoppers place orders. - The company is urging customers not to wait until the last minute because prescription verification, processing and shipping can take time. - The busiest period for theatrical lenses should continue through the rest of the fall season.

The bottom line: - For WickedEyez, Dragon Con is both a cosplay showcase and the first clear signal that Halloween lens season has begun.