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Colored Contacts Can Trick, Not Treat, for Halloween

FDA warns against unauthorized use of costume lenses

By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com

October 23, 2009

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Your eyes could be in for some dirty tricks and potentially serious risks if you use unregulated decorative contact lenses this Halloween.

That's the warning issued today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which said unauthorized decorative contact lenses can cause corneal ulcers, corneal abrasion, vision impairment, and blindness.

"Although unauthorized use of decorative contact lenses is a concern year-round, Halloween is the time when people may be inclined to use them, perhaps as costume accessories," said James Saviola, the Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices network leader in FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "What troubles us is when they are bought and used without a valid prescription, without the involvement of a qualified eye care professional, or without appropriate follow-up care."

Decorative contact lenses -- which can change the color of eyes or give them such weird appearances as "eye-of-the-tiger" or zebra looks -- are regulated by the FDA. But the agency has learned some beauty salons, video stores, flea markets, records stores, convenience stores, beach shops, and online vendors have sold those types of lenses to consumers without valid prescriptions.

The over-the-counter sale of decorative contact lenses, however, is now illegal under recent legislation, according to the FDA.

The agency said consumers who want to safely use decorative contact lenses -- without fears of damaging their eyes -- should:

• Get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional, even if you feel your vision is perfect;

• Get a valid prescription that includes the brand and lens dimensions;

• Buy the lenses from an eye care professional or a vendor who requires that you provide prescription information for the lenses;

• Follow directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses, and visit your eye care professional for follow-up eye exams.

Consumers should report any problems with decorative contact lenses to their local FDA consumer complaint coordinator and the FDA's MedWatch Program.

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