Don't Add Blindness To Your Halloween Costume

While they may seem harmless fun, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, Prevent Blindness Ohio and the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board are warning consumers about the danger of over-the-counter sales of decorative contact lenses during this Halloween season.

The contact lenses, which can give the illusion the wearer has cat-eyes, white zombie eyes, or anime-like blacked out irises, can give an added punch of realism to a Halloween costume, but have been shown to cause serious eye infections, scarring, or even blindness.

According to the Optical Dispensers Board, the number of consumer complaints filed regarding the illegal sale of cosmetic contact lenses and the number of resulting cease and desist orders issued to violating businesses have shown a sharp increase in the past two years. 

In 2008, ConsumerAffairs.com reported on the dangers of wearing unregulated decorative contact lenses and the FDA's hope consumers will obtain the lenses using proper channels.

But consumers injured by illegal lenses is a problem that not only remains, it grows every year.

In fiscal year 2009, the board issued 13 cease and desist orders based on consumer complaints. In FY 2010, 15 such orders were issued. So far in FY 2011 (just since July 1, 2010), 10 cease and desist orders have been issued - on pace to far surpass previous years.

"With Halloween just around the corner, consumers shopping for their costumes should be cautious not to be tempted by decorative contact lenses sold over-the-counter," said Cordray. "It is illegal for contact lenses to be sold in Ohio without a valid written prescription, and buying such lenses without a prescription can come with serious risks."

Cordray strongly encourages Ohioans to report the illegal sales to the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board at (614) 466-9709.

And while novelty contact lenses are sold out in the open in other states, it doesn't mean they're legally allowed to be. Or they're any less dangerous.

"Eye pain, bacterial infections, and corneal ulcers are caused by ill-fitting lenses. If left untreated, these conditions can result in permanent eye damage and loss of sight," said Thomas L. Steinemann, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University. "Parents should be on the alert to protect their children's vision by assuring that their contact lenses are worn only under the supervision of an eye doctor."

The mission of the Optical Dispensers Board is to protect the public by regulating the practice of the dispensing of all contact lenses, whether worn for corrective or decorative purposes.

Legally, all contact lenses must be purchased with a valid prescription. Black market decorative contact lenses have been made available to the public at such places as gas stations, beauty supply stores and Halloween costume shops. These black market lenses are sold to the public without the benefit of a proper fit or education about the care and use of the contact lenses from qualified, licensed eye care professionals. 

"The Optical Dispensers Board wants to remind the public that it is illegal for businesses to sell cosmetic contact lenses, even the contact lenses that provide no visual correction, without requiring a prescription from an eye doctor. In addition, only a licensed optician, ophthalmologist or optometrist has the authority to dispense contact lenses" said Nancy Manns, Executive Director of the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board.

"The Optical Dispensers Board is committed to continue the fight against the illegal sales of contact lenses and will continue to work with Attorney General Cordray's office to stop this dangerous practice."

Prevent Blindness Ohio offers the following safety tips regarding cosmetic contact lenses:

• Always visit a licensed eye care professional to be fitted for cosmetic contact lenses.
• Never buy contact lenses without a prescription.
• Always clean and disinfect contact lenses according to instructions.
• Always use water-soluble cosmetics or those labeled safe for use with contact lenses. Do not apply skin creams or moisturizers too close to the eyes.
• Never wear opaque lenses if you have any problems with night vision.
• Never share or trade your contact lenses with anyone.
• Be watchful about your child's or teen's appearance. If they are wearing cosmetic contacts, question them about where they obtained them.