Werewolves and Zombies Beware! Wearing Decorative Contact Lenses on Halloween Can Be Harmful

Those decorative contact lenses worn as part of many Halloween costumes to give the eyes a cat-like appearance or change the color of the eyes can be dangerous and cause serious injuries and even blindness, the Food and Drug Administration warns.

The lenses, also called non-corrective lenses, plano, or zero-powered contacts, are worn by some people year-round, but their use peaks around Halloween as part of ghoulish or creepy costumes worn by adults and children alike, product safety officials said.

“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, network leader of the Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices network for the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

The FDA regulates cosmetic contact lenses just like corrective contact lenses and said while the cosmetic products are not necessarily unsafe, they can be very harmful when used incorrectly. The agency has just issued a warning to consumers about the risks.

Wear Cosmetic Lenses Without Prescription, Break the Law

It may come as a surprise to learn that it is against the law to wear cosmetic contact lenses without a valid prescription from an eye doctor. It also is illegal to sell decorative contact lenses as over-the-counter products. However, many consumers skirt the law and buy the lenses without prescriptions at beauty supply stores, flea markets, over the Internet, and from other sources, the FDA said.

Wearing cosmetic contact lenses without having consulted with an eye-care professional before and after wearing them “can lead to significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness,” the FDA warns.

Improper use of non-corrective contact lenses can increase the risks of corneal ulcers, corneal abrasion, vision impairment, and loss of vision, according to the FDA warning.

Cosmetic Contact Lens Safety Tips

If your Halloween costume just won’t be complete without some cat eyes or you want to wear decorative contact lenses for another reason, the FDA recommends you follow these safety tips:

• 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 from 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.

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