Ghoulish Contact Lenses Get Blinding Health Warning

Monster-inspired decorative contact lenses used to complete Halloween costumes are available all over the Internet and at some novelty shops, but three ophthalmology groups are warning consumers that the cosmetic eyewear options can cause serious health problems, including blindness.

“Topping off a costume with blood-drenched vampire eyes, glow-in-the-dark lizard lenses or maybe even the newest fad, circle lenses, are all cool and trendy options. But most people do not know the sight-stealing consequences behind making these choices,” warn the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), and the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO) in a joint press release issued Monday.

The three organizations issued the release in response to the rising popularity of low-cost decorative contact lenses for Halloween.

“Obtaining decorative lenses, including colored contacts and novelty or costume lenses, without a prescription is dangerous. And circle lenses, which are becoming increasingly popular with teenage girls, are not FDA-approved. Websites often advertise decorative contacts as if they were cosmetics, fashion accessories or toys. With whimsical, playful packaging and names like Dolly Eyes, their targets are often teens and young adults,” the press release warns.

The groups caution parents and teens that purchasing any contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from a licensed eye care professional can cause serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to blindness.

“All contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye care professional. Even if someone has perfect vision, they need to get an eye exam and a prescription from an eye care professional in order to wear any kind of contacts, including cosmetic lenses,” the groups warn.

"Most people believe that decorative lenses don’t require the same level of care or consideration as corrective contact lenses because they can be purchased over-the-counter or on the Internet. This is far from the truth,” said Thomas Steinemann, MD, professor of ophthalmology, MetroHealth Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and a clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “In fact, permanent eye damage can occur from using over-the-counter lenses. We want to discourage all consumers, especially teens, from buying contact lenses in beauty salons, novelty shops or in Halloween stores.”

In 2005, a federal law was passed that classified all contact lenses as medical devices and restricted their distribution to licensed eye care professionals. Illegal sale of contacts can result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Consumers should only buy decorative contact lenses from an eye care professional or a seller who asks for a prescription.

Read a patient story and view the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s 30- and 90-second public service announcements.

For more information on the safe wearing of decorative lenses as well as regular contacts, visit www.geteyesmart.org.