This Halloween season, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is again warning consumers about the serious risks of using decorative contact lenses distributed without appropriate involvement by an eye care professional.
These decorative lenses can cause permanent eye injury and may potentially lead to blindness. FDA has received reports of decorative contact lenses being marketed and distributed directly to consumers through sources such as beauty salons, flea markets, convenience stores, beach shops, and the Internet. Marketing of decorative lenses may increase during the upcoming Halloween season.
FDA has received reports of corneal ulcers associated with the wearing of decorative contact lenses in excess of the recommended period. Corneal ulcers can progress rapidly, and, if left untreated, could lead to infection of the eye. Uncontrolled infection can lead to corneal scarring and vision impairment. In the most severe cases, this condition can result in blindness and eye loss.
Other risks associated with the use of decorative contact lenses include conjunctivitis (an infection of the eye); corneal edema (swelling); allergic reaction and corneal abrasion due to poor lens fit. Other problems may include reduction in visual acuity (sight), contrast sensitivity and other visual functions, resulting in interference with driving and other activities.
"Consumers should understand that decorative contact lenses, like contact lenses intended for correcting vision, present serious risks to eye health if they are distributed without the appropriate involvement of a qualified eye care professional," said Dr. Lester M. Crawford, Acting FDA Commissioner. "FDA will aggressively use the full range of its statutory authorities to prevent the improper distribution of these potentially dangerous products."