Press Release Source:
Illegal Costume Contact Lenses Sold By Unlicensed Dealers

Halloween is that magical time of year where humans are transformed into ghosts, ghouls and goblins. There is nothing magical however, when it comes to illegal costume contact lenses, warns the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Eye M.D. Association. "Costume contact lenses (also known as WildEyes Contact lenses) can be a whole lot of fun," said Academy spokesperson Thomas L. Steinemann, M.D. "But, just like contact lenses used to correct refractive errors, they need to be fitted and handled properly to avoid problems such as eye infections which can lead to vision loss."

Dr. Steinemann went on to say, "The black market contact lenses may not fit properly. They may not come with any instructions on proper cleaning or care. We don't know where the lenses were made, what materials were used to make them or whether or not they're sterile. People sometimes sleep in them for days or months at a time and even share them with others."

Costume contact lenses are available through licensed dispensaries and come in a variety of colors and designs that can make brown eyes blue or transform human eyes to cat eyes. People who wish to wear these lenses should always visit an eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist.

"People mistakenly think that just because contact lenses are not being worn to correct vision, one size fits all," said Dr. Steinemann, a corneal specialist at the MetroHealth Medical Eye Center in Cleveland. "It's important to first visit an eye care professional who will make sure the lenses will fit your eyes properly and tell you how to take care of them."

The FDA has issued a consumer alert in regards to custome contact lenses, they state that they "present significant risks of blindness and other eye injury if they are distributed without a prescription or without proper fitting by a qualified eye care professional."

Serious problems have been associated with illegally sold costume contact lenses purchased from unlicensed vendors such as gas stations, hair salons and corner stores. In a report published in Eye & Contact Lens, the clinical journal of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Dr. Steinemann cited six cases where people experienced serious problems ranging from infections to corneal abrasions. One 14-year-old patient was hospitalized and needed a corneal transplant following a serious eye infection.

The Academy offers these tips for buying and wearing any contact lens, including costume contact lenses:

• Always see an eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist before
  purchasing custome contact lenses.
• Never buy the lenses from anyone but a licensed dispensary.
• Don't sleep with custome contact lenses in your eyes, unless they are
  specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration for overnight
  wear.
• Always follow the instructions for proper care, cleaning and
  disinfection.
• Never share your contact lenses with anyone else or wear someone else's
  contact lenses.
• Don't swim while wearing your contact lenses.