FDA issues warning about decorative contact lenses

Silver Spring, MD – People who use decorative contact lenses as part of their Halloween costumes should consider risks such as an eye infection, cornea damage, vision loss and blindness, according to a consumer update released Oct. 12 by the Food and Drug Administration.

Classified as medical devices, decorative lenses must be specially designed and fitted to a patient’s eyes and are not “one size fits all,” according to FDA. The agency warns consumers to be wary of vendors that do not require a prescription or provide thorough instruction for the lenses.

FDA recommends the following for people wearing decorative lenses this Halloween season:

• Schedule an appointment with a licensed eye doctor, who can properly measure your eyes and provide a valid prescription.
• Follow up with a doctor if you experience redness, pain or a decrease in vision.
• Practice proper usage and storage instructions.

FDA also warns consumers about anime-inspired lenses, which typically are larger than normal contact lenses and not FDA-approved.