Eye Safety for Halloween

October 3, 2011 -- Each year, as Halloween approaches, revelers find new and interesting ways to enhance their costumes. Many have turned to decorative contact lenses to complete their ghoulish or fantasy-like looks. 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. 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.

This year, the American Academy of Ophthalmology along with its partners the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), and the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO), are working together to warn parents and teens that purchasing any contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from a licensed eye care professional such as an ophthalmologist � an eye medical doctor -- 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.

"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.

While Halloween is a popular time for people to use decorative contact lenses, it's important to take proper care year-round. To protect the eyes, an eye care professional measures each eye in order to properly fit contacts for the patient. There is no such thing as "one-size-fits-all"� contact lenses. Contacts that are not properly fitted may scratch the eye or cause blood vessels to grow into the cornea.

Additionally, the eye care professional instructs the patient on appropriate contact lens care. Contacts that are not cleaned and disinfected increase the risk of eye infection. Not everyone is a good candidate for contacts (prescription or decorative lenses).

People who have:

• frequent eye infections,
• severe allergies,
• dry eye that is resistant to treatment,
• a very dusty work environment, or
• an inability to handle and care for the lenses

An eye care professional can assist in helping a patient make a decision that is right for them. Watch this 30 second public service announcement for more information.

For more information on Halloween safety or contact lens safety, please call Prevent Blindness Ohio at 800-301-2020 or visit www.pbohio.org.

Those who have complaints against illegal sales should contact the Optical Dispensers Board at 614-466-9709, odb@odb.ohio.gov, or fax to 614-995-5392.

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