Decorative Contact Lenses
Every year, the approach of Halloween heightens fears at FDA that consumers will harm their eyes with unapproved decorative contact lenses. These are lenses that some people use to temporarily change their eye color or to make their eyes look weird—perhaps giving them an "eye-of-the-tiger" look.

"Although unauthorized use of decorative contact lenses is a concern year-round, Halloween is the time when people may be inclined to use them, perhaps as costume accessories," says Saviola.

The problem is not that people use decorative, non-corrective lenses. It's that many go about it the wrong way, which is dangerous.

Prescription Required
Just like their corrective counterparts, decorative contacts - sometimes called plano, zero-powered or non-corrective lenses - are regulated by FDA.

"What troubles us is when they are bought and used without a valid prescription, without the involvement of a qualified eye care professional, or without appropriate follow-up care," says Saviola. "This can lead to significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness."

FDA is aware that consumers without valid prescriptions have bought decorative contact lenses from beauty salons, record stores, video stores, flea markets, convenience stores, beach shops and the Internet.

Recent legislation has made it illegal to market decorative contact lenses as over-the-counter products.

Unauthorized contact lenses of all types present risks to the eye that include:

• Corneal ulcers
• Corneal abrasion
• Vision impairment
• Blindness

If You Want Decorative Contacts:

• Get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional, even if you feel your vision is perfect.
• Get a valid prescription that includes the brand and lens dimensions.
• Buy the lenses from an eye care professional or from a vendor who requires that you provide prescription information for the lenses.
• Follow directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses, and visit your eye care professional for follow-up eye exams.

If you find a Web site you think is illegally selling contact lenses over the Web, you should report it to FDA at http://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
Source: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/default.htm

I never realized that people have the potential to harm their eyes with decorative contact lenses, but it does make sense if they are not cautious about putting them in and taking them out.

If I try to wear regular lenses it makes my eyes a decorative blood red... needless to say, I will not be wearing decorative lenses... ever!

I had a girlfriend once who had blue lenses that made her eyes look HUGE.

I guess this explains why she apparently couldn't read the warnings on household cleaners that says "Do not huff this crap, it can kill you!".

Does that mean she died?!?!