Georgia’s eye doctors are issuing a Halloween Consumer Alert to warn the public about dangers linked to wearing the counterfeit and fake contact lenses available for sale at gas stations, beauty supply shops, online and Halloween costume stores. Doctors of optometry say these decorative contact lenses – ones that are not prescribed or professionally fitted – can cause permanent injury, even blindness.

According to federal law, all contact lenses are classified as a medical device by the Food & Drug Administration and require a prescription to be bought or sold. The members of the Georgia Optometric Association advise, in order to reduce the risk of eye injury, it is important to purchase contact lenses only from an eye care professional and be fitted properly for the lenses. Consumers should follow instructions about cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses, and never borrow lenses from a friend.

“Many people get very creative with their Halloween costumes and include special looks and elaborate accessories,” said Dr. Nadine Humen Forche, president of the Georgia Optometric Association. “As a doctor of optometry, my advice would be to make sure you are not one of the people whose outfit includes knockoff or imitation contact lenses because scary lenses can lead to scary problems, even blindness.”

Doctors of optometry are warning the public that risks from use of these lens products can include:

  • A cut or scratch on the top layer of the eyeball (corneal abrasion)
  • Allergic reactions like itchy, watery red eyes
  • Decreased vision
  • Infection
  • Blindness
  • Lead Poisoning
  • Difficulty removing them

Over-the-counter contact lenses of unknown origin may have been manufactured with lead in the color tint, bacteria in the saline or be made of substandard polymers.

Since 2005, federal law requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate decorative lenses as medical devices, similar to corrective lenses.  Federal law says it is illegal to sell the lenses over-the-counter without a prescription. According to the Georgia Optometric Association, it is a felony offense to sell contact lenses without a license in Georgia.