The American Academy of Ophthalmology has issued a warning about decorative contact lenses with the looming Halloween holiday fast approaching. Trick-or-treaters might be tempted to top off their costumes with glow-in-the-dark cat-eye or zebra-striped lenses. There could be a very painful price to pay for this cosmetic addition to their appearances. Purchasing contact lenses without a prescription from an eye care professional can cause serious eye infections which could ultimately result in permanent vision loss. The misconception is that since these decorative lenses don't require a prescription, they do not require a proper fitting by a professional. Lenses that aren't fitted properly by a professional may scratch the eye or make blood vessels grow into the cornea. Not everyone is a good candidate for contact lenses whether they are prescription or decorative. Federal law classifies all contact lenses as a medical device and restricts their distribution to licensed eye care professionals. Their are stiff fines for any illegal sale of contacts.

Don't let decorative contact lenses trick you this Halloween
Don't let decorative contact lenses trick you this Halloween
- by Dr. Paul Krawitz
- 19 October, 2010