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. Andrea Schumann Staff Writer