Consumers should not buy decorative contact lenses without a doctor’s prescription and fitting

The American Optometric Association (AOA) and Indiana Optometric Association (IOA) are warning consumers about the risks of wearing decorative contact lenses without a prescription from an eye doctor. These non-corrective lenses, which are designed only to change the appearance of the eyes, are easily accessible to consumers and are especially popular around Halloween.

Federal law requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate decorative lenses as a medical device, similar to corrective lenses; however, decorative lenses continue to be illegally marketed and distributed directly to consumers through a variety of sources including flea markets, the Internet, beauty salons and convenience stores.   Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed a measure into law that, effective July 1, 2009, makes the dispensing of contact lenses, including zero-powered lenses, without a current and valid prescription a violation of state law. 

According to the AOA, only a proper medical evaluation from an eye doctor can determine whether or not patients are viable candidates to wear contact lenses, if they are capable of wearing lenses without problems, and that the lenses fit properly.

“Purchasing contact lenses without a prescription can result in serious eye health and vision damage since consumers are not properly educated on cleaning and disinfecting, nor in proper removal and application of the contact lens,” said Paul Klein, O.D., chair of the AOA’s Contact Lens and Cornea Section. “Without a prescription and wearing instructions from an eye doctor, consumers who wear these contact lenses put themselves at risk of serious bacterial infection, or even significant damage to the eye’s ability to function, with the potential for irreversible sight loss.”

This warning comes at a time of heightened consumer interest in changing one’s eye color. New results from the AOA’s American Eye-Q® survey indicate that more than half of all Americans would consider changing the color of their eyes with colored lenses.

Other risks associated with the use of decorative contact lenses include conjunctivitis, swelling, allergic reaction and corneal abrasion due to poor lens fit. Additional medical problems may include reduced vision, glare, and other general eye and vision impairments.