Do you like decorative contact lenses for Halloween? Eye doctors warn you to watch out
Eye doctors across New York state are asking consumers to be careful when they're designing their Halloween costumes. They say decorative contact lenses can be dangerous to use if they're not properly fitted.
Stephen Baker, an optometrist with offices in Oswego and Pulaski, is the vice president for society relations for the NYS Optometric Association. He says the best way for people to protect themselves is to see an eye doctor for a prescription before buying lenses.
"If they're not breathing well, and if they're not fit properly, you can get infections, specifically something called a corneal ulcer, ulceration occurs when you get a bacterial infection taking place within the layers of the cornea," says Baker.
He says that could lead to long-term damage and even blindness. Baker says a federal law makes it illegal to sell contact lenses without a prescription because they are considered medical devices.
If you shop for decorative lenses online, many places will require you to provide them with a prescription. However many, especially international sites, don't.
If customers do order decorative contact lenses through their doctors, they still need to be careful, cleaning them thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria.
We checked several stores in Central New York to see if they sell decorative contact lenses without prescriptions. Staff members at Dougherty's Masquerade, Spencer's Gifts, and Hot Topic all told us they don't sell decorative contact lenses anymore, and customers should get them through eye care professionals.
Have you ever had problems with decorative lenses? Do you think seeing a doctor for a prescription before buying them is a good idea? Post your comments below.
