Cosmetic Contact Lenses
When wearing your cosmetic contact lenses, there are a millions things you’ll want to keep in mind. Most of these issues should be discussed with your doctor. Here is a great list of things you want to keep in mind this halloween when wearing your contact lenses.
BadDadRadio.com says, “Cosmetic contact lenses can be make your teens’ Halloween costume extra special. However, both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Optometric Association advise consulting an eye care professional first.” This is great advice because contact lenses without a prescription are illegal in the United States for good reason, they’re dangerous and eye infections are no fun, especially cornea infections.
Google-Sina.com has an article talking about Ohio possibly banning the sale of cosmetic contact lenses. This is bad news for optometrists who make their living with cosmetic contact lenses and also for Halloween costumes. The article says, “Improper care and ill-fitting contact lenses may result in corneal ulcers and/or infections that can lead to blindness…” Ouch!
While not a blog, the Federal Trade Commission warned 15 cosmetic lens marketers saying, “Under the FTC’s Contact Lens Rule, sellers of both corrective and non-corrective cosmetic contact lenses must have a copy of a valid contact lens prescription or verify it with the prescriber before dispensing contact lenses to consumers. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.” Wow, $11,000 for selling colored contact lenses without a prescription. That is huge when contact lenses only profit about $40 per eye for each sale.
MyDisguises.com talks about your doctor playing a vital part in setting up your Halloween costume. Especially since you’ll need to see him to get a halloween contact lens set. MyDisguises.com says, “If you’re going to play a classic role this Halloween, you’re going to have to consult an eye doctor as to whether costume contacts are right for you.”
That’s it for the cosmetic contact lens warnings. Now go and have a safe and fun Halloween!
I have to say in regarding contact lenses that I don’t agree with the government or any company making cosmetic lenses illegal to wear. Or if you don’t have a prescription illegal to buy. I believe that if a person wants to screw up their eyes by not following directions, that it is their own free will to make that decision not some one elses. It’s not the job of any company or the goverments to protect everyone by making something illegal. Though they should inform the public of what can happen if contact lenses are missused and if you miss use them its your own fault. I know there are people out there that would want to sue for screwing up their own eyes and blaming it on the company or govt. If they did try to sue then that case should be thrown out if known that the user was at fault. Thanks for writing the article keep it up!
Jason, while I agree, since it’s a prescription, does that change things? Do you feel the same way about people sharing prescription drugs?