Food and Drug Administration is warning the public about the use of counterfeit colored contacts for Halloween costumes as they are working with U.S. officials to seize the illegal imports of decorative lenses.
UPI reports the FDA along with Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are working on getting illegal decorative lenses and lenses unapproved by the administration off the streets.
The effort is called "Operation Double Vision."
"Our concern is that consumers who buy and use decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription can run significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness," John Roth, director of FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations, said. "It is always better to involve a qualified eye care professional and protect your vision."
FDA officials warn not to purchase contacts without a prescription from any store, including ones found online. The counterfeit lenses can cost as little $20, but the law requires a prescription to purchase contact lenses.
"Even though Halloween approaches, consumers shouldn't let a good deal or great costume blind them to the dangers of counterfeit decorative contact lenses," James Dinkins, executive associate director of the Homeland Security Investigations, said in a statement. "What's truly scary is the damage these counterfeit lenses can do to your eyes for a lifetime."
Dr. Steven Nichols with the Kansas City Eye Clinic in Overland Park told KMBZ the contacts might look "scary," but also reiterated the trauma fake contacts can cause to your vision.
"The main safety issue is how the lenses stay on your eyes. It can lead to all kinds of problems and some of them very traumatic to the eye," Nichols said.
According to KMBZ, The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns lenses can cause cuts and open sores in the eyes, leading to possible bacterial infections that can leave you blind.
The FDA officially banned "cosmetic" contact lenses in 2005.
