Officials have warned 'trick or treaters' to avoid purchasing and wearing colored-contact lenses or decorative lenses that may be dangerous to the health, according to UPI.
The Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations, the United States Immigration and Custom Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Customs and Border Protection are currently working to seize the use of counterfeit contact lenses that are being illegally distributed in the US. These lenses have been unapproved by the FDA, according to Eagle Tribune.
This operation called "Operation Double Vision" is aimed at preventing the use of colored contact lenses in the up and coming Halloween season as well as throughout the year. "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. "What's truly scary is the damage these counterfeit lenses can do to your eyes for a lifetime."
"Wearing such contact lenses have inherent medical risks and is also illegal especially when they don't have a prescription from an ophthalmologist, optometrist or a specially licensed optician supervised by an eye doctor", he added. The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act gives the consumers the right to obtain a copy of their contact lens prescription so they can purchase from online stores and avail of discounts. However, doctors are not expected to prescribe patients with anime or circle lenses that gives the wearer wide, doll-like eyes.
"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."
