The California Optometric Association warns of unlawful sale of novelty contact lenses
Novelty or cosmetic contact lenses may be a favorite way for California teens to spice up their Halloween costume. But by using them without first visiting their optometrist, they are risking permanent damage to their eyes. Used incorrectly or shared, these contact lenses can cause eye infections that, without treatment, can lead to permanent scarring of the eye and vision loss.
This Halloween will be the first since the California Optometric Association-sponsored Assembly Bill 1382 was passed making it unlawful to distribute plano (non-corrective) contact lenses in California without an eye examination and prescription. Still, novelty lenses can still be found at various retail outlets, and many optometrists report an increase in incidences of eye infections, especially amongst teens, during the Halloween season.
Open-air retail sites like swap meets and the Internet are the primary sources for obtaining cosmetic contact lenses without a prescription. COA encourages parents to be mindful of the danger and to make sure their teens understand the risk involved. To find an optometrist in your area, log onto www.eyehelp.org and click on the Find an Eye Doc link.
” A public service message from the California Optometric Association.