There are many potential hazards for children, teens and adults on Halloween. One of the worst may occur before the kids knock on any doors and gleefully scream "trick or treat!"
The American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind parents this Halloween that cosmetic contact lenses, like corrective contact lenses, are medical devices requiring a prescription, and permanent eye damage can occur if they are improperly used.
"This is an important, yet often overlooked, safety issue," said Academy spokesperson Thomas L. Steinemann, MD, an associate professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. "The consequences can be catastrophic, as improper use can lead to permanent blindness in the worst cases."
One year ago, Congress passed a law regulating cosmetic contact lenses. The law, an amendment to the "Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act," states that all contact lenses are considered medical devices, regardless of their use, including those that are mainly used in costumes or for decorative or cosmetic reasons.
It also mandates that all contact lenses sold in the United States must be fit and dispensed by an eye care professional.
Dr. Steinemann, the principal investigator on a study that provided evidence of dangers caused by improperly dispensed decorative contact lenses, said many people are still getting them without the required prescription and do not realize the potential harm they might cause themselves or their children.
"It's a year later and most states haven't followed the lead of the federal government on this issue," he said. "If you don't purchase contacts from an eye care provider, chances are you are not going to get any education on how to wear or care for the lens, and most likely you aren't getting a proper fit; one size does not fit all. But with proper fitting and instructions, cosmetic lenses can be worn safely."
Dr. Steinemann said the law has not yet had a profound effect on people's behavior.
"I don't think many states are moving fast enough to make sure these sight-threatening devices are properly regulated," said Dr. Steinemann, who has treated many emergency cases, including one youth who suffered a blinding corneal infection following her use of decorative lenses.
"No matter what their purpose, all contact lenses need the same regulations to help provide the same protection for all wearers," he said. "It doesn't matter why you wear contact lenses -- to correct your vision or just for fun -- the risks posed are the same when there is no professional involvement."
