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Improper Use of Halloween contact lenses may harm your eyes
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Decorative contact lens, which give your normal eyes a sexy "eye of the tiger" look or a blank zombie-like stare may embellish your Halloween costume, but can damage your eyes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned today, Oct. 23, in an article issued by the agency.
According to the FDA, the problem is not that Halloween revelers are likely to wear these non-corrective contact lenses, known commonly as "decorative contacts," but they are too likely to buy they over-the-counter, a practice that actually is prohibited.
"Although unauthorized use of decorative contact lenses is a concern year-round, Halloween is a time when people may be inclined to use them," says James Saviola, the Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat devices network leader in the agency's Center for Devices and Radiological health.
Many consumers do not realize that they are FDA- regulated medical devices, and that recent legislation has made it illegal to market them as over-the-counter products. Still, they are commonly available in costume shops, beauty shops, convenience stores, novelty shops, and other places that people shop for Halloween items, as well as over the Internet.
According to the FDA, the improper use of these lenses presents risks for the eyes that include corneal ulcers, corneal abrasion, vision impairment and blindness. Such dangers can occur even for those using non-correction contacts.
The FDA recommends the following steps for the safe use of decorative lenses:
- Get your eyes examined by a licensed eye care professional
- Get a valid prescription that includes the brand and lens dimensions
- Buy the lenses from an eye care professional or vendor that requires a prescription
- Follow directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses
Click here for more information or visit www.fda.gov.
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