(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine along with Prevent Blindness Ohio and the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board are warning consumers about the dangers of over-the-counter sales of decorative contact lenses during this Halloween season. According to the Optical Dispensers Board, the number of consumer complaints filed regarding the illegal sale of cosmetic contact lenses and the number of resulting cease and desist orders issued to violating businesses have shown a steady increase after a period of decline, especially during the Halloween season.
In fiscal year 2009, the Optical Dispensers Board issued 13 Cease and Desist Orders based on consumer complaints. In fiscal years 2010 and 2011, 12 and 16, respectively, such orders were issued. So far in fiscal year 2012 (just since July 1, 2011), 6 Cease and Desist Orders have been issued – on pace to surpass previous years.
"Costume contact lenses we see in the movies and on TV are administered by professionals. In Ohio, contact lenses cannot be sold without a valid written prescription. Ohio families need to be aware that decorative contact lenses sold over-the-counter are not only illegal, but can also be very dangerous to our loved ones' health," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.
DeWine strongly encourages Ohioans to report the illegal sales to the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board at 614-466-9709.
"Decorative contacts in various styles and colors have become increasingly trendy in making a fashion statement, especially for teens. And, colored or decorative non-corrective contact lenses have become a popular element of Halloween costumes. While these lenses can add a fun flourish to a costume, they can also result in devastating eye infections, scarring and even blindness," said Sherry Williams, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio.
"Eye pain, bacterial infections, and corneal ulcers are caused by ill-fitting lenses. If left untreated, these conditions can result in permanent eye damage and loss of sight," said Thomas L. Steinemann, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University. "Parents should be on the alert to protect their children's vision by assuring that their contact lenses are worn only under the supervision of an eye doctor."
The mission of the Optical Dispensers Board is to protect the public by regulating the practice of the dispensing of all contact lenses, whether worn for corrective or decorative purposes. Legally, all contact lenses must be purchased with a valid prescription. Black market decorative contact lenses have been made available to the public at such places as gas stations, beauty supply stores and Halloween costume shops. These black market lenses are sold to the public without the benefit of a proper fit or education about the care and use of the contact lenses from qualified, licensed eye care professionals.
"The Optical Dispensers Board wants to remind the public that it is illegal for businesses to sell cosmetic contact lenses, even the contact lenses that provide no visual correction, without requiring a prescription from an eye doctor. In addition, only a licensed optician, ophthalmologist or optometrist has the authority to dispense contact lenses. We encourage the ophthalmic community and citizens of Ohio to report illegal sales and dispensing of contact lenses," said Nancy Manns, Executive Director of the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board. "The Optical Dispensers Board is committed to continue the fight against the illegal sales of contact lenses and will continue to work with Attorney General DeWine's office to stop this dangerous practice."
Prevent Blindness Ohio offers the following safety tips regarding cosmetic contact lenses:
- Always visit a licensed eye care professional to be fitted for cosmetic contact lenses.
- Never buy contact lenses without a prescription.
- Always clean and disinfect contact lenses according to instructions.
- Always use water-soluble cosmetics or those labeled safe for use with contact lenses. Do not apply skin creams or moisturizers too close to the eyes.
- Never wear opaque lenses if you have any problems with night vision.
- Never share or trade your contact lenses with anyone. Be watchful about your child's or teen's appearance. If they are wearing cosmetic contacts, question them about where they obtained them.
Consumers with questions about purchasing cosmetic contact lenses may contact the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board at 614-466-9709 or www.optical.ohio.gov.
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Media Contacts
Dan Tierney, Attorney General's Office: 614-466-3840
Stacie Lehman, Prevent Blindness Ohio: 800-301-2020
Nancy Manns, Optical Dispensers Board: 614-466-9707