FL’s Health Dept. Cracks Down on Shops Selling Decorative Contact Lenses

“You know those crazy colored contact lenses that people like to buy this time of year – the ones that make your eyeballs look like black spots in your face or cat’s eyes or zombie eyes? Well, they’re supposed to be available only with a prescription, but it seems some Florida stores have been selling them illegally.” That’s the word from Orlando Weekly. “Today the state Department of Health announced that it issued 47 cease-and-desist orders to stores around the state (including six stores in Orlando) telling them that for selling these things without a license, they could be slapped with felony-level criminal charges. Ouch. The list of places slapped on the wrist for selling them include beauty supply stores, wig stores, dollar stores, a “Quick Stop” food market and a Shell gas station>” Read more.

Alcon Launches Media Campaign for Air Optix Colors

Alcon launched a national television, print, and online media campaign for Air Optix Colors contact lenses. The campaign, directed at women, features 15- and 30-second tv spots on major networks such as NBC, CBS, TNT, TBS, Lifetime, Oxygen and more. A full-page ad will appear in magazines such as Glamour, Seventeen, Nylon, Teen Vogue and OK! In the tv ads, brown-eyed model Sofia changes her eye color to sterling gray with Alcon’s contact lenses. Consumers see her eyes before and after. The ad encourages viewers “to try on” their perfect color at www.AIROPTIXColors.com or by visiting an eye care professional.The company launched the campaign not only to promote its product but to “ensure that patients understand that Air Optix Colors contact lenses are prescription medical devices that require a visit to their eye doctor,” said Lynn Smith, Head of US Marketing for Vision Care at Alcon. Read more.

Asian CL Manufacturers Need to Upgrade

A 57-page report from Japan's National Consumer Affairs Center is questioning the quality and safety of colored and limbal ring contact lenses sold in Japan and Asia Pacific. The report, entitled "Safety of Color Contact Lenses," states that some manufacturers inaccurately claim "no pigment on the surface" of their lenses when in fact they do. The report also stated that where and how these pigments are embedded has been a key source of claims from various manufacturers. The report, co-sponsored by the Japan Ophthalmological Association (JOA) and the Japan Contact Lens Society (JCLS), focused on product attributes and side effects. Issues raised by the NCAC report ranged from lenses being out of specification for base curve or diameter; lenses being too thick and potentially affecting oxygen transmissibility to pigment found on the surface of lenses; and side effects like corneal swelling.

It has four "demands" for manufacturers: 1. meet their product specifications; 2. improve CL design for such things as pigment on the surface of the lens; 3. avoid misleading, and difficult to understand advertising and 4. make patient literature available. The report also highlighted that Johnson & Johnson's 1-Day Acuvue Define CLs and Acuvue2 Define had no color pigment on the surface of its lenses. Read more of the release on Yahoo! Finance Canada.

Oregon's Cheerleaders Unintentionally Promote Decorative CLs

USA Today reported that University of Oregon's cheerleaders tweated the following: "On our way to Seattle, but all we see is green and yellow #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/C7QLuCbNqj" And  the picture went with the tweat. Just how many of those cheerleaders went to a doctor to ensure the fit of those contact lenses.

California DPH Warns against Decorative CLs

"Dr. Ron Chapman, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) director and state health officer, today warned consumers about the risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses without proper consultation with an eye care professional," according to the Sierra Sun-Times. "Decorative contact lenses are non-corrective lenses that do not correct vision and are intended to temporarily change the appearance of the eye. Use of these lenses can carry serious risks, including permanent eye injury that may lead to blindness. " Read more.

Colored CLs and Athletic Performance

“New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes became the latest athlete to wear tinted contact lenses last night, giving his eyes a reddish hue in a game against the Patriots,” reports Yahoo! Finance. “The company that makes the contacts, Sports Tints, claims that they boost performance by aiding a player's ability to focus on certain colors and objects. The amber color, for example, supposedly helps baseball players read the seams on the baseball to recognize the pitch type easier. NBC in Miami did a last year report on a bunch of athletes in Florida who swear by the contacts. And in the past few months we've seen baseball players, football players, and even golfers wear the lenses in competition.” Read more.

Japanese to Investigate Safety of Colored CLs

"The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan and the Japan Contact Lens Society will conduct joint research to determine if some colored contact lenses may pose a threat to the eyes of users because of poor quality," reports The Japan News. "Some of the lenses have been approved for sale by the central government. Among other things, the research will look into claims that the colored part of contacts can become uncovered and damage corneas. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to consider remedial measures based on the results of the research." Read more.

AAO Launches New PSA Campaign about Decorative CLs

As the use of dangerous, non-prescription decorative contact lenses continues to increase in popularity, the American Academy of Ophthalmology's campaign to caution consumers of the health risks associated with these illegal devices has been recognized by leading media relations trade publication Bulldog Reporter with the Gold-Level Bulldog Award for the Best Not-for-Profit/Association/Government Campaign. The Bulldog Awards honor the best media relations campaigns in the industry as judged by journalists, bloggers and public relations critics.

Despite a 2005 federal law that classifies all contact lenses as medical devices and restricts their distribution to licensed eye care professionals, decorative contacts remain widely available on the Internet and in stores. As a result, consumers – particularly teens and young adults – continue to sustain serious, sight-stealing eye injuries and infections due to improper fit and care of these illicit products. To raise awareness of these risks, the Academy's public relations team developed and executed a Halloween-themed campaign called, "Want Scary Eyes? The Dangers of Decorative Contact Lenses."  You can access the video at this link.

Here’s the scary thing. The AAO’s informative video is competing with public relations efforts by manufacturers of decorative contact lenses. For example, on the YouTube page where the AAO’s video appears, there is a column of videos about contacts on the right side. Guess what we found. A how-to video. The producer calls it “How to: Put [sic] in Colored Contacts.” It could have been subtitled “How to Injure Your Eyes.” What is more enticing to a teenager?

FDA Warns Internet Vendors of Decorative Contact Lenses

“FDA regulators this week issued a letter to online distributors, warning them to obey federal law or face punitive measures,” reports Mass Device. “Healthcare authorities reviewed a series of internet vendors which market decorative contact lenses, which do not help with vision but only change the appearance of the eye. Even though the lenses don't provide visual improvement, they do require a prescription by law, FDA regulators noted. ‘We advise you to review your websites, product labels and labeling, and promotional materials to ensure that the claims you make do not adulterate or misbrand your products,’ the FDA said. ‘Failure to promptly correct violations of the FDCA may result in enforcement action being initiated by FDA without further notice.’” Read more.

FL Convenience Store Selling Colored CLs

“The Twinkle display said the lenses cost $17.99 or two for $29.99. The clerk behind the counter, who declined to give his name – 'I don’t want to lose my job' – said the store had carried the lenses since around Halloween, when they in fact had been the most popular with customers. 'It’s not something we specialize in selling,' he said,” notes Dade County Sentinel. “Patrick Smith, a wholesaler who happened to be present when the Sentinel popped by, said he sees the costume contact lenses everywhere he goes. Smith, he explained, makes his living selling novelties to convenience stores – 'They call me the Junk Man' – and said though he doesn’t deal in the contact lenses himself, he’s noticed them being sold throughout the region 'for the past couple of years, anyway.' Well, they shouldn’t be, said Leon Graham, O.D.” Read more.

Still Promoting the Sale of Colored CLs

Here's another press release from SBWire about the sale of color contact lenses. This time, it's from Savannah. (Read the other noted press release.) "People who are interested in purchasing some cheap colored contacts can head over to the website, http://www.geocoloredcontacts.com/ where they will be able to get some of the best colored contact lenses for a cheaper price." Here's the question: Does the site ask for a prescription? The media relations contact is Claire R. King, 718-409-5771, and a website based email can be found at http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/contact/191883.

We emailed Ms. King on Dec. 28, but we did not hear from her for several hours so we went to the site. There was a variety of decorative CLs--primarily gradients. We selected basic black. Two clicks later, we were at the shopping cart. The price for the plano, black CLs was a "cheap" $18. If we had ordered three pairs, shipping would have been free. We could have charged them on MasterCard, Visa, or American Express. Not once during the purchasing process did the seller ask for our script or for the name of our eye care provider (ECP). We did not complete the purchase.  

Update
A few minutes before nine last night (Dec. 29), we received the following email from Geo Colored Contacts--although not from Claire King: "Yes, you require a prescription to buy color contacts from us. You can email us a copy of your prescription or provide us with your optician's clinic name and address.Thank you." The email was sent from sales@geocoloredcontacts.com. That's a good answer, but it does not explain how we or anyone could order lenses from its website without providing fitting details. We sent back the following email a few minutes ago (again on Dec. 29):

Thank you for responding to my question.

Before I heard from you, I went to your website. I almost purchased a pair of lenses. Why didn't your website ask for my prescription or fitting sizes before I went to check out my order?

Another UpdateThe company responded early on Dec. 30: "You should've received an automated email after check out to ask for and confirm your prescription. Did you not receive it? Give me your order id and I'll check our system for you. Thank [you]."

As noted, we never completed the transaction. So we do not have an id, and there is no way that we could have received the email asking for and confirming our prescription.

Geo Colored Contacts is complying with FDA regulations, but we wondered just how many ECPs ring up an order for CLs before checking the prescription. It  seems odd. Wouldn't most ECPs ask for the script prior to ringing up the sale? Wouldn't an ECP need to see the script in order to determine if he/she could fill it?
 
A Possible Update
SBWire issued yet another press release about decorative contact lenses:

New South Wales, Australia -- ( SBWIRE) -- 12/31/2012 -- Philosophers state that the best thing among women is their eyes. Eyes are not only an opening for the soul to see the outside world, but are also an access into the insight of a person. No matter how well one does in putting up other cosmetics, the eye will always continue to hold the place of most attractive section in the human body. In order to enhance such enigma one can make use of circle lenses that provide the eye with a refreshing look.

Coloured contact lenses have recently gained much attention as they continue to make a heavy contribution in a woman’s grooming session. Even the hottest celebrities make use of these lenses for getting the desired attention from the crowd. In such context, adopting circle lenses can prove out to be a masterstroke for young ladies who wish for a handsome guy. Additionally, these colored lenses can be used for any occasion as they resemble an original look. If one wants to go for perfection, one can have a collection of these colored contact lenses such that their appearance is always matched with the color of their retina.... From the safety point of view, these contact lenses are prepared with extra care such that every ingredient is examined thoroughly and passed through a test before making it to the official packaging section. Presence of experts at the factory ensures that there are no hazards involved in the production process. The circle lenses are prepared with a view to facilitate women such that they can implement the modern make up items that is something more than the traditional lipsticks and brushed. The natural get up of the product is bound to get people with appreciation from their friends, family and relatives. This season it is high time that one makes a fresh style statement and breaks the existing barriers with coloured contact lenses. Website: http://circlelenses.com.au [whose design resembles that of Geo Colored Contacts].

Inducing Americans to Buy Decorative CLs

If you do not think decorative contact lenses remains a public hazard, read the following press release for Juicy Contacts, issued ironically enough on Christmas from Los Angeles. The release,  distributed by SBWire, ignores CLs FDA ratings as medical devices:

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/25/2012 -- Anyone who’s ever dreamt about having bright and luminous eyes that get noticed by others can turn to Juicy Contacts to enhance their appearance for this holiday season. The online store has recently introduced a dazzling array of non prescription colored contacts to help individuals significantly improve their appearance without investing too much. 

“Changing your eye color is, perhaps, the easiest way to revamp your appearance and get noticed by others without emptying your savngs account or endangering your health”, says Marketing Director of Juicy Contacts. “Whether you want to simply enhance your natural color, make it brighter, vibrant and distinguishable, or put together a whole new look that’s trendy and fashionable, we offer a wide selection of colored contacts to match any style and budget”. 

If in the past, changing the eye color was an improvement only movie stars had access to, today’s non prescription colored contacts are 100% accessible, easy to use and, most importantly, safe. Non prescription colored contacts don’t have corrective or powered lens, as, they are only meant to be worn for aesthetic purposes, therefore putting them on will not affect the eye. 

Notice how the release fails to include the name of the marketing director.  If you go to its website (www.juicycontacts.com), does the company send the individual to eye care professionals, optometrists, opticians? Nope. The company asks the individual to place an online order.

Selling Decorative CLs

New York based Eye Care Associates is giving away daily a free box of color contact lenses to help Facebook "friends" complete their Halloween costume look. Individuals must be a Fan/Follower of CLE Contact Lenses on Twitter, and they must pin the pair of color contact lenses from Freshlook Color Blends Color Contact Lenses or Acuvue 2 Enhancer Color Contact Lenses to their Pinterest account. Finally they must leave a Facebook comment daily describing why they should win. CLE will select a winner daily. The company adds that if an individual has a zero power, he/she must provide a prescription.

Meanwhile reports already are coming in from emergency rooms around the country of individuals, usually young women, who have damaged their eyes wearing decorative contact lenses sold illegally at dollar-discount shops, beauty parlors, and gasoline stations. Maybe it is time for ECPs to take a page from companies such as Eye Care Associates. Start selling  these novelties--insisting on prescriptions and regular fittings.

Great Site about Decorative Contact Lenses for Your Patients

"Every year, the approach of Halloween heightens fears at FDA that consumers will harm their eyes with unapproved decorative contact lenses," notes WebMD. "These are lenses that some people use to temporarily change their eye color or to make their eyes look weird—perhaps giving them an 'eye-of-the-tiger' look. 'Although unauthorized use of decorative contact lenses is a concern year-round, Halloween is the time when people may be inclined to use them, perhaps as costume accessories,' says James Saviola, the Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Network Leader in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Read more or recommend to your patients to read.

Colored CL Victim Testifies

"A 17-year-old girl who claims she lost her sight after using colored contact lenses, testified in court today. Her parents have filed a civil suit against a local Beauty Max where the teen bought the contact lenses," according to KRIS news. "Back in May of 2007, Kortnee Clark and her grandmother went into the Beauty Max on Ayers Street and purchased two sets of colored contact lenses. After wearing the lenses for just over two weeks straight, Kortnee began to experience pain in her eyes. A few months later she was declared legally blind in her right eye, and her family believes it was because of these contacts." Read more.

Corpus Christi CL Trial Begins

Testimony began today in a lawsuit filed by a Corpus Christi family that claims their daughter has gone partially blind from using colored contact lenses," according to MSNBC. "The family claims back in May 2008, their teenage daughter bought the contact lenses from a Beauty Max Store on Ayers Street. After wearing the contact lenses for three weeks, she began to feel discomfort. In November 2010, she lost sight in her right eye. " Read more.

Family Sues Beauty Supply Shop for Selling Colored CLs

"A family has filed a lawsuit against the owners of a Corpus Christi beauty supply shop after a young girl is claiming that she is losing her eyesight. She says that the loss of eyesight is related to her using colored contacts that was sold to her at their store," notes a KRISTV post. "According to the lawsuit, Kortnee Clark began using 'Fresh Look' colored contact lenses in 2008 when she was 14 years old. She bought them from a Beauty Max store on Ayres Street. The lawsuit says that in early June of that year, she developed ulcers and infections in her left eye and now at the age of 17, she is experiencing blindness in her right eye." Read more.