Decorative Contact Lenses Test Positive for Chlorine and Other Chemicals

A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) shows that several varities of costume contact lenses tested positive for chlorine and other harmful chemicals. 

The research found chlorine in three types of non-prescription costume contact lenses. Iron was found on four pairs of lenses. The chemicals may come from colorants used to tint and create playful patterns on the lenses. One pair seeped chlorine after a routine rinse, prompting concern from researchers about toxicity to the eye. The study also noted that colorants printed or pressed onto some decorative lenses create an uneven texture. Those rough surfaces could scratch the eyes, potentially allowing in bacteria that can cause infection and even blindness. 

Four of the five lenses in the study are not available legally in the United States the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has not approved them. Contact lenses not approved by the FDA may be made with materials that can harm the eyes, causing corneal ulcers or keratitis. Both of these conditions can result in scarring that impairs vision or causes blindness. For this reason, the Academy advises against wearing decorative lenses without a prescription. Even so, consumers can buy these and many other decorative potentially dangerous lenses online. Around Halloween, they often crop up for sale at beauty parlors or even gas stations.  

Guidelines to Pass Onto Your Patients

To safely wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween or any time of year, the AAO recommends following these guidelines:

• Only buy decorative contact lenses from retailers who require a prescription and sell FDA-approved products.
• Obtain a valid prescription and eye exam from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
• Even those with good vision need an examine so the lenses fit properly. Ill-fitting lenses can scratch the surface of the eye, creating an opening for infection.
• Redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort can signal eye infection. If you have these symptoms, immediately see an ophthalmologist. Eye infections can cause blindness if left untreated.
• For more information on costume contact lenses, visit the Academy's public information website, www.geteyesmart.org.

NFL Players Sporting Decorative Contact Lenses

"NFL players are known to express their individuality. It's harmless fun, usually in the form of eyeblack patters or maybe even a special big-play celebration. However, Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams took it to another level on Sunday," reports Fox Sports. He wore red contact lenses.

The sports network continued with the following: "That's cool. And freaky. And also not unique. Another helpful soul on social media spotted Falcons defender Kroy Biermann rocking red lenses as well."  Read more.

Apparently Williams, Biermann, and the sportswriter overlook the problem of imitation. How many Friday-night players will now run to their nearest convenience store or gas station to buy decorative contact lenses? Each Halloween too many adults and adolescents suffer harm simply because they are not purchasing CLs from doctors.

Speaking of which, "a dozen retailers in the Los Angeles area are facing federal charges for selling illegal contact lenses designed to look like cat’s eyes, CBS Los Angeles is reporting. Dubbed 'Operation Cat Eyes,' the contact lens crackdown targeted multiple retail outlets–several of which were temporary operations selling Halloween merchandise–that sold the illegal contact lenses. According to KSBY in San Luis Obispo, the illegal cat-eye contacts were contaminated with bacteria that can cause blindness," says Inquisitr. "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers all contact lenses, even cosmetic or decorative contacts, as prescription medical devices that must be regulated by the FDA. In other words, as far as the FDA is concerned, people can’t use decorative cat-eye contacts unless you have a prescription for regular contacts." Read more.

Homeland Security Seizes 20,000 Pairs of Contact Lenses

“With Halloween rapidly approaching, federal officials are warning the public about the dangers associated with counterfeit decorative contact lenses. Decorative and colored lenses are becoming increasing popular, especially around this time of year,” according to the Houston News. “Currently, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are working to seize counterfeit contact lenses, illegally imported decorative lenses, and lenses unapproved by the FDA. This ongoing effort, which is being coordinated with the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) in Washington, is being called ‘Operation Double Vision.’ As a result of the operation, this year alone there have been 74 seizures with a total of more than 20,000 pairs of counterfeit and decorative contact lenses being seized.” Read more.

Health Canada to Upgrade Cosmetic CLs to Medical Devices

In a press release appearing on Sys-Con.com, Canada’s Health Minister Rona Ambrose said that Health Canada will consult with optical industry experts to regulate cosmetic contact lenses as medical devices. Until now, Canada has regulated them as consumer products. The U.S. FDA considers them as medical devices, which can be dispensed only with a prescription. As medical devices in Canada, cosmetic contact lenses would be subject to specific requirements for licensing, manufacturing, labeling, and instructions to improve their safety before they go on the market. The proposed changes to the Medical Device Regulations are being published in Canada Gazette I on October 18 to begin consultations. In addition, new guidance documents and new application forms will be posted on the Health Canada website for a 75-day comment period.  Read more.

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.

New FDA Materials Warn about Dangers of Decorative Contact Lenses

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FDA brochure about the use of decorative contact lenses.

The FDA is launching a  campaign about the dangers of decorative contact lenses--more precisely the use of them without the fit of an OD or ophthalmologist. It's borrowing from the horror video genre that has inspired so many teenagers to slap on the color altering devices. The message also is backed by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Entertainment Industries Council (EIC). The three organizations produced and are distributing two public service videos designed to attract young people. The FDA has also released a brochure available at this link.

American Horror Story Helps Deliver Safety Message

The video, first screened at the recent AOA annual conference, uses clips from the television show American Horror Story, along with clips of professional makeup artists and optometrists. They note that before an actor or any individual can wear these lenses, he or she must have an eye exam, valid CL prescription, and lenses purchased from a reputable source.For more information about the program, click here.

Maryland Makes CL Prescriptions Mandatory

It takes some people longer than others to catch on. Maryland finally did in regards to decorative contact lenses. It finally passed legislation making it illegal to sell contact lenses—even the decorative one—to an individual who does not have a CL prescription. Residents can report offenders to the Maryland Board of Examiners at 410-764-4710 or email dhmh.optometry@maryland.gov. Read more.

Hollywood Joins FDA Decorative CL Campaign

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Entertainment Industries Council (EIC) have teamed up with entertainment industry-leading artists from the TV series American Horror Story on a first-of-its-kind decorative contact lens campaign to bring the dramatic realities of illegal and unsafe lens use to the forefront. “Artists and technicians work closely with each other, the actors, and doctors to ensure proper fit, vision and safety. We wouldn’t put our actors’ health in danger, and the viewers who want to emulate these characters shouldn’t either,” said technician Christien Tinsley, Tinsley Studios and Makeup Effects Designer for American Horror Story. The campaign launches just in time for end-of-school-year celebrations, a time when students are more likely to purchase and use decorative contact lenses. The premier of the first public service announcement in the series was held April 22nd at the 18th Annual PRISM Awards in Los Angeles. Read more.

Hawaii Warns of Risks from Cosmetic CLs

"As the Halloween season approaches, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) wants consumers to be aware of the risks associated with wearing cosmetic, non-corrective contact lenses that are purchased without a valid prescription," reports Kohn2.com. "State officials says using the wrong contacts can cause injury, infection and even possible blindness if the quality is questionable or they are fitted or worn incorrectly. In 2008, the state passed a law prohibiting sales of non-prescription contact lenses in Hawaii. However, these lenses are still being marketed illegally as fashion or Halloween accessories at beauty salons, swap meets, convenience stores; through on-line businesses; and even by individuals advertising on the Internet." Read more.

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.

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.

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.

4 FL Shops Fined for Selling Decorative CLs

"Four West Palm Beach beauty supply stores got citations with fines of at least $500 each on Wednesday for selling decorative contact lenses without a license, said a Florida Department of Health press release," reports the Sun-Sentinal. "The DOH called it the 'unlicensed practice of opticianry' in the press release." Read more.

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.

More Injuries, More Warnings

"They may be "eye-catching", but Illinois officials are warning consumers to stay away from colored contact lenses," says NBC News Illinois affiliate CI News Now. "According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), a central Illinois convenience store surrendered 41 boxes and 54 single-lens non-prescription colored contact lenses on Tuesday.  This occurred after a school nurse reported to investigators that a student received minor eye injuries from wearing the contacts purchased at the store." Read more'.

Talking with a Designer of Decorative CLs

"Hiromu Uetake's muscular physique and distinct side-shaved haircut, not to mention the tattoos peeking from below his T-shirt, make him quite a striking sight," says the Japan Times. "But when talking to him, it is his left eye I can't keep my own eyes off. Every now and then there's a flicker of something that makes me stare right into it. When I finally get to see it properly, I realize his iris is blue and there are two bolts of yellow lightning flashing across it." Read more.

More Warnings about Decorative CLs

As kids across the country shop for their Halloween costumes, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is warning parents and teens about the dangers of non-prescription decorative contact lenses. Decorative contact lenses are increasingly popular to create elaborate costumes, offering blood drenched vampire eyes, glow-in-the-dark lizard eyes and more. Unfortunately, decorative contact lenses can also lead to real-life nightmares, including permanent eye damage and vision loss. One study found that wearing decorative contact lenses increased the risk for developing keratitis -- a potentially blinding infection that causes an ulcer on the eye -- by more than 16 times.These patients were most often teenagers or young adults. Read more. Why not post a warning in your shops?

Halloween and Decorative CLs Out in Force Again

Halloween is a month ago, and health officials already are worried. For example, the Pennsylvania departments of Health and State today warned that it is against the law to sell decorative or cosmetic contact lenses without a prescription and that using unfitted lenses can pose a serious health risk. Such lenses are popular during the Halloween season.

"If contacts are not obtained with a prescription from a properly trained and licensed health care professional, they can be dangerous due to improper fit," said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Eli N. Avila. "Lenses that are improperly fitted or used can cause the loss of an eye, blindness, impaired vision, corneal damage, infection or allergic reactions."

Federal and state law requires prescriptions for contact lenses.

"Decorative or cosmetic lenses are considered medical devices under federal law, and are legally marketed as prescription devices," said Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele, whose department licenses both physicians and optometrists in Pennsylvania. "In addition, Pennsylvania law requires a prescription by a licensed physician or optometrist for the fitting of a contact lens." Read more.