If you have perfect vision, but you think it would be fun to change your eye color to match your outfit, accessorize your Halloween costume, or to support your favorite sports team, you should think twice before using fashion contact lenses. These lenses, when sold illegally by unlicensed vendors on the Internet, or at flea markets and specialty shops, can cause serious eye injuries if used improperly.
Decorative or fashion contact lenses do not correct vision, they simply change the appearance of the eye. These lenses are advertised as fashion accessories and are principally marketed to teens and young adults. In fact, all contact lenses, including fashion lenses, are classified as medical devices and are subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. Contact lenses of any type can be legally sold only by licensed eye-care professionals. The illegal sale of contact lenses is a violation of federal law and can lead to penalties up to $11,000 per violation.
Those who purchase these contact lenses without a prescription from unlicensed vendors are given little, if any, instructions in the care, cleaning and maintenance of the lenses. Failure to use proper solution to clean and moisten contact lenses can lead to rapid bacterial infection, corneal ulcers and diminished vision. These risks increase when the contact lenses are shared. Moreover, contact lenses are not “one size fits all.” An eye doctor must measure each eye to properly fit lenses and evaluate how each eye responds to contact lens wear. A poor fit can cause severe eye damage, including scratches on the cornea, corneal infection, pink eye, decreased vision, and blindness.
If you have purchased decorative contact lenses and have suffered an injury, please contact us immediately to discuss your legal options.