ST. LOUIS—Despite warnings by eye health experts that decorative contact lenses that are not prescribed by an eye doctor may cause eye damage, the lenses remain a popular Halloween costume accessory. To combat this potential eye hazard, the American Optometric Association is launching its annual, pre-Halloween "31 in 31" letter-writing campaign which takes aim at retailers who AOA claims are illegally distributing corrective, novelty or bogus contact lenses in violation of federal law. The campaign targets 31 online vendors, brick-and-mortar shops and other sellers who have been reported to the AOA as having inappropriate contact lens sales practices.

“Decorative contact lenses may seem like a fun costume accessory, but if you're not careful, they can cause serious eye and vision problems,” said AOA president, Samuel D. Pierce, OD. “Many people mistakenly believe they don't need a prescription for decorative contact lenses. It's extremely important that anyone desiring to wear contact lenses for any reason get an eye exam from a doctor of optometry and only wear contact lenses, with or without vision correction, that have been properly fitted.”

AOA noted that all contact lenses, even purely cosmetic ones, are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and require a valid prescription. Optometrists are increasingly concerned about the accessibility of decorative lenses and the risks for consumers who purchase them from unregulated sources, such as costume shops, gas stations and online retailers, according to AOA. The illegally-purchased lenses, can cause bacterial infections, allergic reactions and even permanent loss of vision. Retailers who distribute them are in violation of the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA) and Contact Lens Rule.

"Unfortunately, far too many companies are breaking the rules in the FCLCA to make sales and profits," added Pierce. "Through our '31 in 31' campaign, we strongly urge these companies to reverse their policies of illegally distributing contact lenses without valid prescriptions in violation of federal law. These sales potentially put patients at risk for sight-threatening complications. It's a matter of public safety."