For Halloween - Serious Risks of Using Decorative Contact Lenses

Today (probably a few days too late) the FDA is again warning consumers about the serious risks of using decorative contact lenses without the appropriate involvement of an eye care professional. These contact lenses, sometimes called Plano or non-corrective lenses, do not correct vision and are intended solely to change the appearance of the eye, but carry serious risks, including permanent eye injury that may lead to blindness.
Consumers should only use decorative contact lenses if they have seen an eye care professional and have obtained proper lens fitting and instructions for use.
Decorative contact lenses also carry the same risks as corrective contact lenses, including conjunctivitis (pink eye); corneal (the eye's outermost layer) ulcers; corneal abrasion; and vision impairment or blindness. Further, sharing of contact lenses prescribed for one person can also lead to infections, abrasions, allergic reaction or blindness.