The Ohio Attorney General, Mr. Mike DeWine, has released a statement warning consumers of the use of colored, decorative contact lenses for Halloween.

According to DeWine, contact lenses should only be worn if they are prescribed by a doctor. Even if lenses are bought as part of a costume there must be a prescription.

Wearing unprescribed contact lenses has been found to cause a number of health problems including cuts on the eyeball (coronal abrasions), itchy and watery eyes, vision impairment, infection, and blindness.

In order to avoid these side effects, the Food and Drug Administration advises consumers to only buy decorative lenses from companies that sell contact lenses that have been approved by them.

The FDA also says not to share contact lenses and to make sure to get regular eye exams and to seek medical attention if eyes become red, itchy, or watery.

Dr. Brad Habermehl, local optometrist, also believes that people should be careful when buying contact lenses.

Habermehl said, “There are many variables to consider when fitting contact lenses and this should only be trusted to a licensed eye care professional.”

When a consumers buy decorative contact lenses, they would not know if they are the right shape for their eye or if they will be at the right level to keep the eye hydrated, which is why unprescribed contact lenses can be so dangerous.

However, if for Halloween consumers really want those scary, eccentric lenses, Habermehl’s advice is to buy them from an eye care professional.

Habermehl said, “Costume contacts are fun and safe only if fitted properly to the person wanting to wear them.”