Cosmetic contact lenses without the Rx: scary!

Halloween is right around the corner. And if you’re looking to top off your costume by wearing cosmetic contact lenses, read on.

Cosmetic contacts – also known as costume or decorative contact lenses – can change the way your eye looks without correcting your vision. While they may seem like just another fashion accessory, the fact is all contacts require a prescription.

Anyone who sells you lenses without first looking at your prescription or asking for your eye doctor’s contact information is selling them illegally. That’s important because contacts that don’t fit can have scary consequences, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), scratches and sores on the cornea, even blindness.

The FTC enforces the Contact Lens Rule, which requires your eye doctor to give you your prescription – whether you ask for it or not – at no extra charge. That lets you shop around for the best deal.

So if you’re in the market for cosmetic contacts, see an eye care professional for an eye exam and prescription. And only buy costume contacts from retailers who require a prescription or your eye doctor’s information, and who only sell FDA-approved contact lenses.

For a more in-depth look at your prescription rights for contacts – and glasses – read Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses. It includes a list of what you should see in your prescription.

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