Contact Lens Warning Issued

Thinking of sporting some wild-eyed contact lenses for Halloween?Think again, say federal health officials.

Decorative contact lenses that are sold without a prescription areillegal and can cause serious eye injury, potentially even blindness,the Food and Drug Administration said yesterday in what has become anannual October warning.

Consumers should wear only decorative lenses that are properlyprescribed and fitted by an eye care professional, the FDA said.

Decorative lenses -- from scary Halloween looks to lensesimprinted with sports logos -- are sometimes sold through fleamarkets, convenience stores, beach shops and the Internet.

The FDA cited dozens of reports of corneal ulcers -- abrasionsthat can rapidly lead to vision-threatening infections -- and othereye injuries linked to such products.

The FDA has approved the prescription-only sale of some contactlenses for cosmetic use, such as colored lenses. But it has neverallowed contact lenses to be sold without a prescription.

The FDA said it is inspecting companies that distribute decorativelenses and will crack down on those not following the law. Itrecently warned one seller to stop or face sanctions.

The FDA urged consumers who have had problems with decorativecontact lenses to call 1-800-FDA-1088.