FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 29, 2002

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Genene Morris (973)504-6327

NEWARK - As children and adults alike prepare for Halloween this year, Attorney General David Samson and Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos are warning consumers against purchasing and using cosmetic contact lenses to achieve a certain look to go with their costumes without first obtaining a prescription for the products.

Under New Jersey and federal law, these products may only be obtained with a written prescription and from licensed individuals. Despite this, the New Jersey State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers and the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists have received complaints from consumers and licensed professionals about the sale of these products by unlicensed individuals and injuries that have resulted.

"These products, used improperly, can result in serious eye injuries and even blindness," Attorney General Samson said. "Cosmetic or decorative contact lenses should only be used under the careful supervision of a trained and licensed eye care professional.

"Unlicensed individuals who dispense these products to consumers without the benefit of training or even a prescription obviously care more about making a buck than about their customers' eyes and well-being," Samson said.

"Our eyesight is too precious to trust to anyone --- especially to someone who is untrained and unlicensed," Erdos said

"If you are going for an exotic or scary look this Halloween and are considering using cosmetic contact lenses, please make sure you do so the right way," Erdos said. "That means being examined by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist who can determine if you are a suitable candidate for the lenses, who can fit you for the products and who can give you a prescription for them. It also means going to a licensed optician who can dispense the lenses and give you instructions on the proper handling and care for the lenses."

The federal Food and Drug Administration has reported a number of risks associated with cosmetic contact lenses including: conjunctivitis (an infection of the eye); corneal edema (swelling); allergic reaction; and corneal abrasion from poor lens fit. The agency recently announced that it is instructing FDA and Customs officials to detain all decorative contact lenses presented at United States posts of entry.

The Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, which administers the laws that specify that only licensed professionals may dispense contact lenses, has collected $3,000 in fines from perpetrators. One of the cases investigated involved a young man who purchased a pair of cosmetic lenses from a vendor in Wildwood. The young man, who had not received any instruction from the vendor on the proper care of the lenses, soaked the lenses in Visine instead of contact lens solution. He went to his optometrist complaining of extreme eye pain and tearing. His optometrist, who filed the complaint on his behalf, complained that his patient suffered from corneal abrasions and swelling, consistent with chemical burns. He received treatment for his injuries and is expected to recover.

"This case highlights the risks associated with the improper use of these products," Erdos said. "We want to ensure that this Halloween is a safe and enjoyable one for all. People need to understand that getting these lenses without going through the proper channels - even if they plan to use them for just one day - could have devastating and lasting effects."