Department of Homeland Security issues a warning about fake Halloween contacts
On October 23, 2014, the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning to consumers against counterfeit decorative contact lenses. With Halloween rapidly approaching, ‘Operation Double Vision’ is underway to seize fake contacts from store shelves. As a result of the operation, this year alone there have been 74 seizures with a total of more than 20,000 pairs of counterfeit and decorative contact lenses being seized by the DHS.
Decorative and colored lenses are a hot ticket item, especially during autumn holidays. Agencies involved in the operation are working to seize counterfeit contact lenses, illegally imported decorative lenses, and lenses unapproved by the FDA. Blood-drenched vampire eyes, glow-in-the-dark lizard lenses or oversized doll-eye contacts can certainly add a spooky, eye-popping touch. They can also bring real horror into your life, since there is no such thing as a "one size fits all" with contact lenses.
Contacts that are not properly fitted may scratch the cornea, cause an infection, damage blood vessels and even lead to blindness. Fashionistas with perfect vision still need an eye exam and a prescription from an eye-care professional to wear colored or decorative contact lenses.
