This past weekend, local ABC affiliate KXLY here in Spokane, Washington, interviewed me to ask about the dangers of wearing colored contact lenses without a prescription. Here’s a link to the story, with the interview on video.

*Screenshot from interview with KXLY about the dangers of costume colored contact lenses. To watch the interview video, check out the link in the first paragraph.*

Sometimes, people want to change their eye color as part of a Halloween costume, and they find contact lenses that are sold without a prescription. This is illegal, since contact lenses are medical devices — you need to have a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist to buy them legally.

Contact lenses worn without a prescription are illegal because they are dangerous for your eyes. They can cause painful eye injuries, dangerous eye infections, or even blindness. I have taken care of patients who had to have their eyes surgically removed from their sockets due to a blinding eye infection from poor contact lens wear.