Experts Warn About the Dangers of Colored Contacts Without a Prescription

Under U.S. law, all colored contacts are considered medical devices and require a contact lens prescription even if the lenses have no prescriptive power. A prescription from an eye doctor is necessary for a proper fit of the lenses.

Dr. James D. Sandefur of the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners warns that wearing lenses that are not fitted correctly can cause eye injuries such as corneal ulcers (an infected corneal abrasion), which can lead to blindness.

Previously the FDA issued a consumer alert after the color contacts bill was passed in November 2005. Prior to the passing of the bill, non-corrective color contacts were considered cosmetic devices.

The News-Star (Monroe, La.) reported that the Board issued the first fines for violating the law to two businesses since January of this year.