Novelty contact lenses designed to change the eye's appearance because they can cause infections, and, in some cases, permanent vision loss
N.J. officials are advising trick-or-treaters to steer clear of novelty contact lenses used by television programs such as The Walking Dead, shown above. TRENTON — State officials are warning trick-or-treaters to steer clear of novelty contact lenses designed to change the eye's appearance because they can cause infections and, in some cases, permanent vision loss.
The lenses, made popular by Hollywood films, are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and can be sold in New Jersey only by licensed eye doctors, according to a news release by the state Division of Consumer Affairs.
Federal health officials have received reports of the lenses causing corneal ulcers, eye infections and vision loss because of people not using them properly, or because they were not designed properly for someone's eyes, the division said.
The lenses are often used in blockbuster films such as The Lord of the Rings, to make actors look like savage orcs, or The Walking Dead, to make those in the film look like zombies, the division said.
More information on the lenses and their health risks can be found at http://www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/alert/eyedanger.pdf and in Spanish at http://www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/alert/eyedangerSP.pdf.