There is a type of specialty contact lens that are used to change the appearance of your eyes with no need for vision correction. These are sometimes called “Plano”, “Zero-Powered” or “Non-Corrective” lenses. Wearers of these contact lenses will appear to have a different eye color. For example, one can “change” brown eyes to blue and can even create different themes such as Halloween or Dracula by modifying the eye’s appearance. These lenses like prescription ones, are FDA approved.
EVEN THOUGH THESE DECORATIVE LENSES DO NOT CORRECT VISION, THEY ARE A MEDICAL DEVICE AND THE FDA STRICTLY REGULATES THEM .
This is because, even with correction, they pose the identical risks to patients that “regular’ contact lenses pose. These include:
- Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye
- Corneal Abrasions
- Corneal Ulcers
- Vision Impairment
Many patients are simply unaware of the need for proper fitting and prescription of these lenses and have purchased decorative contact lenses from beauty salons, record stores, video stores, flea markets, convenience stores, beach shops and certain Internet sites. The type of decorative lenses bought from these places are not regulated by the FDA and may not be properly packaged or stored leading to potential infections which can result to permanent blindness. Buying contact lenses without a prescription is dangerous and illegal.
