NEW YORK—For those who want to dress up as Dracula, Lord Voldemort, or just want different colored eyes this Halloween, some of the industry’s organizations are taking action to make sure consumers do not buy nonprescription contact lenses from unauthorized vendors.

According to the American Optometric Association, contact lenses are a safe and effective vision correction option for nearly 40 million Americans. They are all—whether corrective or decorative plano—classified as medical devices, regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, because when improperly or carelessly worn, they can cause significant damage, the organization reports. Corneal infections, conjunctivitis and even blindness can all result from wearing nonprescription lenses.

“As Halloween approaches, we know that people will be tempted to purchase theatrical lenses online,” said Jeffrey Sonsino, OD, chair to the AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section (CLCS). “Unfortunately, many of the online retailers sell lenses illegally and without a prescription. In an attempt to protect patients, we are reporting suspected violators to the FDA and FTC.”

To combat the selling of nonprescription contact lenses, the AOA is confronting offending retailers with a 31 in 31 campaign: 31 letters issued to as many suspicious contact lens retailers across October's 31 days. Addressing their alleged violations and copied to both the FDA and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these letters are sent to businesses flagged by AOA's reporting hotline, stopillegalCLs@aoa.org.

For their part, the FDA has published, “’Colored’ and Decorative Contact Lenses: A Prescription Is A Must,” a report that outlines steps consumers can take to make sure they are being safe when purchasing costume lenses. The institute urges that consumers avoid purchasing lenses from street vendors, salons or beauty supply stores, boutiques, flea markets, among other unauthorized vendors.

The report also states that simple actions such as getting eye exams even if your vision is perfect; getting valid prescriptions that include brand names, lens measurements and expiration dates; as well as following directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses, can make the difference between keeping or losing your sight.

In their tips for making Halloween safe, Prevent Blindness also warns against sharing lenses and wearing lenses past their prescribed schedule.

“For many, contact lenses are a safe and effective way to improve vision,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We urge everyone to be cautious when using contact lenses, whether for prescription or cosmetic purposes, and to always follow the instructions of an eye care professional.”