Dont be blind to the risks Simon Grier looks at the dangers posed by cosmetic contact lenses W Our research suggests that cosmetic contact lenses are often made and distributed on a one size fits all basis, and not tailored to the wearers needs ith Halloween just around the corner, many people will be planning their fancy dress outts. And demons, vampires, werewolves and ghouls will be completing their outts with cosmetic contact lenses changing the colour and pattern of their eyes to go with their spooky outt. But how do we ensure that people wear cosmetic lenses safely and legally? And what role can trading standards ofcers play? Its not just an issue at Halloween. Along with fancy dress, cosmetic lenses can be used to mask the eye for effects in lms and in fashion, with stars such as Lady Gaga and the Twilight lms popularising their use among young people. By law, cosmetic contact lenses must only be sold by, or under the supervision of, a registered optician or doctor. Supervision requires the registered person to be present on the premises, aware of the procedure and in a position to intervene if necessary. The seller must also make arrangements for the wearer to receive ongoing care. Any sales that do not meet these requirements are illegal under the Opticians Act and this also means cosmetic lenses must not be sold online. As the regulator for opticians in the UK, the General Optical Councils research suggests that cosmetic contact lenses are often made and distributed on a one size ts all basis, and not tailored to the wearers needs. This increases the risk of eye health issues. There is also evidence that cosmetic contact lens users have low levels of compliance with guidelines for safe use, leading to a higher risk of conditions, such as microbial keratitis (inammation of the cornea), which can put sight at risk. To minimise these risks it is essential that cosmetic lenses are tted by a qualied professional who is able to provide advice on their safe use and ongoing care. This means consumers are advised on how to wear and store the lenses safely, including the importance of attending regular aftercare checkups and never sharing or swapping lenses, which can spread eye disease. Weve heard reports of groups of teenagers sharing lenses around the group; and then, if one of them gets an eye infection, they all do. Its for these reasons that they should only be sold by an optician or a doctor. But we know they are sold in joke shops, hairdressers, beauticians or on market stalls. If trading standards ofcers see them being sold in these settings, the General Optical Council wants to know about it. We would strongly encourage them to tell us, but they might also wish to inform the retailer of the law themselves and urge them to stop the illegal sales. We have a targeted and proportionate approach to dealing with illegal sales of such lenses and other breaches of the Opticians Act. It is not always practical, proportionate or in the public interest for us to prosecute every breach of the Act. Instead, we focus our resources on the incidents that create the greatest risk to patient safety. Often the retailer will not know they are breaking the law, so we may simply explain the law and ask for an undertaking to stop selling cosmetic contact lenses. In more serious cases though for example, sales to children or those which are linked to damage to a consumers eyes we may bring a prosecution under the Opticians Act. We would seek to collaborate with trading standards where possible. For example, we might write a warning letter to a trader, following a complaint from a member of the public, and a trading standards ofcer could then follow up on their compliance by getting an undertaking to stop illegal sales. With this approach working together we can help keep consumers safe in a proportionate way. Used safely, the risks associated with the use of cosmetic contact lenses are low. But its important to ensure they are sold properly and wearers get proper advice to avoid doing real damage to their eyes. Credits Published Simon Grier is communications manager at Tuesday 27 October, 2015 the General Optical Council. Images: Ron Koeberer / Getty Images GET IN TOUCH If youre aware of cosmetic contact lenses being sold illegally, contact the General Optical Councils legal compliance department at lc@optical.org or by calling 020 7307 3931. To share this page, in the toolbar click on