Oct 24, 2013 11:25 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Halloween celebrators should avoid non-prescribed, novelty contact lenses this holiday weekend like veteran trick or treat-ers avoid houses that give nickels and pennies. In fact, they should avoid them for good. Fraudulent lenses could damage eye sight and potentially cause blindness.

Government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have teamed up recently to seize "counterfeit contact lenses, illegally imported decorative lenses, and lenses unapproved by the FDA," according to ICE's press release. They call the mission, "Operation Double Vision".

According to HSI Executive Associate Director James Dinkins, counterfeit lenses pose health risks that aren't worth the reduced prices. Though contacts require a prescription from a licensed professional by law, fakes can be bought pretty easily in novelty shops, salons, beauty supply stores, or online.

"Even though Halloween approaches, consumers shouldn't let a good deal or great costume blind them to the dangers of counterfeit decorative contact lenses," Dinkins said in a press release. "What's truly scary is the damage these counterfeit lenses can do to your eyes for a lifetime."

Dr. Glenda Brown, president of the Georgia Optometric Association, emphasized the medical aspect of contacts and the medical risks of counterfeits.

"Contact lenses are a medical device and it is smart to purchase them from a medical professional who will fit them to your eye and provide you with instruction on the use and care of the lenses," she said. "Consumers who buy lenses that were manufactured and sold illegally can experience infections, corneal ulcers and even blindness. A lifetime of good vision is so much more important than a cheap Halloween accessory."

There are safe ways to color your eyes this holiday; they just cost a little more time and money.

Those looking for fresh irises or a design in their pupils should consult an eye doctor and get a prescription that includes "the brand name, lens measurements and an expiration date", according to ICE. Consumers should then only purchase "from a seller that requires you to provide a prescription, regardless of whether you shop online or in person."

With the legal lenses in hand, buyers should follow directions on how to properly maintain them. ICE also warns people to avoid anime, or circle lenses that make wearers "look like a doll." Those have not been approved by the FDA.

"Our concern is that consumers who buy and use decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription can run significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness," said John Roth, director of FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations. "It is always better to involve a qualified eye care professional and protect your vision."

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