As a result of many reported cases of eye injuries from using cosmetic contact lenses, the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) is cracking down on their sale and use. The federal agency has called cosmetic contacts ‘illegal products that can cause blindness’. Reports indicate that use of the contacts has resulted in corneal ulcers and eye infections, which can lead to blindness. The FDA noted that some persons had to have cornea transplants to save their eyesight after using cosmetic contact lenses.

The FDA has approved the sale of cosmetic lenses for some purposes, but these must be prescription contacts only. This means that the contacts, such as colored lenses were made under sterile conditions and therefore will not pose any major safety issues.