The Scary Truth About Costume Contact Lenses This Halloween you may have seen some spooky contact lenses. Costume contact lenses, also known as cosmetic or decorative contacts, are lenses that change how your eyes look by altering the eye’s color or pupil shape. Even though they may be advertised as cosmetic accessories, please keep in mind that all contact lenses are considered medical devices by the FDA – this means they require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye care professional, and proper care by the wearer. Purchasing contact lenses without a prescription is illegal in the United States. Only buy costume contacts from retailers who ask for a prescription and sell FDA-approved lenses – not from the gas station down the street, your nearest beauty salon or pop-up Halloween shop. Some cosmetic lenses have been found to be counterfeit or even re-packaged, which is not sterile and could contaminate your eye. Furthermore, one study found costume lenses ...