WASHINGTON  — Federal law-enforcement authorities are reminding consumers to avoid dangerous and unapproved decorative contact lenses this Halloween.

According to officials, these illegal contact lenses sold at retail outlets and online can cause eye infections, conjunctivitis and impaired vision.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have worked together to seize 100,000 pairs of illegal and unapproved contact lenses.

Authorities say the have done testing on the lenses, which showed high levels of bacteria and toxins. The testing also revealed that coloring on decorative contact lenses may be made of lead-based materials that could leach onto the eye. Authorities encourage you to visit an eye doctor and get a prescription to get contacts.

According to a press release, 40 million Americans wear contact lenses, which are regulated by the FDA as medical devices.

Source: WSBT