Specialist Lawyers React As Trading Standards Experts Issue Warning

Legal experts who representing people injured as a result of defective products have welcomed calls for the public to put safety first this Halloween when buying costumes and other items such as contact lenses.

Trading standards experts have specifically urged young people to seek expert advice when it comes to cosmetic lenses used to recreate the look of characters from the Twilight film series or horror-themed TV shows.

The experts have told the BBC that such items should be sold with an optician or medical professional present and warned that sharing such products can lead to an increased risk of eye infections or other issues such as corneal ulcers.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Product Liability team have now welcomed the warning and urged the public to think carefully when purchasing and making use of such items, as well as costumes and other items.

If you or a loved one has been injured or fallen ill due to a faulty or defective product, our personal injury claims team could help you claim compensation. View our Product Liability Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

“Dressing up for Halloween is all part of the fun of this time of year, but it is always important that people to take care – both in terms of where they buy costumes or other products from and how they use them. <br/> <br/>“Cosmetic lenses have the potential to cause serious damage to a wearer’s eyesight if safety advice is not followed. It is vital that consumers always ensure they get quality advice and follow the views of a professional when it comes to using them. <br/> <br/>“We have long-held concerns regarding such products, particularly regarding the fact that many such products are not subject to the level of regulation that prescription lenses face. <br/> <br/>“It is also important to take care when buying online, as in the UK contact lenses can only be sold by or under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner, optometrist or a registered dispensing optician. <br/> <br/>“Purchasing contact lenses through official channels is likely to reduce the risk of being given a faulty lens and it enables purchasers to obtain advice for lens care which will reduce the risk of eye injury further. It is also worth noting that following a European Court of Justice ruling, cosmetic lenses, despite being described as cosmetic, do not fall within EU regulations for cosmetic products. <br/> <br/>“Safety has to come first and it is important that the general public take absolute care when using such products.” Kevin Timms - Solicitor