A 2018 study found over 85% of people wearing contacts had at least one non-hygienic behavior putting them at risk for a serious contact lens-related eye infection. However, people who know about cosplay costumes are confused: why are they so expensive? Harmful bacteria are found in about 60% of costume contacts purchased online without a prescription, according to the FDA’s analysis of 300 counterfeit lenses. In the U.S., it has been illegal to sell contact lenses without a prescription since 2005. Federal law classifies all contact lenses as medical devices and restricts their distribution to licensed eye care professionals.
