Feds Crack Down On Cat-Eye Contacts In LA Area

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal prosecutors have filed a series of charges against Southern California stores they say sold costume contact lenses without prescriptions.

The U.S. attorney in Los Angeles said in a statement Friday that some of the lenses involved in the crackdown — dubbed "Operation Cat Eyes" — were contaminated with bacteria that can cause blindness.

Two cases involving a dozen defendants were filed this week against Los Angeles-area retail outlets, some of which were temporary stores opened just for Halloween.

Prosecutors say even cosmetic or decorative contact lenses are considered prescription medical devices that are subject to FDA regulations.

The charges filed are all misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and fines of up to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for corporations.

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