He also is seeking information on past sales, distribution and any lens-related lawsuits.
Blumenthal further demanded that consumers [image-nocss] who buy them be given refunds.
Attorney General's Office investigators found the lenses for sale in Hartford at a 7-Eleven and were notified by a consumer they were being sold in West Hartford at an ExxonMobil station. They also learned that two distributors, Wholesale Club and AAA Discount, are selling the lenses to non-eye care professional retailers in Connecticut.
"These lenses may be tainted as well as tinted," Blumenthal said. "To protect their sight, consumers seeking cosmetic contact lenses should consult an eye care professional.
"Improperly used cosmetic contact lenses can cause serious and severe injuryinfections, corneal damage, even blindness. Sale of cosmetic contact lenses by nonprofessionals is illegal and dangerous and must cease immediately. Unlicensed retailers are breaking the law as well as putting consumers at risk of infection and vision loss. I urge consumers to shun store lenses, obtaining them instead from eye care professionals."
He added, "I will act aggressivelyincluding court action if necessaryto halt illegal sales and distribution of cosmetic contact lenses in Connecticut."
Blumenthal's letter demands an immediate sales halt and gives the businesses seven days from receipt to provide additional information.
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