Warn patients about illegal, decorative contact lenses
Halloween is a fun holiday, but playing dress up can be serious business, says the American Optometric Association (AOA). The AOA is warning consumers about the risks of wearing decorative contact lenses sold illegally, without a prescription from an eye doctor. According to the AOA’s 2013 American Eye-Q® consumer survey, 17 percent of Americans wear these non-corrective, decorative or colored contact lenses. Of those, 24 percent report illegally purchasing the lenses without a prescription and from a source other than an eye doctor, a great concern to doctors of optometry. Consumers who purchase lenses illegally, without a prescription or without consultation from an eye doctor, put themselves at risk for serious bacterial infections, allergic reaction, or even significant damage to the eye’s ability to function, with the potential for irreversible sight loss. A proper medical eye and vision examination ensures that the individual is a viable candidate for contact lens wear, that the lenses are properly fitted and that the patient is able to safely care for their lenses. Since 2005, federal law requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate decorative lenses as medical devices, similar to prescription contact lenses. However, decorative lenses continue to be illegally marketed and distributed directly to consumers through a variety of sources, including flea markets, the Internet, beauty salons and convenience stores. Consumers also report purchasing them at retail outlets, where they are sold as fashion accessories. Decorative contact lenses carry the same risks as corrective contact lenses. Because of this, it’s important for consumers to obtain a prescription and familiarize themselves with the information available from an eye doctor to reduce the risk of infection. The AOA provides these recommendations that you can share with your contact lens wearers and patients. 4 Wear contact lenses only if they are fitted and prescribed by an optometrist. 4 Do not purchase contact lenses from gas stations, video stores or any other vendor not authorized by law to dispense contact lenses. 4 Never swim while wearing contact lenses. There is a risk of eye infection when contact lenses come into contact with bacteria in swimming pool water. 4 Make sure contact lenses are properly cleaned and disinfected as instructed by your eye care professional. 4 Make sure you wash your hands before handling and cleaning your contact lenses. 4 Never swap or share contact lenses with anyone. 4 Never sleep while wearing contact lenses unless they are extended-wear lenses specifically designed for that purpose.
For more information about the risks associated with decorative contact lenses or to find additional resources pertaining to contact lens hygiene and compliance, please visit aoa.org/x5235.xml.
