The Many Dangers of Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Cosmetic contact lenses are dangerous and can cause blindness and other very serious eye problems!

Cosmetic contacts are illegal without a physician's prescription, but the stores are telling customers that a prescription is not necessary.

In 2005, all contact lenses were classified as medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. This classification called for all contact lenses, worn for ANY purpose, including cosmetic contact lenses, to require a valid prescription and that lenses could not be sold to consumers without one.

The fashion trend of cosmetic contact lenses is rapidly growing and the lenses are readily available on line and in stores everywhere--without prescription! No warnings of the dangers of possible very serious injuries are being given to those buying the contacts!

Fashion contacts come in various colors as well as ones that transform the eyes into vampire, demon and zombie looks and some even glow in the dark. There are others that make the wearer appear blind.

Wearing cosmetic contacts can cause blindness, ulcers, perforations of the eye and severe infections. Actual tiny cuts appear on the corneas. Many times the first sign of a problem is sudden, acute agonizing pain and very intense burning. Severe damage may have already been done.

The wearers have not been told how to care for the contacts properly or about the dangers of sharing them with their friends. The contacts could have been made anywhere and they may not be sterile so infections could be introduced as soon as they are placed in the eyes.

I did a quick check on the Internet, searching for 'cosmetic contacts' and found many sites selling this product. I found NO mention of a prescription needed in seven random sites I reviewed!

Mark Ewalt, an ophthalmologist and assistant professor at Vanderbilt Medical Center states, "Even though many people wear contact lenses with a high amount of satisfaction and problem-free use, there are risks. It is vital that users have regular eye exams and a proper fitting at the time of lens distribution,"

"Contact lenses are one of the safest forms of vision correction. The lenses themselves are not dangerous. But people need to understand there are risks and the best way to avoid some of these problems is to visit an eye doctor. Patients who wear contact lenses for any use need to be monitored."

The use of cosmetic contact lenses is widespread and growing rapidly. These lenses should NOT be viewed as a beauty accessory. Anyone wearing ANY type of contact lenses should follow these steps:

1. Get an eye exam from a licensed professional.

2. Get a valid prescription that includes brand name and lens dimensions.

3. ONLY Purchase lens from a vendor that requires a prescription.

4. ALWAYS Follow directions for cleansing, disinfecting and wearing the lenses. Do not let others wear your
lenses.

5. Continue being monitored by a licensed professional as long as you wear contacts.

Sources:

http://sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/myvu/news/2010/04/20/vanderbilt-eye-doctors-warn-of-the-dangers-of-cosmetic-contact-lenses.113538