Eye Injury Prevention Month is observed every October to promote awareness about eye safety and prevent injuries
“Wearing colored contacts may seem harmless. But beware: colored contact lenses can severely damage your eyes if you don’t buy them with a prescription. They can even cause permanent blindness if they’re not fitted by an eye specialist.” according to American Academy of Opthamology (AAO)
“Consumers need to know that permanent eye damage can occur from using non-prescription lenses,” says Thomas Steinemann, MD, an ophthalmologist at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “I have seen far too many serious cases in both children and adults from using decorative lenses.”
Is It Safe To Wear Non-Prescription Colored Contacts?
It is not safe to wear contact lenses that were not prescribed especially for you. This includes contact lenses purchased without a prescription and contact lenses prescribed for someone else. Your eyes are at risk of serious harm — and potentially blindness — when you wear contact lenses that were not prescribed specifically for you.
Contact lenses advertised as ‘one size fits all’ or ‘no need to see an eye doctor’ are not safe. The ‘one size fits all’ claim is misleading and dangerous. Contact lenses must be tailored to each individual. Lenses that are not the correct size for your eye may result in serious harm and could destroy your vision.
Poorly fitting contact lenses can scratch your eye — or worse
- Corneal abrasions,
- Corneal ulcers, and
- Bacterial infections like keratitis, which are painful and potentially blinding.
Colored contacts also might let less oxygen through to the eye. This is because the paints and pigments make the lenses thicker and less breathable.
Treating this damage can require eye surgery, like a corneal transplant. And treatment doesn’t always work. People have been blinded by colored contact lenses.
How to Buy Colored Contacts?
- Get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional. They will measure each eye and talk to you about proper contact lens care.
- Get a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements, and expiration date.
- Buy the colored contacts from a retailer who asks for a prescription.
- Follow the contact lens care directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses.
- Never share contact lenses with another person.
- Get follow-up exams as directed by your eye care provider.
For further details visit: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/halloween-cosplay-colorful-contacts-eye-safety