Halloween Contact Lenses – Be Safe, Not Sorry

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Halloween presents several problematic ocular health scenarios. Decorative and colored contact lenses are often worn by children or young adults with no prior lens wearing experience. This lack of knowledge is compounded by the fact that many of these decorative lenses are purchased directly through Internet or phone-based sales companies.

The role of the eye-care practitioner and the instructions which they relay to new lens wearers are lost. This egregious oversight translates to an increased potential for inexperienced wearers to inappropriately wear or care for these lenses (Remember, contact lenses are considered a medical device and require a prescription).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings on this topic, cautioning consumers about the direct distribution of decorative lenses.

Improper wear can result in corneal ulcers, scarring, ocular infection, and, rarely, blindness or loss of the eye. More commonly, a bad lens fit can result in ocular abrasions. The FDA has also attempted to halt the entry of these lenses into the United States and requested that doctors report any adverse patient outcomes due to decorative contact lens wear by participating voluntarily in their “MedWatch” program.

Note – All contact lenses require fitting from an eye care professional, including Halloween contacts. It is a quick, painless procedure that can be done in just a few minutes.

- Reprinted Courtesy 20/20 magazine

Related pages and posts: Wild Eyes Contacts, Video: Cleaning Contacts, Facts About Contacts, Wearing Contacts – It’s All About Comfort, Contacts: Choices, Benefits, Buying.

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