Cosmetic contact lenses that change eye colour can cause infections or worse
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/10/2010 (5480 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
HALIFAX – Goblins and ghouls gearing up to spook people on Halloween are being warned not to use cosmetic contact lenses to change eye colour because the non-prescription devices can cause infection, allergic reactions and other complications that could lead to vision loss.
Cosmetic or decorative contact lenses, purchased over the counter, are worn to change the colour or appearance of the eye. But contact lenses are medical devices and shouldn’t be worn without a valid prescription and proper fitting, the Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists said Friday in a release.
Young adults and teenagers tend to purchase these types of contact lenses, especially for an occasion like Halloween, and may not fully understand the risks, the association said.
Contact lenses that don’t fit properly and aren’t cared for correctly increase the risk of complications that can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness.
Some of the problems include:
— Corneal abrasions: scratches on the cornea due to improper insertion and/or removal or foreign material trapped under the lens
— Conjunctivitis: infection from contact lenses contaminated with bacteria or viruses
— Corneal ulcers: an open sore on the front surface of the eye that may be blinding
— Allergic reactions due to reaction from lens-care systems
— Corneal burns due to improperly neutralized lens-care systems.
Anyone who has purchased cosmetic contact lenses without a prescription should stop wearing them and see an optometrist for proper fitting and instruction on the usage of such lenses. People experiencing any redness, pain, irritation or blurry vision should remove the lenses immediately and consult their eye doctor, the association said.
An eye-care practitioner will discuss the proper length of time that contact lenses should be worn, contact lens hygiene and replacement schedules.
In Canada, cosmetic contact lenses are not regulated in the same way as corrective contact lenses, despite posing the same potential health risks to the wearer.