The Scary Eyes you Don’t Want for HalloweenWearing these popular accessories can cause serious eye injuries and lead to permanent vision loss
As Halloween quickly approaches and people are planning their elaborate costumes, many may be tempted to use cosmetic contact lenses as a final touch. However, Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology ophthalmologists – medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions – are warning consumers that doing so without a prescription can lead to permanent vision loss.
Although the practice has been illegal since 2005, today cosmetic contact lenses are still sold in shops and via online retailers to customers who are unaware that wearing these devices can result in serious, potentially blinding eye injuries. Retailers often market these products as cosmetics, fashion accessories or toys, when in fact they are medical devices that require prescriptions and FDA approval. According to the Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the lenses, which are often not manufactured to meet federal health and safety standards, can cause injuries such as cuts and open sores in the protective layer of the iris and pupil (corneal abrasions and ulcers) and potentially blinding painful bacterial infections (keratitis). These injuries can require serious eye surgeries such as corneal transplants, and in some cases lead to permanent vision loss. One study found that wearing cosmetic contact lenses increased the keratitis risk by more than 16 times. To safely wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween or any time of year, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following these guidelines:
For more information on cosmetic contact lens safety, please visit www.geteyesmart.org. |