If you’re into funky-coloured contacts, you might want to pay attention: A recent report on CBS warned that coloured contact lenses may carry some health risks like conjunctivitis, pink eye and other eye diseases.
According to the report, contact lenses are technically medical devices that should be used with a prescription. Contact lenses should be prescribed with the assistance of an ophthalmologist or optometrist to ensure that the contacts fit properly. Lenses that don’t fit could lead to scratches on the cornea, leading to corneal infection that puts you at risk of conjunctivitis, pink eye, decreased vision and even blindness.
Some people might think that wearing unprescribed contact lenses for special occasions might be harmless, but optometrist Dr. Edward Kondrot said that the health risks of wearing improper contact lenses could occur after just the first time.
“Wearing it for a couple seconds could cause damage,” he says. “Bacterial infections can be extremely rapid, resulting in corneal ulcers, and cause blindness — sometimes within as little as 24 hours if not diagnosed and treated promptly,”
Dr. Bernard Lepri, optometrist at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also says that its not the contact lenses themselves that cause problems, but the fact that people often use them without the assistance of a proper eye care professional.
“Bacterial infections can be extremely rapid, result in corneal ulcers, and cause blindness — sometimes within as little as 24 hours if not diagnosed and treated promptly”.
Kondrot also warns that the lenses may also contain unregulated, illegal products like dyes, mercury and lead.He says that these toxic chemicals can penetrate the eye and enter the nervous system. He advises that it’s best to use FDA recommended contact lenses sold at optometrists.
We reckon buying those Hello Kitty contact lenses could be a health hazard, too, so it’s best that you check with your optometrist first!
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