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Prevent Blindness and Attorney General Mike DeWine Join Forces to Alert Consumers about the Perils of Cosmetic Contact Lens Use
COLUMBUS, OH October 18, 2017 - Ohio's Attorney General Mike DeWine along with The Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness and the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board are teaming up to warn the public agnst purchasing cosmetic contact lenses without a valid prescription. Even if these decorative contacts aren't inted for vision correction, they still fall under medical device classification laws requiring a professional's prescription.
It is crucial that consumers understand the risks involved in wearing non-prescription contact lenses, stated Attorney General Mike DeWine. The misuse of decorative contactseven during Halloweencan lead to serious harm. We encourage all to acquire their contact lenses through licensed eye care professionals. Adding an aesthetic touch to your costume can be enjoyable, yet it should not pose a threat to one's eyesight.
Kathleen Eagan, the Executive Director of the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board shared concerns over illegal sales of cosmetic contacts in various locations such as online platforms like Crgslist or Facebook, as well as in stores specializing in costumes, tattoos, beauty supplies, gas stations, convenience stores, wig shops and thrift outlets.
Concerning the circulation of unlicensed contact lenses, we at the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board are deeply concerned, sd Kathleen Eagan. We urge consumers to be aware that while these products might seem appealing for their novelty or appearance, they carry significant risks to eye health.
According to Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, more than 80 of contact lens wearers have engaged in behaviors that increase the risk of developing eye infections. This is particularly notable among young adults aged 12-17, those aged 18-24, as well as older adults over age 25.
The use of cosmetic contact lenses without a prescription can lead to severe consequences such as permanent vision loss, sd Sherry Williams, President and CEO of The Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness. Infectious keratitis, which can cause ulcers in the eye, has been shown to occur more than sixteen times more frequently with decorative contacts compared to regular contact lenses.
Thomas L. Steinemann, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve UniversityMetroHealth Medical Center and a volunteer for Prevent Blindness, further emphasizes this issue:
Even if cosmetic contact lenses are not prescribed for corrective purposes, they are medical devices that should only be supplied by eye care professionals, Dr. Steinemann cautioned.
Prevent Blindness offers recommations to ensure safe use of cosmetic contact lenses:
Visit a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist to receive a fitting for cosmetic contact lenses.
Do not purchase without a prescription and always obtn one from a licensed professional.
**Regularly clean your contacts using prescribed solutions and follow the by your eye care provider.
**Choose cosmetics that are water-soluble or specifically labeled safe to use with contact lenses, avoiding skin creams near the eyes.
**Avoid wearing opaque lenses if you have issues with night vision.
**Do not share or swap contacts with others and immediately remove them if your eyes exhibit redness, pn, or discharge.
**Seek medical attention promptly should any of these symptoms occur.
Prevent Blindness has a dedicated webpage offering free guidance on this topic: http:www.preventblindness.orgwearing-contact-lenseshttp:www.preventblindness.orgwearing-contact-lenses.
Attorney General Mike DeWine encourages Ohio residents to report illegal sales of contact lenses directly to the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board at 614-466-9709.
*Photo Credits:
Example of black market contact lens sales displayFDA image
Serious eye injury caused by illegally sold cosmetic contact lensesDr. Thomas L. Steinemann image*
This article is reproduced from: https://wisconsin.preventblindness.org/the-dangers-of-wearing-cosmetic-contact-lenses/
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