This is a warning from the American Optometric Association (AOA), which is concerned about people wearing decorative contact lenses to enhance their costumes.
Decorative lenses are marketed and distributed directly to consumers through a variety of sources including flea markets, the Internet, beauty salons and convenience stores. Consumers often find them at retail outlets where they are sold as fashion accessories. The AOA warns that only a proper medical evaluation from an eye doctor can determine whether someone is a candidate for contact lenses and that the lenses fit properly.
“Buying contact lenses without a prescription involves serious health care risks because sellers may not be contact lens specialists,” said Louise Sclafani, O.D., chair of the AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section. “After purchasing the decorative lenses, consumers often receive no formal education and instruction, which puts the responsibility to learn proper cleaning and disinfecting, as well as removal and application, on the consumer.”
People who buy and wear contact lenses without an eye doctors opinion and a valid prescription put themselves at risk for conjunctivitis, swelling, allergic reaction and corneal abrasion due to poor lens fit. This could result in several types of eye problems and vision impairments.
A proper eye exam evaluation can determine whether or not patients are viable candidates to wear contact lenses and if they are capable of wearing contact lenses without problems.
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