Dangers Of Non-Prescription Contact Lenses
Posted on: 9 December 2015
Many online retailers and stores in local malls offer non-prescription lenses for purchase by consumers. These lenses can change the color of the customer's eyes, or make the eye appear larger. These contacts appeal to many customers, as they provide cosmetic benefits without the hassle of a prescription. However, these contacts present dangers to the eyes that can cause severe problems. Due to the dangers posed by these contact lenses, the sale of non-prescription contact lenses has been banned in the United States. This ban does little to deter people from purchasing them. Thanks to online vendors and retailers in the US who ignore the law, these harmful contact lenses are still making their way into the hands of people who have not been educated on the health risks these lenses pose to wearers.
Issues With Non-Prescription Contact Lenses
Non-prescription contact lenses present several issues for those who wear them. These lenses are not fitted to the wearer's eye. Non-prescription contact lenses can cause scratching on the surface of the eye, and damage to the cornea and blood vessels that carry blood to the eyes. Improperly fitted contact lenses can cause problems with vision, and result in dry eyes, pain in the eye and permanent vision damage or complete vision loss. Damage to the cornea and infections from the use of these contact lenses have also been reported in patients; some patients have required corneal transplants to regain vision. Some wearers have even reported non-prescription contact lenses stuck in the eyes, which resulted in a trip to the emergency room for removal. These contact lenses are also not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so there are no controls in place to ensure that the contacts are made of components that are safe to be used in the eye.
Precautions
Consumers can take several precautions to protect themselves from harmful non-prescription contacts and other products. First, obey the laws and avoid purchasing non-prescription contact lenses and other products that have been banned by the Food and Drug Administration. And keep in mind that the ban on non-prescription contact lenses doesn't mean that colored lenses and lenses that provide special effects are out of reach. If colored contact lenses are a must, customers should obtain these contacts from a licensed eye professional. Contacts should be fitted properly to ensure that no damage is caused to the eye, and wearers should be instructed on proper procedures to insert, remove, and clean contacts.
For a local optometrist, contact an office such as Martin Eye Clinic, P.C.
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