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LeeAnn Barrett, O.D.
Executive Director
Joyce Baker
Executive Director
info@moeyecare.org
Missouri Optometric Association
100 E. High Street
Suite 301
Jefferson City, MO
65101
P: 573/635-6151
F: 573/635-7989
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Health Risks to Students Using Colored or Patterned "Cosmetic" Contact Lenses
JEFFERSON CITY, MO--The Missouri Optometric Association is alerting the public about possible health risks that may affect the well-being of our students. Reports of illegal sales of colored and patterned non-corrective contact lenses (commonly know as "cosmetic" contact lenses) targeted to junior high and high school students throughout Missouri. These contact lenses are not intended to improve vision; they are worn to change a person’s eye color or alter the appearance of the eye, as in the popular "Bullseye" patterned lenses. Additionally, we have learned that sharing of the lenses is commonplace and that many students consider it fun and stylish to share or trade contact lenses and change their eye color or appearance from day to day.
All types of contact lenses are medical devices, which are sold and dispensed only by an individual or a business authorized by law to dispense contact lenses.
All types of contact lenses must be dispensed under the authority of a prescription from the physician or optometrist who examined and fitted the contact lenses to the person’s eyes. The use of contact lenses (both corrective and non-corrective) involves possible risks to the health of a person’s eyes. These risks are due to the fact that contact lens wearers are covering living tissue with a layer of plastic.
It is very important that any type of contact lens be worn only under medical supervision. Risks associated with all contact lenses include: bacterial infection, allergic reaction to lens coatings, insufficient oxygen to the cornea, mechanical abrasions due to the contact lens rubbing or pressing too firmly on the cornea, and corneal ulcer. These conditions, if not properly diagnosed and treated, can result in permanent eye damage or blindness.
"Cosmetic" contact lenses may carry greater health risks than corrective lenses, because they are worn as a statement of fashion or personal expression and not to improve vision. Frequently, wearers of these lenses overuse or misuse them and ignore possible health problems, since they think of the "cosmetic" lenses as one would think of clothing, makeup, or accessories.
Sharing or trading contact lenses can result in the loss of an eye. This risk, associated with untreated infection, is small but definite. Contact lenses are bathed in tears, which may contain any infectious or contagious agent that the body harbors. Students who share contact lenses are putting themselves at significant risk for any number of viral and bacterial infections.
The Missouri Optometric Association is affiliated with the American Optometric Association and represents optometrists throughout the state. Further information may be obtained by calling the association office in Jefferson City, 573/635-6151.
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