Eye Care
Dangers of 'Circle' Contact Lenses
By
Jul 9, 2010 - 7:05:37 PM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - COLUMBUS, OH – With the recent phenomenon of teen girls purchasing cosmetic contact lenses, called “circle lenses” that give them a look like Lady Gaga in her “Bad Romance” video, Prevent Blindness Ohio (PBO) wants to remind all consumers the perils of purchasing these lenses over the internet, often from other countries, without a valid prescription.

“It has become trendy for teens to make a fashion statement with cosmetic contact lenses. While these devices can add a fun flourish to a fashion statement, they can also result in devastating eye infections, scarring and even blindness,” said Sherry Williams, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio.

Because of the combined efforts of leading volunteer eye health and safety organizations including Prevent Blindness Ohio and major eye care professional groups, legislation was passed in 2005 that requires consumers to obtain a prescription from a licensed professional to purchase contact lenses.

“Eye pain, bacterial infections, and corneal ulcers are caused by ill-fitting lenses. If left untreated, these conditions can result in permanent eye damage and loss of sight,” said Thomas L. Steinemann, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University and a PBO Volunteer. “Parents should be on the alert to protect their children’s vision by assuring that their contact lenses are worn only under the supervision of an eye doctor. “

Prevent Blindness Ohio offers the following safety tips regarding safe contact lens use:

· Always visit a licensed eye care professional to be fitted for contact lenses.

· Never buy contact lenses without a prescription.

· Always clean and disinfect contact lenses according to instructions.

· Always use water-soluble cosmetics or those labeled safe for use with contact lenses. Do not apply skin creams or moisturizers too close to the eyes.

· Never wear opaque lenses if you have any problems with night vision.

· Never share or trade your contact lenses with friends.

· Be vigilant about older kid's appearance before letting them leave the house. If they are wearing fashion contacts, question them about where they got them.

For more information on contact lens safety or a listing of Prevent Blindness Ohio services, please visit www.pbohio.org or call 800-301-2020.

Prevent Blindness Ohio, founded in 1957, is Ohio’s leading volunteer nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight. We serve all 88 Ohio counties, providing direct services to more than 800,000 Ohioans annually and educating millions of consumers about what they can do to protect and preserve their precious gift of sight. Prevent Blindness Ohio is an affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, the country’s second-oldest national voluntary health organization. For more information or to make a contribution, visit our website at www.pbohio.org or call 800-301-2020.

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