Colored contact lenses are all the rave this year in the Orlando area, but do you know the risks involved? Decorative contact lenses can add spooky touch to any Halloween costume, from glow in the dark to blood drenched vampire eyes, but the popular trend seems to be lasting throughout the year.
Ten hours after Laura Butler put in an over the counter colored contact lenses she experienced “extreme pain in both eyes,” she said. “Because I had not been properly fitted by an eye care professional, the lenses stuck to my eye like a suction cup. I was in severe pain and on medication for four weeks, and couldn’t see well enough to drive for eight weeks,” she said. “I now live with a corneal scar, vision damage and a drooping eyelid.”
“Most people believe that decorative lenses do not require the same level of care or consideration as a standard contact lens because they can be purchased over-the-counter or on the Internet,” says Thomas Steinemann, MD, professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. “This is far from the truth.”
To safely wear costume contact lenses for Halloween or any time of year, follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
Get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional such as an ophthalmologist — an eye medical doctor — who will measure each eye and talk to you about proper contact lens care.
Obtain a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements, and expiration date.
Purchase the colored contact lenses from an eye product retailer who asks for a prescription.
Follow the contact lens care directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses.
Never share contact lenses with another person.
Get follow up exams with your eye care provider.
If you notice redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort from wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist.
More than ever people in the Orlando/Lake Nona area are realizing the benefits of contact lenses. Globally there are over 100 million contact wearers. They can correct most eye conditions including Myopia (near-sightedness), Astigmatism, Hyperopia (far-sightedness) and even Presbyopia (age related reading problems). Proper care contact lenses is essential for health eyes.
If you experience any burning, itching, swelling, pain or redness, contact Lake Nona Eye Care immediately. Routine eye exams is an important step for healthy eye, especially if you wear contact lenses on a regular basis.