Selling contact lenses without a prescription is illegal and can put consumers' eye health at risk, warns the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA). All contact lenses are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and require a valid prescription, whether they correct your vision or are worn simply for a special occasion, such as Halloween, proms, or weddings.
"Even though these are non-corrective lenses, they still pose the same potential health and safety risks as other contact lenses," said Dr. Paul Hodge, MOA member and practicing optometrist in Allegan, Michigan. However, some decorative lenses are sold illegally through flea markets, the Internet, beauty salons, convenience stores, and even national retailers. The MOA warns that you should never buy lenses from these sources.
"When purchased over-the-counter, decorative contact lenses can put people at risk for bacterial infections, allergic reactions, or even significant damage to the eye's ability to function, with the potential for irreversible sight loss. Sadly, numerous cases of serious harm have been documented," added Dr. Hodge.
According to the AOA's 2013 American Eye-Q® consumer survey, seventeen percent of Americans have worn decorative contact lenses that don't provide vision correction as part of a costume or for other cosmetic purposes. Of those individuals, twenty-four percent purchased them without a prescription from a source other than an eye doctor—a great concern to doctors of optometry. "Don't buy contacts from any store or website that doesn't require an eye doctor's prescription," warned Hodge. "In other words, if you can walk in off the street or log on to a website and buy them without verification of your prescription, the lenses are not being sold legally."
It's important to have a medical eye and vision examination from your optometrist to be sure you are a good candidate for contact lenses and your cornea can safely tolerate the lenses. Your eye doctor will also make sure your lenses fit properly and teach you how to safely care for your lenses. "One of the safest things consumers can do is visit an eye doctor for a consultation," said Hodge "This way they can obtain the proper prescription and lens material, and ensure a healthy contact lens fit, reducing the risk of infection or other serious side effects."
The MOA offers the following recommendations for all contact lens wearers:
- Wear contact lenses only if they are fitted and prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Do not purchase contact lenses from beauty salons, costume supply stores, websites, or any other place not authorized by law to dispense contact lenses.
- Make sure contact lenses are properly cleaned and disinfected as instructed by your eye-care professional.
- Make sure you wash your hands before handling and cleaning your contact lenses.
- Never swap or share contact lenses with anyone.
- Never sleep while wearing contact lenses unless they are extended-wear lenses specifically designed for that purpose.
Click here for more information about the risks associated with decorative contact lenses, or to find additional resources about contact lens hygiene and safety.
Source: The Michigan Optometric Association
