Listen up Boils & Ghouls! As you prepare for Halloween, keep in mind the potential dangers that lie ahead. Each year, thousands of wild-eyed hooligans subject their peepers to harmful contact lenses that may look like the perfect finishing touch to their costume, but can leave a long-lasting impression on their vision.
According to a consumer warning issued by the FDA, consumers who wear non-corrective, decorative lenses [at Halloween] sold without a prescription and without proper fitting by an eye care professional are at serious risk of permanent eye injury and potential blindness. Other injuries reported by the FDA include corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis.
David A. Schlessinger, M.D., F.A.A.C.S., a New York-based Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers the following tips to keep your peepers safe this Halloween:
• Always have a comprehensive eye examination by a licensed eye care professional. An eye doctor will be able to perform a contact lens evaluation to make sure the lenses fit well and that it is safe for you to wear them.
• Purchase special effect contact lenses from your local eye care professional only. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are licensed to dispense contact lenses and obtain them from reliable, well-recognized sources, unlike the dozens of corner stores throughout New York that retail them illegally.
• While it may be acceptable to order regular, clear contact lenses online, you may want to think twice about purchasing decorative lenses in this manner. Wearing lenses tinted in someone’s garage and sold through a homemade website is a great way to develop an infection. Contact lenses purchased through one of theses sites may contain tinting agents not approved by the FDA.
• Do not purchase lenses at convenience stores, flea markets, gas stations, beauty supply stores or through outlets not licensed to dispense them. It is illegal, and the because of the severe affects, the federal government is beginning to enforce more stringent regulations.
• To find out if someone is licensed to sell contact lenses, ask for their professional license number, which is licensed by the state they do business in. You can call the Department of Professional Regulations (DPR) to check on licenses. Each state has one, and you can usually find them online.
• Do not swim or sleep in decorative contact lenses.
• Do not share or swap lenses with friends.
• Always clean and disinfect your lenses before and after you wear them.
Already experiencing problems with non-prescribed decorative lenses? Stop using the lenses immediately. Then notify the FDA of problems associated with the lenses by submitting complaints to the FDA district office consumer complaint coordinator.
For more information on Dr. Schlessinger you can visit his website: www.SchlessingerEyeAndFace.com
Posted by Lance Buckley on October 24, 2008 5:18 AM
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