The High Price One's Vision Can Pay With Use of Decorative Contact Lenses

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's that time of year when many teens and adults are beginning their search for the perfect Halloween costume and are now looking to complement their attire with nonprescription decorative contact lenses. "These lenses are becoming increasingly popular and should not just be viewed as a fashion accessory," said Dr. Sandy T. Feldman of Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center. "If you are not being responsible while wearing these non prescriptive decorative contact lenses, great harm can occur to your vision," Dr. Feldman continued. One study found that wearing decorative contact lenses increased the risk for developing an infection of the front surface of the eye [cornea] by more than 16 times.¹

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"Wearing decorative lenses can be fun at Halloween; however, it should be done under the direction of an eye doctor. Just one time of wearing lenses that do not fit your eyes or wearing them for too long of a period, may be enough to cause a serious eye issue," stated Dr. Feldman.

To properly use decorative lenses this year, Dr. Feldman offers these important tips:

• Contact lenses are considered medical devices and regulated by the F.D.A.  Do not consider buying contact lenses in novelty stores, beauty supply stores, street vendors, or anywhere that does not require a prescription.
• Have the prescription of your eyes determined and contact lenses fit by an eye doctor.  Contact lenses are not one size fits all.  Even if one has perfect vision, the lenses still need to be fit to your eyes.
• Buy lenses only from an eye care professional or retailer that requires a doctor's prescription and also sells FDA-approved lenses.
• Be a wise consumer and be wary of purchasing lenses over the internet. More than 4100 internet pharmacies were shut down in early October, the lessons learned from these www sites can help the consumer identify faulty sites.

Additionally, 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. Eye infections can quickly become serious and cause blindness if left untreated.

1. Sauer, A., & Bourcier, T. (2011). Microbial keratitis as a foreseeable complication of cosmetic contact lenses: A prospective study. Acta Ophthalmologica 89 (5), pp. e439-e422. DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.02120

As a leader in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Feldman has participated in FDA clinical studies of custom LASIK. Currently, she is involved in studies of a new treatment to halt the progression of keratoconus, a disease in which the fitting of contact lenses can become challenging. In 2009, she was one of ten laser eye care providers in the U.S. to receive the Goldline Award as seen Forbes Magazine. In 2011, she was awarded was one of nation's 15 leading laser eye surgeons as seen in Newsweek magazine. Dr. Feldman is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center   
6255 Lusk Blvd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121   
858.452.3937   
www.clearvieweyes.com

SOURCE Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center