RI Dept. of Health Warns of Dangerous Decorative Contact Lenses
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Though many consumers have used decorative, or plano, contact lenses to alter their look, whether for a costume or cosmetic enhancement, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) warned residents in a recently released consumer advisory that individuals are required by law have a prescription from an eye-care professional for any type of contact lenses. HEALTH received a report of a local high-school student who experienced corneal abrasions and temporary vision impairment from wearing decorative contact lenses that were purchased in a convenience store. The student could have also experienced a severe eye infection or at worse, blindness, as lenses obtained without a prescription have caused.
Illegal Use and Distribution Widespread
Annemarie Beardsworth, HEALTH spokeswoman, said it is illegal for anyone to sell contact lenses to an individual who does not have a prescription for the lenses, and that HEALTH has confiscated illegal lenses from convenience stores that were being sold without a prescription. Over-the-counter sales of nonprescription cosmetic lenses have been illegal in the U.S. since 2005, but they are often sold year-round at novelty and beauty shops (sales of the lenses seem to spike around Halloween).
Beardsworth said anyone looking to use decorative contact lenses should consult with an eye care professional, and those who haves recently used them and are experiencing eye problems should contact an eye care professional for evaluation.
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