Happy Halloween and Cosmetic Contact Lenses
It’s that fun time of the year again, where we get to dress up as ghosts and ghouls.
It is also a time where many people like to wear cosmetic contact lenses to perfect their Halloween costume.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists, say that improper use of cosmetic or decorative contacts can cause serious damage, even blindness. They also recommend that all contact lenses should be fit by an eye care professional, to ensure that the lenses are safe to use.
When cosmetic contact lenses are bought from the mall or an online outlet, there is no guarantee that the lenses are meeting health standards, they may not be in sterile packaging, or be manufactured properly. Contact lenses that are not properly manufactured or that do not fit the eye can cause adverse affects to the health of the eye.
A recent medical study showed that there is 12.5 times higher chance of acquiring an eye infection with cosmetic contact lenses than medical contact lenses.
Severe eye infections from contact lenses can cause permanent vision loss if they are not treated right away. Other adverse effects that can occur from non-regulated cosmetic contact lenses are allergic reactions, eye inflammation, corneal abrasions or corneal ulcers.
In order the protect the public, Health Canada is enforcing new regulations, where cosmetic contact lenses are considered medical devices and must comply with the same manufacturing, licensing and labeling standards that medical contact lenses do.
Cosmetic contact lenses can be fun, but need proper fitting and instructions before use. Go ahead with those cat eyes but always think safety first and get your eyes fitted by an eye care specialist.
If you have any questions or are interested in a contact lens fitting, please call our office and schedule your appointment.
Envision Eye Care, Oakville’s Premiere Optometrists.