There are many potential hazards
for children, teens and adults on Halloween. One of the worst may occur
before the kids knock on any doors and gleefully scream “trick or treat!”
The American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind parents this
Halloween that cosmetic contact lenses, like corrective contact lenses, are
medical devices requiring a prescription, and permanent eye damage can
occur if they are improperly used.
“This is an important, yet often overlooked, safety issue,” said
Academy spokesperson Thomas L. Steinemann, MD, an associate professor of
ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. “The
consequences can be catastrophic, as improper use can lead to permanent
blindness in the worst cases.”
One year ago, Congress passed a law regulating cosmetic contact lenses.
The law, an amendment to the “Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act,” states
that all contact lenses are considered medical devices, regardless of their
use, including those that are mainly used in costumes or for decorative or
cosmetic reasons.
It also mandates that all contact lenses sold in the United States must
be fit and dispensed by an eye care professional.
Dr. Steinemann, the principal investigator on a study that provided
evidence of dangers caused by improperly dispensed decorative contact
lenses, said many people are still getting them without the required
prescription and do not realize the potential harm they might cause
themselves or their children.
“It’s a year later and most states haven’t followed the lead of the
federal government on this issue,” he said. “If you don’t purchase contacts
from an eye care provider, chances are you are not going to get any
education on how to wear or care for the lens, and most likely you aren’t
getting a proper fit; one size does not fit all. But with proper fitting
and instructions, cosmetic lenses can be worn safely.”
Dr. Steinemann said the law has not yet had a profound effect on
people’s behavior.
“I don’t think many states are moving fast enough to make sure these
sight-threatening devices are properly regulated,” said Dr. Steinemann, who
has treated many emergency cases, including one youth who suffered a
blinding corneal infection following her use of decorative lenses.
“No matter what their purpose, all contact lenses need the same
regulations to help provide the same protection for all wearers,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter why you wear contact lenses — to correct your vision or
just for fun — the risks posed are the same when there is no professional
involvement.”
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
AAO is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons
— Eye M.D.s — with more than 27,000 members worldwide. Eye health care is
provided by the three “O’s” — opticians, optometrists and
ophthalmologists. It is the ophthalmologist, or Eye M.D., who can treat it
all: eye diseases and injuries, and perform eye surgery. To find an Eye
M.D. in your area, visit the Academy’s Web site at aao.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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