Ophthalmologists Issue Warning: Five Alarming Risks Associated with Non-Prescription Contact Lenses

While zombie or devil-themed contact lenses may enhance the spookiness of a Halloween costume, using them without a prescription could lead to something far more terrifying – blindness. The Joseph & Swan Eye Center, in collaboration with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is urging Halloween shoppers to be aware of the potential dangers of wearing over-the-counter contact lenses.

Although it is illegal to sell non-prescription contact lenses, they can still be easily obtained from various sources like beauty supply stores, costume shops, and online retailers. Often falsely marketed as "one-size-fits-all" or "no prescription necessary," these lenses can inflict severe eye damage. Just last year, a young girl lost partial vision in her left eye, with the top layer of her cornea being torn off, after wearing non-prescription lenses purchased from a jewelry booth for only four hours.

Ophthalmologists "“ the physicians and surgeons that specialize in medical and surgical eye care "“ are reminding people of five frightening consequences of ignoring the warnings:

Ophthalmologists, who are medical and surgical eye care specialists, are highlighting five distressing consequences of disregarding these warnings:

• Eye Scratches: Non-prescription contact lenses that are not professionally fitted can scratch the transparent front window of the eye, leading to corneal abrasions. This condition is not only painful but can also result in permanent damage. Laura Butler's experience serves as a painful reminder; she suffered corneal abrasions just 10 hours after wearing non-prescription lenses, describing them as sticking to her eye like suction cups. Treatment often involves medication and patching, but sometimes, the damage is irreversible. Butler now lives with a corneal scar, vision impairment, and a drooping eyelid.

• Infections: Research indicates that wearing non-prescription contact lenses increases the risk of a severe infection known as keratitis by 16 times. Early treatment with antibiotics or steroid drops may save vision, but in some cases, surgery, like corneal transplantation, becomes necessary. Robyn Rouse had to undergo this surgery due to an infection caused by non-prescription lenses she bought locally. Even after 12 years, she still experiences blurry vision in her left eye and relies on daily drops to combat dryness.

• Pink Eye: Sharing contacts is never a good idea because it can easily spread germs, leading to conditions such as pink eye (conjunctivitis). This highly contagious ailment's treatment varies depending on the cause but typically includes antibiotic eye drops.

• Decreased Vision: Whether caused by corneal scratches or infections, wearing non-prescription contacts can result in reduced vision.

• Blindness: It's not an exaggeration – using non-prescription contacts can lead to permanent vision loss. Julian Hamlin underwent over ten surgeries and is now legally blind in his left eye after wearing contacts to alter his eye color – a mistake he'll have to live with forever.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology encourages the public to watch and share its "No Prescription, No Way" public service announcement, illustrating the serious eye damage that non-prescription costume contact lenses can cause.

Contact us to learn more about contact lens safety.