Decorative Contact Lenses: Eye Injuries / Blindness

Decorative contact lenses are intended to change the color of the eye or shape of the eye. Sometimes called Plano or non-corrective lenses, include cat's eyes, hypnotic spirals and 8-balls. The popularity of decorative contact lenses has increased, especially among high school and college students, during Halloween, social gatherings, holiday season, parties, and other times during the year. Unfortunately, wearing or sharing decorative contact lenses, cause injuries to the eye, and in some cases permanent blindness. They don't fit in the eye well, unlike corrective lenses, which are fitted properly by an optical professional (optometrist). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve the sale of this type of contact lenses, especially because of improper fitting. The FDA has learned some manufactures are not seeking authorization before marketing decorative lenses. Prohibited sale of this type of contact lenses sold by beauty salons, flea markets, convenience stores, beach shops and Internet websites. Decorative contact lenses should only be purchased from an eye care professional, providing proper fitting and instructions given to prevent eye damage. The FDA does approve colored prescription contact lenses.

Vision problems have been associated wearing decorative contact lenses or worn over night. Reports received by the FDA, includes corneal ulcers, an infection of the eye. This type of infection if untreated, can lead to corneal scarring and vision impairment or blindness. Decorative and corrective contact lenses have caused eyesight problems: Corneal Ulcers or ulcerative keratitis (Infection or injury cause inflammation of the cornea, through which light passes. Primary cause resulting from contact lens over-wear or worn overnight. The condition can result in blindness or eye loss. Antibiotics are prescribed for treatment), corneal abrasion (Scrapped off the outer layer of the cornea or epithelial. Swelling of the cornea and excess tears cause blurred vision.), conjunctivitis (pink eye), and vision impairment or blindness.