Eye Health: The Risks of Costume Contacts

Think About Your Eye Health First

Sometimes, in our quest to achieve a certain look, we do not give much thought to our eye health. This is particularly true in the case of costume contacts. Decorative contacts are a cool and trendy fad and allow people to achieve amazing fantasy looks, but they can have consequences. Here, a respected Dallas LASIK surgeon discusses the risks to your eye health posed by costume contacts.

Part of the problem with costume contacts is that they are marketed to teenagers, particularly teenage girls. They are advertised as if they were cosmetics, with playful packaging and brand names, but the reality is that buying any kind of contact lens without a prescription can be risky to your eye health. Some of these lenses are not even FDA approved.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology, together with the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, has recently initiated an effort to warn parents and teenagers of the dangers of purchasing contact lenses without an eye exam and prescription. To purchase them without an examination and a prescription can cause serious eye problems, including eye infection and even blindness. The wrong contacts can cause scarring that may be permanent and can lead to a need for corneal transplant.

Contact lenses are not cosmetics or props; they are medical devices. As such, they require proper fitting by a professional, trained in eye health services. Consumers may get the idea that they are safe because they are sold online, but in fact, manufacturers are only allowed by law to sell them to licensed eye care professionals. As with anything related to your eye health, like eye health supplements or vitamins for eye health, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for information, and only purchase decorative lenses from an eye care professional or a seller who requires a prescription.

Preserving your natural eye health is of the utmost importance. If you are in the Dallas area and have questions about cosmetic contacts, supplements for eye health, or even LASIK surgery, contact the Tylock-George Eye Care and Laser Center. Led by pioneering Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, the Tylock Center staff is committed to excellence in customer care and focused on promoting eye health. With financing for those without eye health insurance, Tylock can meet your eye health needs. Visit the website to learn more, or connect with the online community on Facebook and Twitter.