Halloween Contact Lens Eye Problems

NY eye specialist Andreas Wolter, M.D. of Seeta Eye Centers in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and Carmel New York advised patients to use caution in order to avoid Halloween contact lens eye problems. “Contact lenses are a medical device. Sometimes we forget this as we try and look cool by changing our eye color or look devilish with decorative non prescription Halloween contact lenses as part of our costume”, stated Dr. Wolter. “Even someone with perfect vision would still require an eye exam and a prescription and proper fitting in order to wear any kind of contacts, including cosmetic lenses-comfortably and safely.”

According to the Food and Drug Administration, all contact lenses are regulated medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye-care professional. Some websites advertise decorative contacts as if they were fashion accessories or toys with fanciful, playful packaging in order to attract teens and young adults, especially girls. The problem is not that people use decorative, non corrective lenses-sometimes called Plano-or zero-powered lenses, but that they buy the devices without a prescription through unlicensed vendors on the Internet or at flea markets and specialty shops. The buyer of these over-the-counter contact lenses faces a huge risk including scratched corneas, pink eye and more serious types of blinding infection as a result of a corneal ulcer

In 2005, a federal law was passed that classified all contact lenses as medical devices and restricted their distribution to licensed eye-care professionals. Illegal sale of contacts can result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.

The safe and effective use of contact lenses-whether decorative or not-requires proper fitting and education about their care to prevent the potential for serious eye  problems from becoming a reality.

If you or a friend would like to learn more about contact lenses of any type including decorative contacts please feel free to call Seeta Eye Centers and schedule an eye examination by calling 845-454-1025, visiting Seeta Eye Centers or facebook.com/seetaeyecenters and we will be happy to give the most appropriate information and refer you to qualified licensed contact lens practioner who will help you get the safest contact lenses for your eyes.

Seeta Eye Centersis conveniently located at 23 Davis Avenue Poughkeepsie, New York 12524 and 664 Stoneleigh Avenue, Suite 100, Carmel, New York 10512 for patients from Westchester County, Rockland County and throughout the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County and Orange County.