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Sight risk warning over Halloween contact
lenses
PEOPLE are being warned not to play "Russian
roulette" with their vision by "changing it" with
Halloween themed contact lenses.
The alert comes in response to a growing trend
of people buying these novelty items from market stalls or over the internet,
potentially putting their eye health at risk.
The British Contact Lens
Association (BCLA) has advised that people should speak to their registered
practitioner if they want to add 'spooky' contact lenses to your fancy dress
outfit.
BCLA President Keith Tempany said:- "Wearing fancy lenses might make you
look cool for 1 night on Halloween, but losing your sight could be a lifelong
horror story. Cosmetic colored lenses are a medical device and should be
prescribed by an eye care professional. These lenses should only be purchased
from and fitted by, a registered practitioner. By sharing colored contact lenses
young people are playing Russian roulette and changing it with their eye health
and putting their sight at risk."
The lenses, which alter eye colour and have been made popular by smash hit TV
series and films, like Twilight, are often shared around amongst friends, and
this increases the risk of corneal ulcers and infections.
The campaign is
warning against buying lenses from fashion outlets, market stalls, and
unregistered online sellers and will stress the importance of visiting an eye
care professional to ensure lenses fit properly and receive expert advice on how
to wear and store them safely.
For more details about the British Contact
Lens Association, visit:-
BCLA.Org.UK.
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