Are there any dangers with cosmetic contact lenses?

Cosmetic contact lenses are fast becoming a ‘must have' for the fashion conscious, and most people have absolutely no problems wearing them as a fashion accessory.

There are a few potential complications, and as with all aspects of eye-care its best to know how to care for yourself.

Many of the problems stem from the fact that cosmetic contact lenses aren't classified as medical devices, and consequently a prescription isn't needed to buy them online. In itself this is no reason for concern - as long as the user knows how to fit, clean and disinfect their lenses correctly.

The easiest way to sidestep avoid problems is to seek advice from an eye-care professional. They will also be able to tell you if cosmetic contact lenses are suitable for your eyes (a small number of people with specific visual disorders shouldn't use coloured contacts).

Cosmetic contact lenses are typically supplied in one size designed to fit every eye, which can occasionally lead to corneal irritation. If you find that your cosmetic lenses are uncomfortable, or think that it's taking too long to get used to them, consult your eye-care specialist. Ill-fitting lenses may also deprive the cornea of the oxygen that it needs to remain healthy.

A pair of cosmetic contact lenses is bound to spark interest among your friends, and while most adults will fully understand the risk of transmitting eye infections by ‘sharing' lenses, teenagers may not. The risk is very real and can lead to blindness. So DONT SHARE LENSES.

With opaque lenses (where a coloured ‘ring' covers the natural colour of the iris) your vision may be affected slightly if the lens slips (for example when you sneeze or blink), and similarly when the pupil dilates in low light. Neither occurrence is any cause for concern.

If you follow the advice given to you by your eye-care professional (and make sure that you order your cosmetic lenses from a reputable supplier and manufacturer) you are likely to become one of the 80 million people worldwide who wear contact lenses safely every day.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Contact Lenses

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