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ADVERTISEMENT
Potential hazards of contact lenses
Monday, October 13, 2008 6:49 AM PDT
Corneal ulceration is a most devastating, potentially blinding complication of something which seems so innocuous and harmless: a contact lens.
When properly fit by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, contact lenses help millions of people see. Recently, however, we have treated corneal ulcers resulting from improper care and handling of illegally distributed contact lenses.
Contact lenses, even when used for cosmetic use (without power to correct for nearor far-sightedness), are medical devices regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory rules. Our patients are finding these contact lenses unlawfully available at the flea market, retail shops, the Internet and even dollar stores! They are illegitimately sold without a prescription or proper fitting and evaluation.
Proper contact lens fitting and evaluation can be done with a licensed eye doctor — an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This is to ensure that a healthy fitting relationship between the eyeball and the contact lens is not compromised. A lens that is fitting too loosely may rub against the eye lids' inner lining and cause an abrasion and complications leading to infections. Conversely, a tight lens may hug onto the eye, not allowing adequate tear exchange, nutrient supplement or oxygen perfusion. The most dangerous bacteria and parasites feast on these types of situations, and some may even perforate the eye within a day! Only your eye doctor can evaluate how the contact lens fit on your eye behind a microscope to ensure you are not at risk. Proper lens handling, care, storage and hygiene should be learned in a doctor's office — not at a flea market or on your own.
Recently, we have treated teenagers and adults for eye infections who had unknowingly purchased cosmetic colored contact lenses through these illegal channels. These infections required a long and aggressive course of medication with frequent follow-up visits. Two of these cases have resulted in devastating scarring that has impaired vision. A corneal transplant may be needed in hope of reestablishing useful vision.
Unlawful sale and distribution of FDA regulated devises can be reported anonymously to the FDA via phone at (800) 332-1088; fax, (800) 332-0178; or online, www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.
Thanh T. Nguyen, O.D.
Jeffrey J. Ing, M.D. FACS
Delta Eye Medical Group
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