OTTAWA, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - With Halloween just around the corner chances are someone in your family is planning a costume. This means wigs, make-up and in recent years, non-corrective contact lenses to change the appearance of their eyes. These can be found in Halloween shops, department stores, pharmacies and even gas stations are carrying them, making it easy for anyone to get a pair. Without professional involvement, however, wearing any kind of contact lens (prescription or cosmetic) can significantly increase your risk of serious eye infections and possible permanent damage to your sight.
Complications include scratches on the surface of the eye due to a poor fit and serious eye infection from improper use and handling, which can result in significant loss of vision and hospitalization. Both of these can also occur as a result of using substandard materials to manufacture the lens.
There is an abundance of evidence outlining the potential dangers including a Health Canada report, "Human Health Risk Assessment of Cosmetic Contact Lenses" which dates back to 2003. Although these lenses are non-corrective, studies have shown that they pose even greater risks than corrective contact lenses and should be dispensed and regulated as such.
"This is not a new issue, we've been seeing these frightening cases of eye infections for many years," remarked Professor Lyndon Jones, director, Centre for Contact Lens Research, University of Waterloo. "Until there are stricter regulations, we must be diligent in educating the public on the risks of wearing these cosmetic products."
Since 2005, in the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom, cosmetic contacts are recognized as a medical device requiring a prescription from a licensed eye care professional. For over 10 years, the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) has been working with other Canadian eye care professions to get non-corrective (cosmetic) contact lenses classified as class II medical devices, the same classification as corrective lenses, ensuring that they are suitable for the wearer and proper care instructions are provided.
"It's very important that this bill gets passed," says Dr. Lil Linton, president, CAO council. "The eyes are a precious gift and we need to protect them."
CAO wants everyone to have a happy and safe Halloween so before you incorporate contact lenses into your Halloween costume, consider the risks and talk to your optometrist.
About the Canadian Association of Optometrists
The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is a professional association that represents over 4,500 doctors of optometry in Canada. CAO's mission is to enhance the quality, availability, and accessibility of eye, vision and related health care; to enhance and promote the independent and ethical decision making of its members; and to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care.
SOURCE: Canadian Association of Optometrists
For additional information to set up an interview, contact us at:
Jennifer Hood
Public relations manager
Canadian Association of Optometrists
[email protected]
Glenn Campbell
Executive director
Canadian Association of Optometrists
[email protected]
Share this article