Color Contact Dangers

Over 33 million Americans safely wear contact lenses, but health professionals warn of the growing use of cosmetic contact lenses especially among young people. Many of these lenses are purchased illegally from street vendors and flee-markets without a prescription and without an eye exam.

While contact lenses are safe, they are not a one-size-fits-all proposition. According to Dr. Friedman, "The worse case scenario I have seen was a 16 year old gentleman who was wearing a contact lens that didn't fit his eyes properly... and he wasn't cleaning them properly either. Within 48 hours he went from perfect 20/20 vision to permanently legally blind because of a very serious infection he obtained... in one eye. Irreversible damage."

Protecting Your Eyes

Never buy lenses off the street
Never share lenses with others
Make sure the lenses are fitted properly
Don't over-wear lenses
Don't sleep in lenses unless you have extended wear
Never wear lenses that are torn or discolored