NJSOP Warns Consumers of Illegal Sales of Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Did you know that in the United States, you must have a prescription for any type of contact lenses, whether you need vision correction or not? If you answered "no" then you are not alone. In fact, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP) has received many reports of patients (especially teenagers) who suffered from severe eye problems as a result of having purchased and used plano (non-prescriptive) cosmetic lenses from a non-physician. The worst part is that not only are these types of lenses being sold illegally to unsuspecting consumers, but they are also being sold without the proper instructions on how to use them.

This is a growing concern among the many members of the NJSOP, which is why we teamed up with Philadelphia news station, NBC-10. With our help, their investigative team went undercover to expose the vendors who sell lenses illegally. Please take a moment to watch this important story.

The NJSOP wants to warn consumers that this is truly a "buyer beware" issue. A contact lens that doesn't fit properly or isn't sterile, can lead to corneal ulcers, scratches, infections and other severe eye conditions. In addition, there is no way to guarantee the condition of these lenses if you do not buy them from a licensed eye care professional. The lenses could be expired, defective or even used. Remember that contact lenses are medical devices and whether you are wearing them for vision correctness or strictly for cosmetic purposes, they can greatly affect the health of your eyes. When properly prescribed, contact lenses can improve vision and quality of life. However, when dispensed inappropriately or without the supervision of a licensed eye care professional, these same lenses can lead to severe complications, including irreversible vision loss.

Other hazards associated with unauthorized contact lenses include bacterial infection of the eye, corneal ulcers, scarring and corneal thinning. Patients can reduce these risks by following the proper handling and cleaning procedures as directed by their optometric physician.

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The NJSOP recommends to anyone interested in wearing contact lenses, whether for prescriptive and/or cosmetic reasons, to visit with an optometric physician or eye care professional to choose the right lens size, shape and material for their eyes.

Optometric physicians warn wearers not to share their colored contact lenses with friends. By doing so, harmful bacteria may be transmitted, which can lead to eye infections or other potentially dangerous eye conditions. These types of conditions serve as a strong reminder of the importance of obtaining a prescription from an optometric physician before purchasing any type of contact lenses.