Patients run health risks with OTC contact lenses

Use of over-the-counter contact lenses may result in serious ocular difficulties, including vision loss and the need for corneal transplantation, according to a report in the October issue of Eye & Contact Lens. The American Academy of Ophthalmology first reported problems with nonprescription cosmetic lenses as early as July 2002. The lenses in question, sold over the counter (an illegal practice in the United States), are worn solely for cosmetic purposes and not to correct refractive errors, the AAO report noted.

The recent publication describes six patients ranging in age from 14 to 32 who purchased and wore contact lenses from gas stations, beauty salons, video stores, corner stores or flea markets. The patients received no instruction about lens care or lens use, and none were fitted by a licensed eye care professional.

Among the serious health issues reported were corneal scarring, ocular burning and light sensitivity. In one of the cases reported, corneal scarring resulted after the patient developed conjunctivitis and was treated for herpes simplex and bacterial keratitis. This patient became legally blind in one eye. She had reported wearing disposable contact lenses for up to 6 months, often sleeping in them.

“Many people mistakenly think decorative contact lenses are just like sunglasses. If you’re not wearing the lenses to correct refractive errors, you don’t need a prescription. This is a dangerous misconception,” said Thomas L. Steinemann, MD, of the MetroHealth Medical Center Eye Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, one of the study’s authors.