Just 10 hours after she first put in a pair of colored contact lenses that she’d bought at a souvenir shop, Laura of Parkersburg, W.Va., had "extreme pain in both eyes," she said. "Because I had not been properly fitted by an eye care professional, the lenses stuck to my eye like a suction cup."
Even if you have perfect vision, you need to get an eye exam and a prescription from an eye care professional before you wear any kind of contact lens. A prescription ensures that the lens is a proper fit for your eye, among other things. If the lens doesn't fit properly, it could prove difficult to remove and cause serious injury.
In Laura's case, the lenses caused an infection and left her with a corneal abrasion. "I was in severe pain and on medication for four weeks and couldn't see well enough to drive for eight weeks," she said. "I now live with a corneal scar, vision damage and a drooping eyelid."
Safely Wear Costume Contact Lenses for Halloween With These Tips:
Get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional such as an optometrist— an eye medical doctor — who will measure each eye and talk to you about proper contact lens care.
- Obtain a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements and expiration date.
- Purchase the colored contact lenses from a retailer who asks for a prescription, or at our office.
- Follow the contact lens care directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses.
- Never share contact lenses with another person.
- Get follow-up exams as directed with your eye care provider.
If you notice redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort from wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and seek immediate medical attention from Dr Boyer & Dr Brian. Eye infections can become serious very quickly and sometimes the damage is not reversible.
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