25th, September 2019 | Oh Jinna
The Risks of Buying Contact Lenses Without a Prescription
There had been a lot of products available in the market that offers a wide array of contact lenses choices.
Apart from the growing industry of contact lenses is the risk that comes with it.
To avoid various risks of buying contact lenses without a prescription, always consult your eye doctor.
As cliche as it is, our vision is very precious. That is why it is very important to undergo a regular eye exam and get a prescription if you want to want to wear contact lenses.
And when you do, do yourself a favor by only purchasing contact lenses from a retailer who also asks for prescriptions.
Before we discuss some risks of buying contact lenses without prescriptions, here are two stories of how the lives of two people changed because of wearing contact lenses without prescription.
The story of Rita Coffee
Rita Coffee developed an infectious corneal ulcer cause by her contact lenses.
After wearing the purchased contact lenses, the symptoms started of like a common sinus and allergy symptoms.
Then later on, she began experiencing severe pain, burning, swelling, and discharge from her left eye.
When she couldn’t take it no more, the 47-year-old Nashville resident sought help from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
According to Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Coffee is one of the new cases that developed an infectious corneal ulcer after wearing a non-prescription contact lenses.
Contact lenses are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Therefore, it require a valid prescription. And should only be worn after proper fitting by a trained eye care provider.
“Decorative contact lenses may seem like a fun accessory, but if you’re not careful, they can cause serious eye and vision problems,” advises Thomas Quinn, O.D., AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section (CLCS) chair.
Coffee is unaware of the law so she had been purchasing her contact lenses without a prescription since 1986.
She often buys them from local beauty supply store and sometimes through online.
“They have all different colors and designs. But I did not know I needed a prescription to buy them and the clerks didn’t tell me that either.” said Coffee.
From her story, you should take note that it is very important to have a prescription for any kind of contact lens.
Because improper use of these contact lenses can lead to infection and other complications.
You wouldn’t want to completely lose your eyesight over some $25 decorative contact lenses.
The story of Julian Hamlin
The 17 year old Julian Hamlin wanted to stand out. So he wore a $20 colored contact lenses he bought at a gas station with no prescription required.
It didn’t end well, the South Carolina native has lost his vision in one eye.
He experienced complications after wearing the contact lenses. He had to undergo 10 surgeries to treat the infections and injuries those non-prescription contact lenses caused.
Now, he is legally blind in the left eye.
Like Coffee, this teenage didn’t know about the risks associated with wearing contacts without prescriptions.
Aside from infections, he even suffered a cataract and secondary glaucoma.
“It’s seriously impacted his life. This is going on three years, corneal and glaucoma surgery,” said Hamlin’s ophthalmologist, David O’Day, M.D., of Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery.
He added that some contact lenses come in cases that are non-sterile and that nobody should ever be wearing these things.
TAKEAWAYS:
With all the products available, be sure that you only purchase contact lenses that are safe and legal.
One thing that you need to consider is you need to buy from any store that requires prescription.
It would not only keep your eyes safe but it will also save you from a life of misery living with a damaged vision.
SOURCES:
https://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=8682
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/julian-hamlin-costume-contacts-blinded
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