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Little
Rock ---
The Health
Department is cautioning Arkansans about a Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) alert concerning the use of decorative
contact lenses without eye care professional consultation. In
an FDA warning, citizens are cautioned about the risk of
decorative lenses causing permanent eye injury and potentially
leading to blindness if not properly fitted and used
correctly.
The alert states, “FDA has
received reports of decorative contact lenses being marketed
and distributed directly to consumers through such sources as
flea markets, convenience stores, beach shops and the
Internet. FDA has received reports of corneal ulcers
associated with the wearing of decorative contact lenses in
excess of the recommended period. Corneal ulcers can progress
rapidly, and, if left untreated, could lead to infection of
the eye. Uncontrolled infection can lead to corneal scarring
and vision impairment. In the most severe cases, this
condition can result in blindness and eye loss.”
Dr. Fay Boozman, ADH director,
states, “With Halloween approaching and folks donning
costumes for parties and social gatherings, decorative lenses
may seem like a creative part of a costume. However, the
department recommends against decorative contact lenses,
unless used under the direct supervision of an eye care
professional. Please don’t use these unless you have been
properly fitted by an eye doctor and know how to correctly
apply your lenses.”
More information on decorative
contact lenses can be found on the FDA web site at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/safety/declensenorx.htm
and the Arkansas State Board of Optometry at (501) 268-4351.
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