Decorative contact lenses may look like fun, but they can cause eye trouble for those wearing them. Based on Food and Drug Administration's recommendations, a travel nurse might want to talk to patients who wear them and discuss the possible health issues, such as vision damage.
Decorative lenses, also called fashion contact lenses or color contact lenses, do not correct vision but only change the appearance of the eye. They're used for cosmetic reasons or as part of costumes. Medical staffing professionals may have seen some examples, including a vampire eye, soccer ball or other logos.
The FDA says many stores and websites are selling the lenses illegally without a prescription. Places that advertise them as mere cosmetics or sell them without a prescription are breaking the law. The contacts can put patient's vision at risk since the lenses are not one-size-fits-all.
"The problem isn't with the decorative contacts themselves," Dr. Bernard Lepri, an optometrist at FDA, said on the FDA's website. "It's the way people use them improperly – without a valid prescription, without the involvement of a qualified eye care professional, or without appropriate follow-up care."
An optometrist first measures each eye to properly fit the lenses and evaluates how one's eye responds to contact lens wear.
Eye problems from decorative lenses
According to the FDA, a poor fit can result in eye damage, such as:
- scratches on the cornea
- corneal infection
- pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- worsened vision
- blindness
It's worth pointing out for those on travel nursing assignments that wearers, whether teens or adults, must use the proper solution to keep lenses moist and clean. Failure to do so can lead to infections.
"Bacterial infections can be extremely rapid, result in corneal ulcers, and cause blindness – sometimes within as little as 24 hours if not diagnosed and treated promptly," Lepri added.
How to wear them properly
Here are the FDA's recommendations for wearing the lenses properly:
- Visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an exam prior to using decorative contact lenses – even if you think your vision is perfect. Schedule follow-up exams as well.
- Avoid anime or circle lenses. The FDA has not approved these contacts, since they are larger than typical lenses in order to give those who wear them a wide-eyed, doll-like look.
- Get a valid prescription for the lenses that specifies the brand name, lens measurements and expiration date.
- Follow all directions on how to clean, disinfect and wear the lenses.
- Do not buy decorative contact lenses from any seller that doesn't require you to provide a prescription.