CHICAGO (July 28, 2010) – A new report published in Pediatrics, the journal for the American Academy of Pediatrics, estimates that in a two year period, emergency rooms across the country treated more than 33,000 injuries due to contact lenses. The study, “Emergency Department Visits for Medical Device-Associated Adverse Events Among Children,” showed the most frequently injured body part due to medical device complications was the eye.
According to the data, the most-frequently reported injury diagnoses due to contact lenses were corneal contusions/abrasions, conjunctivitis and hemorrhage. The study also showed that most contact lens complications included noncompliance with recommended wear and care regimens, as well as replacement schedules.
Problems such as eye pain, bacterial infections, and corneal ulcers, and even permanent vision loss or blindness have been attributed to misuse of contact lenses in both adults and children.
“Contact lenses can be a great alternative to eyeglasses for some, but we must remember that children need extra supervision and guidance when it comes to using them properly,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “Some children may not take the time to clean their lenses or worse, share them with others. We must educate them on the importance of taking care of our eyes today to avoid painful vision problems in the future.”
Many people may be surprised to learn that contact lenses are categorized by the Food and Drug Administration as medical devices. In fact, in 2003, the FDA re-categorized non-correcting or plano lenses as cosmetic devices, meaning they could be sold at any retail location to those of any age.
Prevent Blindness America joined with other leading vision health groups including American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, the Opticians Association of America, the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists and the Contact Lens Institute, to help push legislation that categorized all contact lenses as medical devices. Because of these joint efforts, as of 2005, it is illegal to purchase any type of contact lenses without a prescription from a licensed eye care professional.
Prevent Blindness America offers the following safety tips regarding contact lenses usage:
- Always visit a licensed eye care professional to be fitted for cosmetic contact lenses.
- Never buy contact lenses without a prescription.
- Always clean and disinfect contact lenses according to instructions.
- Never wear opaque lenses if you have any problems with night vision.
- Never share or trade your contact lenses with others.
Prevent Blindness America offers tips and information to the public on the correct use of contact lenses and other eye health and safety topics online through its toll-free number at (800) 331-2020.
Download the contact lens injury press release.
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading patient and consumer advocate dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening, training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020.
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