Cheap Contact Lenses

Today a whole range of cheap contact lenses are available from all the top lens manufacturers at discount prices which a few years ago you would never have thought possible. However when buying cheap contact lenses online, the FDA warns consumers of the dangers of using cheap decorative contact lenses without proper professional involvement.

The FDA is again warning consumers about the serious risks of using decorative contact lenses distributed without appropriate involvement by an eye care professional. These cheap contact lenses can cause permanent eye injury and may potentially lead to blindness. They have received reports of cheap decorative contact lenses being marketed and distributed directly to consumers through sources such as beauty salons, flea markets, convenience stores, beach shops, and the Internet. Marketing of cheap decorative lenses may increase during the Halloween season.

They have received reports of corneal ulcers associated with the wearing of cheap contact lenses of the decorative variety due to lenses being worn 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.

Other risks associated with the use of cheap contact lenses of the decorative type include conjunctivitis (an infection of the eye), corneal edema (swelling), allergic reaction and corneal abrasion due to poor lens fit. Other problems may include reduction in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and other visual functions, resulting in interference with driving and other activities.

"Consumers should understand that decorative contact lenses, like contact lenses intended for correcting vision, present serious risks to eye health if they are distributed without the appropriate involvement of a qualified eye care professional," said Dr. Lester M. Crawford, Acting FDA Commissioner. "FDA will aggressively use the full range of its statutory authorities to prevent the improper distribution of these potentially dangerous products."

An import alert has been issued for cheap contact lenses of the decorative type presented at United States ports of entry that are intended for distribution without the appropriate involvement of an eye care professional. The Agency has examined and detained numerous shipments of these lenses. Because there has been no demonstration to FDA's satisfaction that any of these detained products, when distributed without eye care professional involvement, comply with federal safety standards, these contact lenses have not been permitted to enter US commerce.

Domestically, several warning letters have been issued domestically informing companies that the Agency considers the contact lenses to be adulterated because they are being distributed to consumers without appropriate eye care professional involvement, and also mislabeled because the lenses' labeling fails to warn consumers about the potential injuries that might result from wearing such cheap contact lenses of this decorative type.

Consumers are urged not to use cheap decorative contact lenses unless they have seen an eye care professional, and have obtained proper lens fitting and instructions for using the lenses. Cconsumers are requested to report any problems with decorative contact lenses to the Agency's district office consumer complaint coordinator in their geographic area.