Avoid Halloween Contact Lens Problems

“Birmingham Halloween celebrants should use avoid contact lens and eye health problems by remembering that contact lenses are a medical device and require proper prescription and fitting-even decorative non corrective contact lenses,” stressed Corneal Specialist Tyler Hall, M.D. Dr. Hall further explained, “Even someone with perfect vision would still require an eye exam and a prescription in order to wear any kind of contacts, including cosmetic lenses. Unfortunately each year we see the result of the Halloween participants who wish to change their eye color or make their eyes look devilish by using over-the-counter, decorative contact lenses. While this can be a good source of Halloween fun, it can also lead to serious vision-threatening problems.”

According to the Food and Drug Administration, all contact lenses are regulated medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye-care professional. Some websites advertise decorative contacts as if they were fashion accessories or toys with fanciful, playful packaging in order to attract teens and young adults, especially girls. The problem is not that people use decorative, noncorrective lenses-sometimes called Plano-or zero-powered lenses, but that they buy the devices without a prescription through unlicensed vendors on the Internet or at flea markets and specialty shops.

The buyer of these over-the-counter contact lenses faces a huge risk including scratched corneas, pink eye and more serious types of blinding infection as a result of a corneal ulcer.

In 2005, a federal law was passed that classified all contact lenses as medical devices and restricted their distribution to licensed eye-care professionals. Illegal sale of contacts can result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.

The safe and effective use of contact lenses-whether decorative or not-requires proper fitting and education about their care to prevent the potential for serious eye  problems from becoming a reality. If you or a friend would like to learn more about contact lenses of any type including decorative contacts please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye& Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision are leading Birmingham eye care practices with offices at 327 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, 1201 11th Avenue S., Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.

Birmingham Specialist on Conjunctivitis or “Pink Eye”

“Conjunctivitis is the term we use to describe inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the very thin membrane that covers the inside of your eyelids and the white part of your eye-the sclera,” noted Tyler Hall, M.D., Corneal Specialist at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center on Birmingham. “It is most commonly referred to as “red” or “pink” eye and can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergies or environmental irritants.”

Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include:

Ø  Inflammation and Redness of the Eye

Ø  Increased Tearing

Ø  Soreness of the Eye

Ø  Foreign Body Sensation

Ø  Itchiness of the Eye

Ø  Excess Mucous or Pus

Ø  Crusting of the Eyelashes in the Morning 

Viral conjunctivitis is much more common than the bacterial kind. It may last several weeks and is frequently accompanied by a respiratory infection, a cold or sore throat. Antibiotic drops or ointments usually do not help, but symptomatic treatment such as cold compresses or over-the-counter decongestant eye drops can be used while the infection runs its course.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common and characterized by considerable amounts of pus. Some bacterial infections are more chronic, however, and may produce little or no discharge except for some mild crusting of the eyelashes in the morning. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with a variety of antibiotic eye drops or ointments. These treatments usually cure the infection in a day or two.

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergies and often occurs in spring and fall. Itchy eyes are common with this variety, but can be treated with eye drops. It is important, however, to not use medications that contain steroids unless they are specifically prescribed your eye doctor. Names of steroids usually end in “-one” or “-dex.”

Conjunctivitis caused by a virus can be very contagious. If you have been diagnosed with viral conjunctivitis or suspect you might be suffering from this condition, practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis if you are infected. You should:

Ø  Avoid re-using handkerchiefs and towels to wipe your face and eyes

Ø  Not share towels, pillowcases or makeup

Ø  Wash your hands frequently

Ø  Keep your hands away from your eyes

Ø  Replace your eye cosmetics regularly

Ø  Properly clean your contact lenses

Ø  Stay out of swimming pools and consider staying home from school or work

“Regardless of the cause, conjunctivitis generally should not cause a disruption in vision. More serious conditions, such as damage to the cornea, very severe glaucoma or inflammation inside the eye can also cause the conjunctiva to become inflamed and pink”, said Dr. Doctor. If your case of “pink eye” affects your vision or you experience eye pain, you should see your eye doctor immediately.

If you have questions about Conjunctivitis or "Pink Eye" or need to schedule an appointment please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision so  that we can help identify the possible causes and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.