Contact lenses provide a convenient and sometimes more aesthetically pleasing alternative to eyeglasses for millions of people. Improper use or care, however, can lead to serious eye health issues. In response, Prevent Blindness, a national nonprofit organization, has declared October Contact Lens Safety Month to raise awareness about the importance of safe contact lens practices. The organization offers a range of free resources, including fact sheets, social media graphics, and webpages, to educate the public about how to use contact lenses correctly and safely.*

The Importance of Prescription Contact Lenses and Proper Use 

One of the central messages of Contact Lens Safety Month is the necessity of understanding that contact lenses, whether prescription or cosmetic, are medical devices and should be treated as such. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “contact lenses are not over-the-counter devices,” which means that any business selling them without a prescription is violating federal regulations. 

This warning extends to decorative or cosmetic lenses, especially popular around Halloween. These lenses, while not used for vision correction, still require a prescription to ensure they are safe for wear.

Prevent Blindness emphasizes that before using any type of contact lens, individuals must first consult with an eye care professional. Doing so can help prevent complications such as:

• Corneal abrasions, 
• Corneal ulcers, and 
• Bacterial infections. 

“By diligently following the guidance of an eye care professional,” advises Jeff Todd, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness,”contact lens users can maintain healthy eyes and clear vision today and for years to come.”

Acanthamoeba Keratitis and Risks of Lens Misuse

One of the most serious risks of improper contact lens care is developing infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) which can be caused by exposing contact lenses to water from pools, lakes, or even tap water that contains Acanthamoeba, a microscopic single-celled parasite.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that without proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storing practices, contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections like AK, which can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness if untreated.

Prevent Blindness strongly recommends that contact lens wearers immediately contact an eye doctor if they experience unexplained:

• Discomfort,  
• Pain,  
• Redness,  
• Watering, or 
• Vision changes. 

By understanding the risks associated with contact lenses and practicing good contact lens hygiene, users can significantly reduce their risk of infection.

For more information, visit Prevent Blindness’ dedicated Contact Lens Safety webpages and explore their Focus on Eye Health Expert Series.

*Prevent Blindness. (2024, September 26). Prevent Blindness Urges Public to Keep Eyes Healthy While Using Contacts. Retrieved from https://preventblindness.org/contact-lens-safety-month-2024/ 

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