Cosmetic contact lenses frightening if not from a pro

“Getting something over the Internet without seeing an eye doc really isn’t a good idea,” he said.

One of the most important reasons to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist is to make sure the lenses are properly fitted, Poothullil said.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal,” he said.

Risking permanent damage

Poorly fitting contact lenses can result in a variety of problems. Some of the more minor problems are discomfort, irritation, pain and redness, Poothullil said. The lens can also get stuck to the surface of the eye if it’s not properly fitted, he said.

Poorly fitting lenses can also lead to scratches or abrasions of the eye, and, among the more serious problems, corneal infections and ulcers, Poothullil said.

“A bad corneal infection can cause some scarring in the cornea and cause loss of vision,” he said.

Optometrists and ophthalmologists can take measurements of the eye to determine the size and shape of a person’s eye and determine the type of lens that would provide the best fit, Poothullil said. They can also check for other conditions that could affect contact lens use, such as dry eyes, allergies or certain eye shapes, he said.

Eye care professionals can also provide education about the proper use and cleaning of contact lenses, Rasky said.

Contact lenses are made of a soft, porous material. Bacteria can adhere to the lens and, if they’re not properly cleaned, that bacteria can then be trapped between the eye and the lens, Rasky said.

“It’s set up for a bacterial infection of the eye,” he said.

Even people who are educated on lens care and are diligent in their eye care get infections from time to time, Poothullil said. Research has found, though, that people using cosmetic lenses (as opposed to corrective lenses) have a significantly higher rate of infection, he said.

That’s largely because they’re not fitted or cared for properly, Poothullil said.

“We only have two eyes,” he said. “You don’t want to take risks with that.”