Optometrists warn Saskatchewan residents about dangers of cosmetic contact lenses

SASKATOON – The Canadian Association of Optometrists has issued a renewed warning this week about eye health dangers associated with non-prescription cosmetic (or “decorative”) contact lenses in the wake of these products being seized and outlawed in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration. These lenses continue to be sold in Saskatchewan at a number of gift shops, beauty salons and pharmacies, and the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO) responds by issuing a province-wide public warning.

“A number of cases of corneal ulcers and abrasions caused by these lenses have been reported in the United States,” says SAO (Past) President Dr Dorothy Barrie of Saskatoon. “By having them immediately removed from the market, the FDA has acted quickly and appropriately.” She notes that Health Canada has been approached several times by a number of health and medical groups over the last few years to issue a similar ruling, but has so far refused, although it did issue a warning about the health dangers associated with the lenses in October 2000.

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists and the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s Section of Ophthalmology approached Health Canada together in May 2001 to warn about the dangers of the lenses says Dr Barrie, but received no response to date from the department.

The bottom line, she says, is that “no one should be wearing contact lenses unless they have had the health of their eyes professionally assessed to determine if they are suitable for contact lens wear. The dangers are just too real, and too permanent.”

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists represents and regulates the practice of all optometrists throughout the province. For copies of the FDA news release, the national news release, the Health Canada warning, or to arrange an interview with a Saskatchewan optometrist, please contact SAO.