They bought their novelty lenses, they knew what they were getting into. I say, let 'em go blind.

Corneal ulcers make you feel like you have sand in your eyes.
/used to "clean" contacts using saliva
//much happier since LASIK

It's not news, it's scaremongering.

Agreed.

But if, as TFA says, "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,"

then how can they be sold OTC?

Won't stop attention whores from getting them correctly. And of course they picked the worst looking contacts for the photo. I bet some of them look cool...

So, the problem isn't the lenses, it's the knowing how to use them properly. So if you know how to use them properly, there isn't a big risk. If you have a pair of decorative lenses, ask a friend who uses actual prescription contacts to show you how to care for them.

Lenny.jpg

My eye! I'm not supposed to get contact lenses in it!

BolloxReader: So, the problem isn't the lenses, it's the knowing how to use them properly. So if you know how to use them properly, there isn't a big risk. If you have a pair of decorative lenses, ask a friend who uses actual prescription contacts to show you how to care for them.

well, also if they don't fit correctly they can do damage...

FTFA "users can develop infections if not used properly"

So personal responsibility is required, lawsuits to follow.

With a helpful picture of what a Douche bag looks like

Get a prescription or this will happen!

sweet merciful crap

They knew what they were getting into. I say let them go blind!

/Not really

Trance750: So the skeptic in me wonders if this really is the case, or just to scare customers into purchasing more expensive contact lenses from an eye-doctor

Unlikely, since most doctors won't (or simply can't) prescribe cosmetic contacts in the first place.

There are reputable sources for cosmetic contacts. The problem is that well-made products cost more than cheaply made knock-offs so people don't buy them, but if I were buying an item made to be put into my eye I'd likely approach it from a "get what you pay for" perspective.

idrow: [t2.gstatic.com image 265x190]
sweet merciful crap

I actually had a set of those, but my eyes could never handle schleral contacts for over an hour or so.

Roquefort: Corneal ulcers make you feel like you have sand in your eyes.
/used to "clean" contacts using saliva
//much happier since LASIK

WOOT, LASIK!

'cept for the corneal infection four months later. That sucked.

I used to wear contacts but after I had hormone shots to do a bone marrow donation & the first time I put them in after all the procedures, the pain was excruiating because (the doc told me) my eyes changed shape b/c of the shots. I haven't worn any since. So yeah, bad fit=very much pain

//would like some LASIK

dholway: [i603.photobucket.com image 366x334]

Reminds me of what Wizard said once about The Corinthian, "It must be something to watch him eat soup!"

aagrajag: Roquefort: Corneal ulcers make you feel like you have sand in your eyes.
/used to "clean" contacts using saliva
//much happier since LASIK

WOOT, LASIK!

'cept for the corneal infection four months later. That sucked.

Wow, you must be in the less than 1% who have any problems.
Had mine done 2 months ago and have not looked back (pun *groan*).

Care to share what gave you the infection? And four months - was it related to the LASIK? I've not swam yet and still shower very carefully.

Meh. Anyone who shares contacts is just asking for it.

My normal eyesight is absolutely horrific, so any cosmetic lenses for me would have to have the corrections... that'd cost an eye or so.

My eyesight is still changing, but in a few years I hope it stops. I'd love to get LASIK. Though maybe just one eye at a time, just in case... o.o

Too big to embed. Link (new window)

Gobobo: aagrajag: Roquefort: Corneal ulcers make you feel like you have sand in your eyes.
/used to "clean" contacts using saliva
//much happier since LASIK

WOOT, LASIK!

'cept for the corneal infection four months later. That sucked.

Wow, you must be in the less than 1% who have any problems.
Had mine done 2 months ago and have not looked back (pun *groan*).

Care to share what gave you the infection? And four months - was it related to the LASIK? I've not swam yet and still shower very carefully.

It was. The opthalmologist said that a tiny particle of water had become trapped under the flap during the procedure. Why it took four months to manifest, he didn't know. The first symptom was *extreme* sensitivity to light.

I had it done in Montreal, if you're curious. This particular clinic was the best-reviewed in North America at the time, so my luck, I guess.

//would still have it done again in a heartbeat

aagrajag: It was. The opthalmologist said that a tiny particle of water had become trapped under the flap during the procedure. Why it took four months to manifest, he didn't know. The first symptom was *extreme* sensitivity to light.

I had it done in Montreal, if you're curious. This particular clinic was the best-reviewed in North America at the time, so my luck, I guess.

//would still have it done again in a heartbeat

Yeah, just an odd bit of bad luck but at least no long-term damage. All's well and that. I got mine done in a small city in England and, so far, no problems except slight hazing at night, although it was explained this can happen until the healing is complete.

bingethinker: My eyesight is actually better than 20/20 with the contacts in, so Lasik would be a step back.

If you look online at the effects, lots of people get better than 20/20, plus no more problems with contacts irritating - EVER - or smudges on glasses.

It's prescribed for fighter pilots when before (with LASEK) they wouldn't have even got in the cockpit. It's like having HD vision when you've spent your life watching through a tube tv.

/am not affiliated or anything

Virulency: BolloxReader: So, the problem isn't the lenses, it's the knowing how to use them properly. So if you know how to use them properly, there isn't a big risk. If you have a pair of decorative lenses, ask a friend who uses actual prescription contacts to show you how to care for them.

well, also if they don't fit correctly they can do damage...

Or if their edges aren't sanded. If they aren't ground correctly...I've worn hard and I've worn soft, and even well fitting ones prescribed by a doctor can mess up your eyes if you don't care for them correctly.

Thank god for Lasix. I can see!

offmymeds: Too big to embed. Link (new window)

TWSS

katerbug72: What did Danny say? Always put salt in your eyes?

Link (new window)

For those who haven't seen this awesomeness.

Gobobo: aagrajag: It was. The opthalmologist said that a tiny particle of water had become trapped under the flap during the procedure. Why it took four months to manifest, he didn't know. The first symptom was *extreme* sensitivity to light.

I had it done in Montreal, if you're curious. This particular clinic was the best-reviewed in North America at the time, so my luck, I guess.

//would still have it done again in a heartbeat

Yeah, just an odd bit of bad luck but at least no long-term damage. All's well and that. I got mine done in a small city in England and, so far, no problems except slight hazing at night, although it was explained this can happen until the healing is complete.

bingethinker: My eyesight is actually better than 20/20 with the contacts in, so Lasik would be a step back.

If you look online at the effects, lots of people get better than 20/20, plus no more problems with contacts irritating - EVER - or smudges on glasses.

It's prescribed for fighter pilots when before (with LASEK) they wouldn't have even got in the cockpit. It's like having HD vision when you've spent your life watching through a tube tv.

/am not affiliated or anything

I had a bit of haloing for a while, but it went away after about six months. Blue lights still look a little freaky, though.

BarbadoSlim: They bought their novelty lenses, they knew what they were getting into. I say, let 'em go blind.

Yes. I see this the same as "Herbal Incense" if it is labeled 'not for human consumption' or 'not for use in eyes' the user is clearly at fault for any injury due to use inconsistent with product labeling.

Ah, and in three more weeks we get to hear about how opening a can of cranberry sauce can kill you. Yay.

Wearing contact lenses is a chore, not to mention the first time you get your lenses and start learning how to put them in, it's aggravating. It must have taken me almost an hour to put my first set of lenses in. After a few days of practice though, I could put them in and take them out under a couple minutes. Thankfully my eye doctor got the fit just right the first time so there wasn't any irritation or damage to my eyes.

The hygiene that goes into lenses is pretty extensive too. It's recommended that you wash both your hands and face when you put your lenses in and take them out. I usually just wash my hands though. It's also recommended that you put them in and take them out in a sterile environment in case you drop a lens.

The saline solution is a pretty big part of caring for lenses too. I always scrub my contacts before putting them in, even though I use "no-rub" solution. When I don't scrub my lenses, my eyes will burn and it feels like there's grit underneath my lenses. Then when you take the lenses out, you have to let them soak in saline for at least five or six hours to dissolve the protein that builds up on them when they're on your eyes.

My point is, don't get decorative lenses unless you want to go through the hassle. Chances are you won't permanently injure your eyes by getting bad fitting lenses but they're still going to be itchy and irritating to your eyes, even after you take them out.

Oh and LASIK? No. Farking. Way.

Its the stupid factor that makes these dangerous...
feel free to ax me any optical questions....seriously!

sincerely
fumb duck
fark's official optician

shameless plug: www,glassescontacts.com

aagrajag: I had a bit of haloing for a while, but it went away after about six months. Blue lights still look a little freaky, though.

Yeah, haloing not hazing - still a bit drunk from last night/this morning watching the RWC.

Not noticed blue lightery-oddness but haven't really been looking for it. Anything lit on a black background has some haloing but being free of spectacles (my eyes both got allergic after 20 years' wearing contacts so had to go back to specs) and I hate wearing glasses; -5 prescription for both eyes so I could barely function without them on my face. Worth every penny.

EducatedBum: Wearing contact lenses is a chore, not to mention the first time you get your lenses and start learning how to put them in, it's aggravating. It must have taken me almost an hour to put my first set of lenses in. After a few days of practice though, I could put them in and take them out under a couple minutes. Thankfully my eye doctor got the fit just right the first time so there wasn't any irritation or damage to my eyes.

The hygiene that goes into lenses is pretty extensive too. It's recommended that you wash both your hands and face when you put your lenses in and take them out. I usually just wash my hands though. It's also recommended that you put them in and take them out in a sterile environment in case you drop a lens.

The saline solution is a pretty big part of caring for lenses too. I always scrub my contacts before putting them in, even though I use "no-rub" solution. When I don't scrub my lenses, my eyes will burn and it feels like there's grit underneath my lenses. Then when you take the lenses out, you have to let them soak in saline for at least five or six hours to dissolve the protein that builds up on them when they're on your eyes.

My point is, don't get decorative lenses unless you want to go through the hassle. Chances are you won't permanently injure your eyes by getting bad fitting lenses but they're still going to be itchy and irritating to your eyes, even after you take them out.

Oh and LASIK? No. Farking. Way.

What do you have against LASIK? It's extremely safe now. If you're really paranoid, you can even have one eye done at a time.

//vaporizing corneal tissue smells just like burning hair.

oops I messed up my plug

its www.glassescontacts.com

duh me

EducatedBum: Oh and LASIK? No. Farking. Way.

If you change your mind Valium (just a single dose) is your friend.

Gobobo: EducatedBum: Oh and LASIK? No. Farking. Way.

If you change your mind Valium (just a single dose) is your friend.

They wouldn't let me take mine to-go.

//pout

dholway: I have to stop reading 'corneal' as 'cornmeal'.

Yep me too.

lasik procedures are farking stupid. you can't do it if you're under 25, and you'll need to wear glasses anyway by the time you're 40. that, together with the inherent risk and almost guaranteed vision artifacts (impaired night vision, halos, etc.) should dissuade any reasonable person from doing that procedure.

glasses and single use contacts ftw.

aagrajag: EducatedBum: Wearing contact lenses is a chore, not to mention the first time you get your lenses and start learning how to put them in, it's aggravating. It must have taken me almost an hour to put my first set of lenses in. After a few days of practice though, I could put them in and take them out under a couple minutes. Thankfully my eye doctor got the fit just right the first time so there wasn't any irritation or damage to my eyes.

The hygiene that goes into lenses is pretty extensive too. It's recommended that you wash both your hands and face when you put your lenses in and take them out. I usually just wash my hands though. It's also recommended that you put them in and take them out in a sterile environment in case you drop a lens.

The saline solution is a pretty big part of caring for lenses too. I always scrub my contacts before putting them in, even though I use "no-rub" solution. When I don't scrub my lenses, my eyes will burn and it feels like there's grit underneath my lenses. Then when you take the lenses out, you have to let them soak in saline for at least five or six hours to dissolve the protein that builds up on them when they're on your eyes.

My point is, don't get decorative lenses unless you want to go through the hassle. Chances are you won't permanently injure your eyes by getting bad fitting lenses but they're still going to be itchy and irritating to your eyes, even after you take them out.

Oh and LASIK? No. Farking. Way.

What do you have against LASIK? It's extremely safe now. If you're really paranoid, you can even have one eye done at a time.

//vaporizing corneal tissue smells just like burning hair.

That's just it! The laser burning out my eyeballs. Then there's the fact that they have to peel the little flap off of my eyeball before they shoot the laser at it. There's just too much that can go wrong in the procedure. Plus the fact that you say "it's extremely safe now" like it wasn't before.

I'll stick with my contacts and glasses thankyouverymuch.

Meh, good eyesight is overrated.

On the other hand, I agree with what has been said above, especially the bit about sharing contact lenses. People are so freaking stupid.


_{I can't read this text.}

Gaylord Fister: lasik procedures are farking stupid. you can't do it if you're under 25, and you'll need to wear glasses anyway by the time you're 40. that, together with the inherent risk and almost guaranteed vision artifacts (impaired night vision, halos, etc.) should dissuade any reasonable person from doing that procedure.

glasses and single use contacts ftw.

I had it done at 24; the artifacts are temporary, and 2K$ for 15 years of glasses and contacts-free vision is just great.

//optician-like typing detected

EducatedBum: aagrajag: EducatedBum: Wearing contact lenses is a chore, not to mention the first time you get your lenses and start learning how to put them in, it's aggravating. It must have taken me almost an hour to put my first set of lenses in. After a few days of practice though, I could put them in and take them out under a couple minutes. Thankfully my eye doctor got the fit just right the first time so there wasn't any irritation or damage to my eyes.

The hygiene that goes into lenses is pretty extensive too. It's recommended that you wash both your hands and face when you put your lenses in and take them out. I usually just wash my hands though. It's also recommended that you put them in and take them out in a sterile environment in case you drop a lens.

The saline solution is a pretty big part of caring for lenses too. I always scrub my contacts before putting them in, even though I use "no-rub" solution. When I don't scrub my lenses, my eyes will burn and it feels like there's grit underneath my lenses. Then when you take the lenses out, you have to let them soak in saline for at least five or six hours to dissolve the protein that builds up on them when they're on your eyes.

My point is, don't get decorative lenses unless you want to go through the hassle. Chances are you won't permanently injure your eyes by getting bad fitting lenses but they're still going to be itchy and irritating to your eyes, even after you take them out.

Oh and LASIK? No. Farking. Way.

What do you have against LASIK? It's extremely safe now. If you're really paranoid, you can even have one eye done at a time.

//vaporizing corneal tissue smells just like burning hair.

That's just it! The laser burning out my eyeballs. Then there's the fact that they have to peel the little flap off of my eyeball before they shoot the laser at it. There's just too much that can go wrong in the procedure. Plus the fact that you say "it's extremely safe now" like it wasn't before.

I'll stick with my contacts and glasses thankyouverymuch.

I'll admit, it sounds pretty horrible. However, if you look at the stats, it really is very safe. The only major problem remaining is disreputable clinics that will perform the procedure on *anyone*. Not everyone is a candidate.