Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 28 September 2006

Young eyes at risk - cosmetic contact lenses

Gimmicky contact lenses available without prescription, to be sold as novelties at the Perth Royal Show, have the Consumer Protection Commissioner concerned that young people could be at risk of serious eye damage.

Having no therapeutic or medical value, the contact lenses are known by various names including novelty lenses, crazy lenses, fancy lenses and fashion lenses. They come in a range of designs and when placed on the cornea, change the colour or appearance of the eye. Popular designs include footballs, soccer balls, snake eyes and a variety of other looks.

“The potential for serious harm to people buying these products and inserting them into their eyes is very high, especially in the less than highly hygienic environments where they are being sold,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

Although it is not illegal for these items to be sold at outlets such as the Royal Show, the absence of qualified guidance and assistance with the care and use of such lenses significantly increases the risk of serious eye injuries. The lenses, to be sold at the Show range in price from $30 to $50.

“Incredibly, we have heard of young people buying these contact lenses and actually swapping them around between different people, which is terribly dangerous and a breeding ground for cross infection. Sadly, a thirteen year old Queensland girl recently became legally blind in one eye after borrowing a friend’s novelty contact lenses,” the Commissioner said. 

Contact lenses of any type, corrective or cosmetic, reduce the amount of oxygen to the eye and hence create a risk in their use.  With corrective lenses, the risk is very small when users are under the care of a trained professional who can advise on appropriate use and storage of lenses, as well as provide follow up assistance and treatment if needed.  Cosmetic lenses, like corrective lenses, need to be professionally fitted.  These are not a ‘one size fits all’ product.

“We strongly recommend that cosmetic contact lenses are not purchased or used, without first consulting an optical or eye care professional. Users should strictly follow all of the safety and care instructions provided by their eye care professional,” Commissioner Walker said.

In Australia, New South Wales is currently the only State that has legislation to control the supply of fashion contact lenses.  In NSW the Optical Dispensers Act 1963 stipulates that only Optometrists and Optical Dispensers are allowed to sell cosmetic lenses.

The Consumer Product Safety Committee will be asked by the Commissioner to investigate whether the sale of novelty contact lenses should be banned or restricted in Western Australia.

Media Contact:
Mike Winchester (Dip PR WA AIMM)
Principal Media Liaison Officer
Consumer Protection Division
Dept of Consumer & Employment Protection
Western Australia

L7, 219 St Georges Tce, Perth WA 6000
Locked Bag 14 Cloisters Square, Perth WA 6850

(08) 9282 0961
(08) 9282 0857
0409 118 982
mwinchester@docep.wa.gov.au
www.docep.wa.gov.au