However, there’s one type of contact lens you should never use—and if you do, you could be putting your vision at risk. Read on to discover what type of contact lens experts at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say you’re better off avoiding. RELATED: If You Use This Medication, Call Your Doctor Now, FDA Says. Though many people buy and use non-prescription lenses without coming to harm every year, you’re rolling the dice every time you do. The FDA reports that using non-prescription lenses or using lenses incorrectly can cut or scratch your eyeball, cause allergic reactions leading to itchy or watery eyes, lead to infection, impair your vision, or even cause blindness. For more health and safety news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter! While it may be fun to accessorize your eyes with colored contacts, whether for a special occasion or just to change up your look, the FDA says that getting contacts that fit your eyes properly is essential when it comes to avoiding damage to your eyes. To ensure that you’re getting the right kind of contacts, the FDA recommends getting an eye exam from a licensed eye doctor and getting a prescription, even for decorative lenses, to ensure a proper fit. While non-prescription lenses may be more likely to cause harm, any kind of contact lens could put your eye health in danger if you’re not heeding certain warning signs.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb If you notice redness, persistent eye pain, discharge, or impaired vision, it’s important to contact a medical professional, as these may be signs of an eye infection. “An eye infection could become serious and cause you to become blind if it is not treated,” the FDA warns. While you don’t have to buy contact lenses from your eye doctor directly, there is a way of telling legitimate contact lens sellers from ones who could be selling you faulty products. According to the FDA, any legitimate contact lens distributor will ask for your lens prescription and verify it with your doctor before giving you their product. “They should request not only the prescription, but the name of your doctor and their phone number. If they don’t ask for this information they are breaking federal law and could be selling you illegal contact lenses,” the FDA explains. RELATED: If You’re Over 70, Stop Taking This One Thing Every Day, Doctors Say.
