The journal Pediatrics, in association with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), released the results of a 2-year study looking at emergency room visits for medical device-associated problems in children. About 23 percent were associated with contact lens wear. Many could have been prevented.

You can reduce your risks of developing problems with contact lenses by:

Maintaining the wear and replacement scheduled outline by your doctor.

Use care systems as directed.

Replace cases frequently and keep them clean.

Maintain proper hygiene

See your eye doctor regularly.

Parents should promptly contact their child's eye doctor with any potential contact lens-related complication.

Contact lens wear among children has benefits, including improved self -perception and unobstructed peripheral vision. By maintaining regular appointments with the eye doctor and reviewing lens replacement, lens care and hygiene at every visit, both children and adults can be happy, healthy, safe contact lens wearers.

The recent interest in "circle-tinted" contact lenses being sold on the Internet to obtain an anime-style look popularized by Lady Gaga in her "Bad Romance" music video is of concern to optometrists. A recent article in the New York Times entitled "What Big Eyes You Have, Dear, But Are Those Contact Lenses Risky?" (July 3, 2010) highlighted the issues surrounding these lenses. Contact lenses are considered safe for the correction of vision when appropriately fitted by licensed eye care providers. However, when contact lenses are obtained without a prescription and without appropriate training, fitting and follow-up, their use can result in complications including eye infections and permanent loss of vision.

It has been scientifically established that individuals who obtain lenses via the Internet or mail order have an increased risk of infection of more than four times.

Swapping or sharing of contact lenses is also of great concern. These seemingly innocuous cosmetic devices, if not individually prescribed for maximum fit and properly disinfected, can lead to serious vision loss. Therefore, in agreement with FDA federal guidelines, contact lenses are medical devices and must be fitted and cared for properly. Consumers desiring cosmetic contact lenses to enhance their appearance should do so in consultation with their eye care provider.