In the era of digital convenience, purchasing contact lenses online has become increasingly popular. The allure of lower prices, vast selection, and the convenience of doorstep delivery can be tempting. However, there are significant risks and potential drawbacks associated with buying contact lenses from online retailers. It's essential to be aware of these risks to ensure your eye health and overall well-being.
1. Risk of Counterfeit or Substandard Products
One of the most significant dangers of purchasing contact lenses online is the risk of receiving counterfeit or substandard products. Unscrupulous sellers may offer lenses that do not meet safety standards or that are not manufactured by reputable brands. These inferior lenses can cause a range of eye problems, from mild irritation to serious infections, or even vision loss.
2. Incorrect Prescription and Fit
Contact lenses are medical devices that require a precise fit and accurate prescription. When buying online, there's a risk that the lenses you receive may not match your exact prescription or may not fit your eyes properly. Improperly fitting lenses can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and in severe cases, damage to the cornea.
3. Lack of Professional Guidance
Eye care professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that contact lenses are safe and effective for individual users. They provide personalized guidance, proper fitting, and regular eye exams to monitor eye health. When purchasing online, you miss out on this professional oversight, which can increase the risk of complications.
Reputable manufacturers and sellers adhere to strict hygiene and sterilization protocols to ensure that contact lenses are safe for use. However, online sellers, especially those who are not well-known or regulated, may not follow these standards. Poorly handled or stored lenses can be contaminated, leading to severe eye infections.
5. Limited Recourse for Problems
If you encounter issues with contact lenses purchased online, such as incorrect prescriptions or defective products, resolving these problems can be challenging. Reputable sellers may have return policies, but the process can be cumbersome and time-consuming. In contrast, purchasing from a local optometrist offers immediate assistance and a more straightforward resolution process.
6. Hidden Costs
While online prices for contact lenses might seem lower initially, hidden costs can quickly add up. Shipping fees, handling charges, and the cost of potential returns or replacements can make online purchases less economical than they appear. Additionally, dealing with any complications arising from substandard lenses can incur further medical expenses.
Using incorrect or poor-quality contact lenses can pose significant risks to your eye health. Issues such as corneal abrasions, infections, and conjunctivitis can arise from improper lens use or care. Long-term use of substandard lenses can lead to more severe problems, including corneal ulcers and permanent vision damage.
If you decide to purchase contact lenses online despite the risks, follow these guidelines to protect your eye health:
Buy from Reputable Sellers: Ensure that the online retailer is reputable, well-reviewed, and authorized to sell contact lenses. Look for certifications and customer feedback.
Verify Prescription Requirements: A legitimate seller will require a valid prescription. Avoid sellers that do not ask for this information.
Consult Your Eye Care Professional: Always consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist before switching to a new brand or type of lens.
Check Return Policies: Ensure the seller has a clear and fair return policy in case you receive incorrect or defective lenses.
Inspect Products Upon Arrival: Carefully check the packaging and lenses for any signs of tampering or damage before use.
Conclusion
While buying contact lenses online can offer convenience and cost savings, it's crucial to approach this option with caution. Prioritizing eye health and ensuring that you purchase from reputable sources can help mitigate the risks associated with online purchases. Always consult with an eye care professional to make informed decisions and maintain optimal eye health.
Real Case to read through from StraitsTimes:
When Ms. Azula found a pair of grey contact lenses online for less than $8, she bought them without hesitation. She had been wearing contact lenses for over 10 years and had previously purchased lenses from similar platforms.
However, a few hours after wearing them, she began experiencing a stinging sensation in both eyes. She promptly removed the lenses and noticed that her eyes were red and felt as if they were on fire. This was followed by blurred vision, swollen eyeballs, and extreme discomfort. She described the pain: “I wanted to remove my eyeballs; it was like needles were being inserted into my eyes.”
She visited a doctor the next day and was diagnosed with an infection caused by the lenses. She discarded the lenses and was prescribed antibiotics and special eye drops.
Investigations by The Straits Times found that numerous online sellers from countries such as China, Thailand, and Malaysia offer contact lenses at prices significantly lower than those in local optical shops. For instance, a pair of brown lenses, advertised to last three months or longer, sells for $3.60, while other lenses are listed for under $10. In contrast, a pack of 30 daily lenses from the brand Acuvue costs about $37 at most optical stores, with non-powered daily lenses priced upwards of $15.
In response to inquiries, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) stated that powered contact lenses meant to correct vision are regulated as medical devices. These products must be registered with the HSA to ensure they meet safety, performance, and quality standards. Additionally, all importers and wholesalers of powered contact lenses must be licensed by HSA.
The Optometrists and Opticians Board (OOB), under the Ministry of Health (MOH), mandates that all contact lenses – both powered and non-powered – be prescribed and dispensed only by registered optometrists or contact lens practicing opticians. The HSA has received feedback from users who experienced serious eye conditions like pain and blurred vision after using unregistered or counterfeit contact lenses, though it did not disclose the volume of feedback.
The HSA collaborates with MOH and OOB to address the illegal supply and sale of contact lenses, issuing warnings between 2021 and 2023 to 31 individuals who prescribed, supplied, or dispensed contact lenses without the necessary qualifications. During the same period, the HSA detected 203 product listings selling unregistered contact lenses on local e-commerce and social media platforms, which were promptly removed.
Between 2021 and 2023, the HSA took enforcement actions, including issuing warnings and composition notices, against 19 individuals for supplying unregistered contact lenses. The agency stated, “To further tackle the illegal supply of contact lenses online, HSA collaborates with local e-commerce and social media platforms to educate them on the regulatory requirements. HSA and MOH have also rolled out educational campaigns to raise public awareness of the dangers of buying contact lenses from dubious sources, including online platforms.”
Dr. Leo Seo Wei, an ophthalmologist at Dr. Leo Adult and Paediatric Eye Specialist in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, noted an increase in cases of contact lens complications following a surge in online shopping during the pandemic. “I would say I see at least one case a month,” she said, compared to about eight cases a year before the pandemic.
Dr. Leo advises consumers to buy contact lenses only from certified eye-care professionals who can provide proper fitting and ensure the lenses meet safety standards. This reduces the risk of eye infections and other complications. Short-term effects of wearing contact lenses bought from non-certified sources include redness, conjunctivitis, allergic reactions, corneal abrasions, and infections. Severe corneal infections or ulcers can lead to blindness.
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