Expert warns against illegal use of contacts

TRINIDAD and Tobago Optometrists Association (TTOA) board member Petra Bridgemohan is warning against the illegal purchase and careless use of contact lenses which could result in diseases such as Chronic Unilateral Conjun-ctivitis, superficial, infectious and pseudomonas keratitis, to name a few. Bridgemohan is also calling on the Consumer Affairs Ministry and Consumer Guidance Boards to look into the illegal sale of contact lenses before the incidences of major infections and diseases increase. In an interview with Newsday at the TTOA’s Christmas Conference at the Kapok Hotel, Maraval yesterday, Bridgemohan pointed out that a contact lens is a medical device which needs to be implanted by a medical practitioner trained to do so.

She said people seem to forget that the contact lens has to be fitted onto a part of the body that interacts with the corneal epithemia, and can create problems including diseases of the eye, which may require corrective surgery at a later date. She said more than 90 percent of patients who have their lens fitted by a medical practitioner, experience problem-free usage, except for the occasional hazards associated with overwear, lack of sleep and poor management of the lens. She said these are minor and manageable since continued care and guidance are given by the medical practitioner. The danger occurs with unregistered sales and attempts by individuals to fit the lens without expert guidance and advice, Bridgemo-han warned. She said the TTOA is trying to heighten awareness at this time of the year, since Christmas and Carnival are high demand seasons for contact lens usage.

Asked about a “safe time-span for continuous wearing of contact lens,” Bridgemohan explained that this can only be determined through medical examination by a specialist. She explained that everyone is different with regards to their eyes’ tolerance, and an ophthalmologist would have to advise each patient according to his/her situation. She said cosmetic fittings for “those who want to fit their lens for the purpose of style,” should also be done by a professional who would conduct an investigation and advise the client accordingly. She emphasised that with the use of contact lens there can be no shortcuts. Bridgemohan is seeking to highlight and promote the importance of eye care in Trinidad and Tobago in keeping with the movement towards Vision 20/20.