Colored contact lenses are a common product used in the Jewish holiday of Purim and everyday life. These contacts are often presented as accessories on social media, with influencers persuading many consumers, to buy similar contacts as they wear.
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Dr. Yishai Weill, an ophthalmologist and corneal surgery specialist at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, warned in an interview with Ynet that the use of such contacts could cause irreversible cranial damage. "One of my patients almost lost her vision because of colored contacts."
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From right to left: eye suffering corneal inflammation before and after treatment
(Photo: Shaare Zedek Medical Center)
"Non-prescription contact lenses sold in hobby shops or online may not undergo proper quality control, meaning they could cause irreversible damage when worn,” Dr. Weill said. “For example, a 36-year-old mother arrived at the Shaare Zedek some time ago, who was accustomed to occasionally wearing color contacts, which injured her eyes.”
"She said she purchased a new type of colored contacts a few weeks ago, and began to feel severe pain, blurred vision, and redness in both eyes four hours after wearing them. She removed the contacts, but arrived at Shaare Zedek Medical Center the next day after her symptoms worsened and her vision deteriorated,” he recounted.
"In the emergency room, ophthalmologists diagnosed a significant visual impairment in both her eyes, and severe corneal inflammation (keratitis) accompanied by multiple corneal ulcers. She was immediately hospitalized and received antibiotic treatment that was then replaced by treatment with steroids."
"After four days of round-the-clock treatment and a bit of luck, her eyes healed and she returned to function normally, but things could have ended very differently," he added.
"The treatment was very intensive. Antibiotic eye drops needed to be administered every hour, around the clock, including at night. I couldn't sleep and was really anxious that I would lose my vision," the woman recounted.
Four days after her hospitalization, the woman’s vision improved, but her eyes still suffered from corneal ulcers: "I couldn't drive or use a computer, but I could at least open my eyes and be with my children."
The woman is still under observation at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, but feels that her vision had been saved. "I want to warn anyone who wears contact lenses: purchase them only from authorized pharmacies and after being fitted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you feel like there’s a problem, don’t wait and seek medical attention immediately."
"It’s important to understand that even regular contact lenses, aren’t safe if not used properly, let alone colored lenses. Many youths buy them online, which is dangerous because their color may contain harmful chemicals, which can cause severe inflammation and, as mentioned, irreversible damage and vision loss," Dr. Weill explained.
Ortal Tohami, a 25-year-old woman has been wearing colored lenses since elementary school. "I have brown eyes and always envied people with blue or green eyes. I really didn't care about the quality of the contacts when I was young and suffered from eye conditions as a result," she said.
"Over time, I looked into the subject, and today I only order the best contacts I can, which are approved by the Health Ministry. I take care of my eyes," she added she wouldn't recommend using contacts at a young age. "From my personal experience, I know that proper training is needed before using lenses, and people must understand the risks and implications."