We all know that the internet has changed all our lives in many different ways, not least for the consumer. A classic example of this is the ability to buy contact lenses online. At one time, a customer with a sight defect was generally known as a patient, and therefore the method of 'treatment' was exclusively in the hands of the professional, i.e. Ophthalmologist, Optometrist or Optician. However nowadays due to the wonderful world of cyberspace, this is no longer the case. While it may well be a good thing, it is not without its pitfalls. It is actually law in many countries to be only able to make a supply of contact lenses if a valid dated prescription from an eye care professional is produced. However, it seems that this is largely overlooked due to the international nature of the internet. Often it is possible to just type in the information on a packet from a disposable contact lens, make a simple declaration online without any tangible checks, and then be able to receive a supply of contact lenses through the post. A recent example of this was in my own practice when I fitted a lady with soft disposable daily contact lenses and gave her a few trial lenses to take away with her. She never came back but I bumped into her a few months later and she proceeded to tell me that she had managed to buy the lenses online with only the information on the disposable lens packets. She also seemed delighted in telling me how they were so much cheaper to buy this way, neglecting to even consider the fact that I had spent a long time with her teaching insertion, removal and aftercare techniques. I hadn't even charged her!!

Maybe the role of Optician is no longer valued to the consumer, customer or patient whichever you wish to call them, but it is essential that the protection of their eyesight is maintained. Buying contact lenses on line is a great concept, but it is the duty of suppliers to make it clear to their 'customers' the importance of regular check-ups and aftercare.

Many of the products nowadays are exceptionally good and the onset of disposable lenses in recent years has definitely helped reduce a lot of contact lenses related eye problems. However there are still complications that do occur from time to time. These range from mild irritation or symptoms of dryness, to major corneal disease.

When buying contact lenses online it is important to remember the implications this can have on ocular health. Often contact lens related eye problems can go unnoticed and sometimes have no symptoms at all.

If a subjects eyes ever go red or sore they should remove their lenses immediately. If the symptoms don't recede very quickly they should consult an eye care professional straight away.

Some common reactions that need professional help are as follows:

Superior Epithelial Arcuate Lesions (SEALS) is a mechanical injury to the corneal cells, which is characterized by an arc-like lesion at the superior corneal periphery. Symptoms range from none to foreign body sensation or lens edge awareness.

Infiltrative Keratitis is an inflammatory reaction of the cornea, which has symptoms of mild to moderate irritation, redness and occasional discharge.

Contact Lens Acute Red Eye (CLARE) is an inflammatory reaction of the cornea and conjunctiva, which is characterized by a small, focal and diffuse peripheral corneal infiltration. Often there are no symptoms prior to eye closure but patients are often awoken from sleep by symptoms or soon after waking. The symptoms are irritation to moderate pain, redness, tearing and photophobia (light sensitivity).

Contact Lens Induced Peripheral Ulcer (CLPU) is another inflammatory reaction of the cornea which is characterized by a lesion in the corneal epithelium (surface cells) and infiltration of the anterior stroma (the middle layer of the cornea). The symptoms range from none to severe to moderate pain, irritation or foreign body sensation. Also there will usually be redness and tearing.

Contact Lens Papillary Conjunctivitis (CLPC) is a mechanical / inflammatory reaction of the upper eyelid characterized by localized papillae and hyperaemia (a cobblestone appearance) with fine mucous strands on the cornea. Symptoms are itching, lens awareness, increased mucous and intermittent blurring. The lens will also not appear to be fitting very well due to pressure from the papillae.

There are many other contact lens related conditions and if there is any doubt an eye care professional must be consulted immediately. Also despite the convenience of online ordering it is imperative that a customers visit their optician for routine scheduled aftercare visits.

Online contact lens ordering is here to stay, but always remember prevention is better than cure.

Article by

James Oliver of

http://www.buy-contact-lenses-online.info