Prevent Blindness has designated October as Contact Lens Safety Month, highlighting the importance of proper lens care and use. The nonprofit is providing free educational materials eyecare professionals can share with their patients, including fact sheets, graphics, webpages, and an expert video on the topic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 45 million people in the U.S. wear contact lenses. Contacts are regulated medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an ECP, even in cases where they are sold as “decorative,” “costume,” or “cosmetic” lenses. The Federal Trade Commission prohibits the sale of cosmetic lenses without a valid prescription.

Improper use of contact lenses can lead to eye health complications, including corneal abrasions, ulcers, and infections. One severe infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis, can result from exposure of contact lenses to contaminated water and may cause vision loss or blindness if untreated.

As part of its Focus on Eye Health Expert Series, Prevent Blindness has released “Contact Lens Safety,” featuring Thomas L. Steinemann, MD, of Case Western Reserve University, who discusses the importance of following proper contact lens guidelines.

More information and resources are available at preventblindness.org/wearing-contact-lenses and preventblindness.org/acanthamoeba-keratitis-contact-lenses.