Friday, October 6, 2006

Protect Your Peepers...It Ain't Fashionable to be Blind!

Fri Oct 06 19:57:27 EDT 2006

A recent story on MCOT News (http://etna.mcot.net) scared me, as I
have friends who've transformed their baby browns into feral greens or
arctic blues. Check it out. (While the story hit the Asian newswires,
it rings true for us Westerners as well.)

Public health authorities warn over latest fashion fad


BANGKOK, Jan 19, Local young people have been warned against one of
the latest overseas trends -- fashion contact lenses that can change
the colour and look of the eyes from the subtle to the bizarre.

Health authorities say those who buy such lenses, often online,
without opthalmologist's advice may suffer eye infections and blindness.

Public Health Minister Pinij Jarusombat said while the fashion was
popular in Japan among other countries, the wearing of contact lenses
should really be limited to those with impaired eyesight.

The buying of contact lenses without professional supervision could
lead to inflammation, irritation and infection, he warned.

"People's eyesight is very important. The cost of treatment is very
high and people need to consult specialists before deciding to
purchase contact lenses," Mr. Pinij said.

Director general of the Department of Medical Services, Dr. Chatri
Banchuin, said that poor hygiene could also cause eye disease among
contact lens wearers, with severe infections leading to possible
blindness.

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