People are more than a little disgusted by the idea of sharing a toothbrush and some other personal items, and it would be also impossible to share contacts some years ago. However, with more and more contacts emerging in market that are not used for vision correction but for costume and eye color enhancement, people begin to share their non-corrective contact lenses which are considered as a an ornament. Whereas, the fact is that even non-corrective contact is a very personal item on the same level as a toothbrush. It has been reported recently that the swapping of contact lenses among friends has led to eye problems, ranging from slight to mild eye irritation.
It is not uncommon for friends to develop the same eye infections very soon after each other because of this habit. The possible eye problems are:
Corneal abrasion: it is a scratch on the cornea, which can cause blurred vision, irritation or redness. For each contact lenses are prescribed specifically to individuals, if you wear another one’s contacts, the lenses may rub against the eye, leading to corneal abrasion, or say eye abrasion.
Allergic response: similarly, when one buys a pair of contact lenses, his or her practitioner will conduct a contact lenses fitting specific to the wearer which means that your friend’s contacts may probably not suitable to you and you are likely to experience allergic reactions to contact lens solution, cleaning products and even the material that is used to make the contact lens.
Eye infections: as it is known to all that an eye infection is usually a condition caused by bacteria or a virus. Even when one normally adheres to a strict cleaning regime with their lenses, there are possibilities that bacteria presents in contacts. If the contacts are worn by more than two persons, these bacteria will transferred from one wearer to anther and potentially dangerous eye infections will be more probably emerge. What is more, if proper eye examinations are not performed and treatment are not obtained in a timely manner, more serious problems will emerge.
Therefore, do not see contact lens sharing as a small problem. What you should bear in mind is that while you are sharing contacts lenses with friends, you are also sharing other things, like bacteria, with them. This can be a serious problem.
Another thing worthy reminding is that, never buy colored contacts or consume contacts that have not been prescribed by a professional eye doctor. Without seeking a prescription for costume or colored lenses, although they are not for vision correction, you are unknowingly exposing your eyes to a risky situation.