ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report the complications resulting from incorrect use of cosmetic contact lenses. CASE SUMMARY: The medical records of 9 patients with complications related to cosmetic contact lenses were retrospectively reviewed. All 9 patients had corneal erosion, and 2 patients had corneal epithelial defects. Corneal neovascularization more than 2 mm from the limbus was observed in 3 patients and one of the patients received a permanent impairment of visual acuity. Seven patients were not educated on the management of contact lenses and 2 patients had previous experience using contact lenses. None of the patients acquired any information or proper instructions regarding their cosmetic contact lenses. During the follow-up examination, 5 out of 6 patients had symptom relief after: 1) discontinuance of using the cosmetic contact lenses or 2) proper education of contact lens use with topical antibiotics and artificial tears. CONCLUSIONS: Many cosmetic contact lens users have insufficient information on usage of contact lenses. Providing proper education to cosmetic contact lens users is very important. Cosmetic contact lens users should have ophthalmic checkups on a regular basis. In addition, illegal production and sales of cosmetic contact lenses must be strictly regulated to prevent complications caused by inferior products.