Teen Could Lose Sight From Cheap Contacts
A New York teen will need a cornea transplant after a defective pair of colored contacts bought from a beauty supply store gave her a sight threatening eye infection.
Erica Barnes, 14, bought a pair of colored contacts from a beauty supply store on Jamaica Ave in New York City.
After falling asleep with the contacts in, the girl says she woke up in intense pain.
“I couldn’t open my eyes. And every time I tried it started hurting more,” says Barnes.
The faulty contacts had led to a serious eye infection, causing cornea scarring that will require a cornea transplants to save the girls sight.
“The population that is targeted here is a very vulnerable population of young teenage girls who will do a lot for cosmetic purposes, and it’s absolutely illegal,” says Dr. Anne Steiner.
Federal law requires all contacts to be purchased by prescription only.
