Cosmetic contact lenses sold on the internet attract bacteria

A new study published in the journal, Contact Lens Anterior Eye looked into whether surface pigments on cosmetic contact lenses lead to increased adherence of bacteria.

The researchers bought 15 brands of cosmetic contact lenses over the Internet. To determine whether the lenses had surface pigments, the researchers did a standard rub-off test to confirm whether the pigments were on the surface or embedded.  Most of the brands failed (13 out of 15) the rub-off test meaning that the pigments were on the surface and these brands showed significantly higher bacterial adherence.

The conclusion is that purchasers of cosmetic contact lenses risk bacterial infections unless they make healthy choices for their contact lens wear.  Consult your eye doctor before buying contact lenses over the Internet.

Source

Contact Lens & Anterior Eye: The Journal of the British Contact Lens Association
Microbial Adherence to Cosmetic Contact Lenses Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2014 Jan 16;[EPub Ahead of Print], KY Chan, P Cho, M Boost

Japanese eyeball licking is a health risk and can lead to blindness

Japanese school-aged children and teens have developed a gross but trendy practice: licking a friend or lover's eyeballs.  There is a video at the end of this post.  

What are the risks?

Eyeball-licking will transport moth-based bacteria into the eye causing bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis to styes as well as abscesses involving the lids and eye socket. 

According to CBSnews.com:

Eyeball licking, which is also known as "worming" or oculolinctus, has existed for quite some time, and there are numerous clips of people engaging in the act on YouTube. Japanese blog Naver Matome interviewed one concerned teacher who said that he ran into two sixth grade students licking each others' eyeballs in an equipment room. After he confronted them, they admitted it was popular in their class. His independent survey of students confirmed his fears: One-third of the children admitted to eyeball licking.

Corneal abrasions (scratches or cuts on the surface of the eye) are another risk.  There's also the chance that licking the eyeball could accidentally scratch it. Abrasions can trap bacteria and cause blindness if not treated.  They can also lead to scarring and permanent blurred vision.

Mouth bacteria normally does not find its way to the eye.  If it gets into the eye, it is an eye health concern.