STAFF REPORTER, The West Australian
July 4, 2011, 9:33 am
Teen may need surgery after 'eye candy' drama
A New York teenager may need surgery after contracting an eye infection from a $20 fashion accessory.
Fourteen-year-old Erica Barnes bought coloured contact lenses illegally from a store because she wanted to be like pop star Rihanna, according to reports.
The girl was reportedly told she could clean the coloured contacts with tap water instead of a saline solution.
She wore the lenses for one day and fell asleep with them in her eyes.
That was enough time for the fashion accessory to scratch the surface of her right eye and cause an "aggressive" infection that could leave a blinding scar.
Erica must wait up to six months before doctors will be able to determine if she needs a cornea transplant to restore vision in her right eye.
"But while she waits, the teen tolerates excruciating pain," ABC News in the US reported.
Doctors say it is a dangerous trend.
Dr Roy Chuck said damage to the protective barrier in the eye meant bacteria could just flow in.
"You can treat the infection, but part of healing is making a scar, and that can block vision," he said.
Erica's step-mother, Trina Swain, said "for $20, she lost her eye".
"Every parent should know their girls are in danger," Ms Swain said of the fashion statement.
"They are dangerous eye candy that our children can buy anywhere."
Federal law prohibits the sale of contacts - even for cosmetic purposes - without a prescription, ABC reported.
"Beauty shops on the street and online sell them cheap, without a proper fitting or instructions on how to use them," it said.
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