5 Things Oct. 13: Dangers of Decorative Contact Lenses, Babysitter Wanted and More

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Nine Lives yard sale
Nine Lives of Norton Feline Rescue Shelter is sponsoring a yard sales to benefit the kitties of Nine Lives 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information contact the shelter on its hotline at 508-285-5159.

2. Babysitter wanted
Stephanie Holland is looking for a morning babysitter who would watch one 5-year-old Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 6 to 8 a.m. Applicant must have transportation. If interested email stephanieholland81@hotmail.com.

3. Heartsaver CPR
Sturdy Memorial Hospital will be holding a Heartsaver CPR course 8 a.m. to noon in Del’s Place. This course is also being held Thursday, Oct. 18 1 to 4 p.m. This course teaches lay rescuers how to recognize and treat life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac arrest and choking for responsive adult, child and infant victims.  Students also learn to recognize the warning signs of heart attack and stroke in adults and breathing difficulties in children.  A current CPR card must be presented at time of registration. You must be prepared to perform according to current standards. The fee is $50 per person, and includes a current text. All classes are held at the hospital and are open to the public.  For more information or to register call 508-236-7161.

4. The low-down on decorative contact lenses
If you’re looking for that eye-popping touch for your Halloween costume, you may want to think twice before donning decorative contact lenses. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, they can lead to permanent eye damage and vision loss when they are purchased without a prescription.

All contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye care professional such as an ophthalmologist – an eye medical doctor. Products that claim “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye specialist” are misleading, and may even be on the market illegally. Retailers that sell contacts without a prescription are breaking the law, and may be fined $11,000 per violation. Only buy decorative contact lenses from an eye care professional or retailer who asks for a prescription and sells FDA-approved products.

To safely wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween or any time of year, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following these guidelines:

• Get an eye exam from an eye care professional such as an ophthalmologist, who will measure each eye and talk to you about proper contact lens care.
• Obtain a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements, and expiration date.
• Purchase the decorative contact lenses from a licensed eye care professional or an eye product retailer who asks for a prescription.
• Follow the directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses.
• Never share contact lenses with another person.
• Get follow up exams with your eye care provider.