PUBLIC WARNED AGAINST USING CONTACT LENSES PURCHASED AT NIGHT MARKETS

BUTTERWORTH, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has warned the public

against using contact lenses purchased at night markets or beauty salons as the

lenses are capable of causing blindness to the users.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Liow Tiong Lai said, instead, all contact lens

users should undergo an initial eye examination with certified optometrist prior

to the contact lenses fitting to minimise the negative side effects.

"The ministry will convene a meeting with the relevant parties to find

immediate solutions to the excessive sales of contact lenses, especially at

night markets," he told reporters after opening the Chinese New Year Carnival

2012 in Bagan parliamentary constituency here today.

He was commenting on a recent media report which stated that more and more

contact lenses could be purchased cheaply at night markets.

However, Liow said the ministry had yet to receive any reports on the

matter.

"We are aware that many contact lenses, especially the coloured ones, can be

purchased easily and cheaply including at night markets. So, I would really like

to advise the public not to purchase those contact lenses because we don''t know

whether the lenses will fit comfortably in their eyes," he added.

-- BERNAMA

EIY NHA