Doctors in Iași issue a warning after a young woman developed a severe infection from contact lenses bought online

A 20-year-old woman was admitted in serious condition to the “Sf. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency Hospital in Iași after using a pair of colored contact lenses purchased online. The case was presented on Monday by Prof. Camelia Bogdănici, MD, head of the Ophthalmology Clinic.

The patient had extremely limited vision and was unable to keep her eyes open because of a severe corneal infection. Doctors analyzed the lenses and identified gram-negative bacteria, including Acinetobacter and Klebsiella. The lenses also had discolored areas, which the patient had previously noticed.

Antibiotic treatment had an effect in approximately three days. At the time of the doctor’s statements, the young woman had regained her visual acuity, but still had corneal lesions.

The ophthalmologist recommends buying contact lenses only from specialized practices, medical optical stores, or pharmacies. Specialists warn that inexpensive products sold online may be non-compliant or toxic, and that their use requires an ophthalmological examination, rigorous hygiene, and appropriate care solutions.