Gas Station Contacts

I recently found out something that was downright frightening to me.

There are places, gas stations for example, where a random Schmo-jo can walk in and just buy an over-the-counter contact lens. Of course these are usually wacky colored and patterned ones for what some odd ones call "style" or "making a statement." But the point remains, no prescription, no proof that one knows how the hell to take care of a contact, and no guidance on how to do so is required.

What's worse is someone can walk in, stick their grubby little fingers in the contact container to try one, not like it, and put it back. It's true!! Or so our contact specialist has told me, and I see no reason why she would fabricate this.

There a few idiots here:
1) The idiot who makes and distributes them: I have low suspicion that reputable contact manufacturers allow this. But who does, I do not know. This is a law suit waiting to happen.
2) The idiot who sells them: As if they have any idea what to tell buyers.
3) The idiot who buys them: Really? I mean, really? At least go buy real ones - even reputable makers of contacts have these special ones available, but at a higher cost. A cost you should be willing to pay.

Naturally we have seen these people show up in our clinic with problems related to improper contact use. Who knew?

I have no financial relationships or obligations to makers of contact lenses. Or any other ophthalmic devices or medications for that matter.