Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on "Healthwatch," we've been talking about the two-way link between health and appearance. Sometimes, things we do for our health can also make us look better. Then there are the things we do for our appearance that can hurt our health.
At one time, eye color was one aspect of appearance we had no control over. You could dye your hair, but you were stuck with the same color eyes. Now, colored contact lenses let you change your eyes to any color you want. But ophthalmologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center say you should remember that these lenses are medical devices even if you don't need them to improve your vision.
Whether or not you need vision correction, you need to have contact lenses fitted by a professional. Ill-fitting lenses can cause an infection that could lead to blindness.
While looking good can make you feel better, be sure that your quest for good looks doesn't hurt your health.
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March 2005
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