OPTICIANS are warning that a new nightclub craze could be wrecking the eyesight of ravers in Preston. Clubbers, eager to maintain dancefloor chic, are wearing the latest 'designer contact lenses' which come in psychedelic patterns like cats' eyes and Union Jacks.

But eye specialists are concerned about the effect the trend will have on their eyesight with ravers swapping and sharing the expensive lenses.

Optician Pam Ernest, who fits contact lenses at Optimum Eyecare, in Friargate, Preston, said: "These new lenses are very expensive and, like most fashions, a particular pattern will be more popular than the next, or perhaps someone wants a change of look.

"They will then swap lenses, meaning people end up wearing lenses which aren't suited to them."

Pam said another concern was the fact that many of the lenses were being sold via mail order, meaning the lens may not be ideal for the wearer.

She said: "The eye is a very delicate part of the body and needs looking after carefully.

"To get contact lenses, a person's eye has to be checked to see if lenses are suitable, and then they have to be stored correctly to prevent bacteria spreading onto the lens.

"One of our big concerns is that they may not be stored properly and bacteria may be passed more easily than usual with people sharing them.

"Such illnesses can lead to serious problems which could easily be avoided if people were sensible about what they wore in their eyes."

But one clubber, who asked not to be named, said: "I am only wearing them for a short while, so what's the problem? They look great and that's all that matters."

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