Optometrist Warns Teenagers against Eyeball-Licking Craze

Visique Optometrist Warns Kiwi Teenagers against Bizarre Eyeball-Licking Craze

A leading New Zealand optometrist is warning that oculolinctus could have serious public health implications should it become popular among young New Zealanders.

The practice, which describes the licking of one’s eyeballs by another, is a fetish sweeping Japan, where teenagers are using the act to express affection towards their lover.

Japanese media are reporting a rise in the number of cases of teenagers suffering from eye infections such as conjunctivitis as a result of the practice. One school has reported that that a third of its 12-year-olds have engaged in oculolinctus (also called ‘worming’), and that teachers only became aware of the practice when students who had developed conjunctivitis arrived in the classroom wearing eye patches.

Oculolinctus has apparently already spread beyond Japan, with the Huffington Post quoting a 29-year-old US Virgin Islands environmental science student enthusing about the activity.

But Ian Finch, chairman of Visique New Zealand, is warning New Zealanders against engaging in the practice, through which eye ball licking can cause pink eye, and the herpes virus can be transmitted if the licker is infected. “Your eyes are a vital organ and it is essential that you care for them in order to ensure their health, including having regular check-ups with a qualified and experienced optometrist.”

Mr Finch warns that oculolinctus can have serious implications, as some eye infections can lead to blindness. “A human has more than 40,000 bacteria living on their tongue, so it’s certainly not something you want anywhere near your eyes, which are vulnerable to disease and damage. Engaging in oculolinctus is very likely to cause infection, which can in turn cause permanent harm and even loss of sight.”

About Visique
Visique is 100% Kiwi-owned and operated and has been providing New Zealanders with quality eye care since 2000 through its network of 63 locations nationwide from Auckland to Otago.

Visique offers a wide range of designer eyewear with local and international brands including Kate Sylvester, Silhouette, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Oroton, Guess and Convertibles. Visique has a wide selection of optical frames, contact lenses and sunglasses for men, women and children.

Staying true to its core values, Visique takes pride in offering the best possible quality eye health and delivering genuine care and value for money throughout New Zealand communities.

ENDS

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