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Optometrists working in Iraq are warning soldiers that they are flirting with vision disaster if they continue to flout rules which forbid them from wearing contact lenses in the war zone.

Major Kristian L Dugger, an optometrist with 206th Area Support Medical Company, based about 45 miles north of Baghdad, told the Army Times newspaper, that her team sees around five infections a week from soldiers who wear contact lenses. 'It takes our attention from the true eye emergencies,' she said. 'It's a self-inflicted injury that could have been prevented.'

According to Major David Hale, surgeon for the 13th Sustainment Command, there are only eight optometry locations in Iraq, and soldiers with infections must travel some way to see an optometrist.

Hale also warned that those disobeying a command were putting their comrades at risk during missions. 'If you pop a lens and you're driving in a convoy, it's a big deal,' he said.

Hale also warned against service members getting corrective eye surgery during their two-week leave.

He pointed out that soldiers must receive permission from the brigade surgeon before embarking on corrective surgery, and that they have to be checked 30 days after the operation for problems.

Hale added that as wearing contact lenses violates orders, such infections may not be considered a 'line of duty' medical problem, which could exclude soldiers from future benefits.

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