Are Circle Lenses Dangerous to Wear?

For Japanese singer Ayumi Hamasaki, her lyrics aren't a source of controversy―her eyes are. Although her fans claim her eyes are naturally big, there's evidence she may be using circle lenses―contact lenses used to make the pupils looks bigger and more doll-like―to enhance her eye shape.

But this practice isn't uncommon. Circle lenses, along with eyelid surgery, are becoming the next "it" thing among Asian celebrities, especially in Korea and Japan. Famous Asian celebrities, including Lee Hyori, Sandara Park, and Gackt all depend on the power of circle lenses to enhance their image.

Teenage girls and boys are also reportedly big fans of circle lenses, purchasing them in hopes of achieving that doll-like, fresh-faced look. But there are also hidden dangers that could compromise their vision, even to the point of vision loss.

Why Circle Lenses Are Dangerous to Wear

Like with colored contact lenses, there are certain risks associated with circle contact use. The biggest issue? Circle lenses are rarely custom made, and may not fit snugly against the eye. It may not seem like a big deal, but according to eMedicineHealth.com, poor-fitting contacts can lead to discomfort, eye redness, blurred vision and significant eye irritation. Left untreated, eye irritation can lead to a localized infection, damaging your eyes and vision. In rare cases, people have lost some or all vision due to poor-fitting contacts.

Size is also a possible danger―if it doesn't fit snugly around the eye, it may limit how much oxygen reaches your eyes. The biggest sign of oxygen loss is more irritation and redness, but blurred vision is also very common. If left untreated, these complications may develop into permanent conditions.

Circle Lens Dealers are Also Dangerous

Circle lens dealers also pose an additional threat for consumers. Lesser-known companies are known to use less flexible contacts that don't sit well on the eye, putting unnecessary pressure on the eyeball. This can actually worsen your vision, even to the point of needing corrective lenses to see clearly.

But it's not as simple as avoiding the "bad" companies. Nearly all online dealers claim they carry Korean circle lenses―the best quality lenses are Korean brands―but only some are the real deal. Most dealers prefer to carry out their transactions online as a way to trick consumers into buying defective or potentially harmful knockoffs, and your eyes ultimately pay the price. Unfortunately for you, you won't find this out until they arrive at your doorstep, or worse, after you've worn them for a while.

Are They All Dangerous?

To eliminate your risk, getting them custom made is the key. Ask an eye physician familiar with cosmetic or circle contacts to fit you for an ideal pair or offer a recommendation. This can help eliminate some, but not all, dangers associated with these types of contacts.

Sources: "Contact Lenses" (eMedicineHealth.com)