Dangerous Trend: Circle Lenses

Circle lenses are a type of contact lens that makes the eyes appear larger than they actually are because they not only cover the pupil (center, dark part of the eye), and the iris (colored part of the eye), but also part of the whites of the eye. These contacts come in colors ranging from black to pink and everything in between. This type of cosmetic contact lens is becoming increasingly popular with tween and teenage girls.

While pop music performer Lady Gaga is being blamed for the trend because of her digitally altered, doe-eyed look in the "Bad Romance" music video, circle lenses date back quite a bit farther. Japanese animation, or anime, has been around a lot longer. The circle lenses are meant to mimic the wide-eyed innocent look of this particular type of cartoon.

Circle lenses have brought concern from optometrists for various reasons. Standard or colored contact lenses are manufactured under FDA regulations, and prescribed only by licensed optometrists. The circle contact lenses are largely manufactured in Japan and sold through web sites like www.circlelens2u.com and www.myCircleLens.com. The problem is that because the circle lenses are manufactured outside of the United States, they are not subject to the same regulations regarding materials, quality, and sterility.

The eye is a very sensitive part of the human body, and defects in the manufacture of circle contact lenses can lead to blindness.

Of particular concern is the age group to whom the circle lenses appeal. Young girls are buying these lenses online at prices ranging from $20 to $40. Usually, when someone is prescribed contact lenses by their eye care professional, they are taught about appropriate application, removal, care of the contact lens and eye, as well as disposal. Pre-teens and teenagers that purchase the circle lenses are receiving no such instruction.

Colored circle lenses are now being traded between classmates like Silly Bandz. this can lead to infection that can result in permanent damage to the eye, or even blindness.

Circle contact lenses are only the newest ocular trend. White Out and Black Out Lenses, hand painted novelty lenses, and Twilight lenses have been popular for some time. While changing the appearance of the eyes is one of the least permanent phases that a child can go through, it is not the safest.

If you, or your child are considering cosmetic contact lenses, it is recommended that you visit your optometrist. While you can obtain circle lenses without a prescription, your eye care professional can educate you about cosmetic contact lens use. He or she can also prescribe lenses that are subject to FDA regulation, (like Wild Eyes by Ciba Vision www.wild-eyes.com) to ensure an appropriate fit. This option may be more expensive, but it is the only sure way to avoid permanent damage to the eye that can be caused by circle lenses.

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