Circle contact lens
A circle contact lens, also known as a big eye contact lens, is a special contact lens that makes the eye's iris appear larger; this product was originally invented in South Korea.
Design
Circle contacts have the color covering a majority of the contact, causing the color to go beyond the iris and manipulating the ratio between the iris and the eye, thus, the appearance of a larger iris. It comes in a variety of colors, and effects. The diameter of the lens is on average 14 mm (more than 2 mm longer than the average iris diameter). The lenses themselves range from natural-looking colors to special effects.
The lenses are popular among Asian teenagers and adults.[1][2] The lenses create an illusion of large, doe-like eyes.[3] Many people consider circle lenses as a fashion accessory rather than medical devices. They are used to create a reminiscent of anime characters.[4] They are also used to create the Ulzzang look, which is characterized by large eyes, small noses and fair skin.[5]
Popularity
In Asia, circle contact lenses can be bought in some stores. They can be purchased without a prescription.[3] Currently this product is not yet sold in store shelves in western nations and can only be purchased online.[6][7] Due to recent endorsements by celebrities, circle contact lenses are rising in popularity on Asian internet forums, such as Soompi and shopper's blogs dedicated to beauty and cosmetics and Youtube cosmetologists such as Michelle Phan.
The rise in popularity, due to Lady Gaga's video, does not, in fact have anything to due with her eyes. Her eyes are digitally enhanced with professional makeup.
Many Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Taiwan films and dramas have their actors wearing Circle Lenses as well. Many of their actors include Ulzzangs and bands that are known for wearing circle lenses.
Risks
However, along with this popularity, issues concerning the quality of these lenses have arisen. Currently, there are still companies selling circle contact lenses without bearing the stamp of approval from health services. Many lenses are manufactured in Asian countries where there are no guidelines or supervision over the production of the lenses.[1] Asian countries are the biggest exporters of circle lenses. Many opticians assume that the lenses are made from cheap materials because they are very inexpensive.[8] Many small companies in Asia are more likely to create circle lenses with cheap materials.[3]
The trend had spread to the United States, Australia[9], and Canada[10], driven by Lady GaGa's video for her song Bad Romance, in which she displayed larger-than-life eyes. The New York Times[11] noted that circle lenses were being worn around the country and were readily available in cosmetic and prescription variants on the Internet despite being illegal in the U.S. The FDA, the Optometrists Association of Australia[9], and Health Canada[8] have not approved the use of circle lenses. Circle lenses are not illegal to buy in Canada, while the HPFB has not approved the marketing of prescription contact lenses by non-professionals in Canada, plaino lenses (contact lenses without corrective strength) are legal to buy, and are sold under the classification of novelty cosmetic lenses, which can be bought and sold online legally. Dr. Desmond Fonn, Centre for Contact Lens Research at the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo. The greatest concerns over circle lenses are that if obtained without a prescription they may not properly fit and can deprive the eyes of oxygen or cause serious vision problems.[11] The lenses have a potential of scratching the cornea and causing an infection that can lead to blindness if not properly fitted.[12][13]
References
- ^ a b "Lady Gaga's Dangerous Trend". CBS News. 2010-07-06. Retrieved 2010-07-06.
- ^ "Lady Gaga-style Contact Lenses Put Your Health At Risk". London: The Independent. 2010-07-08. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ a b c "Blinded by an Urge for Beauty". Xinhua News. 2010-07-14. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ "Unapproved Contacts to Emulate Japanese Anime Look Not Worth Risk to Vision". The Seattle Times. 2010-07-9. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Jae-Dong Yu (December 22, 2004). "Keywords Reveal Korea's Most-Searched Topics in 2004". Dong-A Ilbo.
- ^ Schiewe, Jessie (2010-07-14). "Those Big, Round Lady Gaga Contact Lenses Worry Some Doctors". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ "Gaga for Googly Eyes". KGET-TV. 2010-07-9. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "Experts Worry as Girls Go Gaga Over 'Circle Lenses'". CTV News Canada. 2010-07-7. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b Corderoy, Amy (2010-07-10). "Girls Go Gaga Over Big Eyes, but the Fashion Lenses May Not Be Safe". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ "Don't Follow Lady Gaga's Fashion Trends in Eyewear". Canoe.ca. 2010-07-13. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ a b Saint Louis, Catherine. "What Big Eyes You Have, Dear, but Are Those Contacts Risky?", The New York Times, July 3, 2010. Accessed July 4, 2010.
- ^ "Eye-Popping New Fashion Trend Could Carry Dangers, Docs Say". ABC News. 2010-07-6. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Black, Rosemary (2010-07-7). "Girls Clamor for 'Circle' Contact Lenses Inspired by Lady Gaga, but They're Risky and Illegal". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)