Circle contact lens
A circle contact lens, also known as a big eye contact lens and circle lens, is a cosmetic contact lens that makes the eye's iris appear larger; this product originated from East Asia.
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[edit] Design
Circle contact lenses make one's eyes appear larger and come in a variety of colors and effects. They are a new[when?] fashion trend in Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan. The diameter of regular contact lenses that are sold in the United States are on average 14mm -16mm, similar to the diameter of the cosmetic circle contact lenses[citation needed]. The difference between the two types of lenses is that circle contact lenses are tinted not only in areas that cover the iris of the eye, but also prominently in the extra-wide outer rim of the lens. The result is the appearance of a bigger, wider iris and create an illusion of large, doll-like eyes.[1] The optical zone in the middle is transparent and it is large enough to provide clear vision.
The lenses are popular among Asian teenagers and young adults.[2][3] Many people consider circle lenses to be a fashion accessory rather than a medical device. They are often used to create a look reminiscent of anime characters.[4] They are also used to create the Kawaii look which is characterized by large eyes with anime-like features, or the Eoljjang look.
[edit] Popularity
In Asia circle contact lenses can be bought in some stores. They can be purchased without a prescription (0.00 or plano or with prescription).[1] Their legality in the west varies with the local laws, and in the United States they are currently classified as a medical device and are not legal for sale without a valid prescription.[5]
[edit] Risks
Many issues concerning the quality of these lenses have arisen[when?]. Currently[when?] there are still companies selling circle contact lenses without the approval of health services. Many circle lenses are manufactured in Asian countries where there are no guidelines or supervision over the production of the lenses.[2]
The popularity of the lenses has spread to the United States, Australia,[6] and Canada.[7] Part of the the newfound interest is due to the video for Lady Gaga's song Bad Romance in which she displays larger-than-life eyes. The New York Times[8] noted that circle lenses were being worn around the country and were readily available in cosmetic and prescription variants on the Internet.[9]
[edit] Legality
[edit] United States
In the United States decorative, non-corrective contact lenses are considered medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and sale and marketing of such devices require approval by the FDA and a valid prescription from a medical professional. [10]Additionally, in the event that devices that have not been approved by the FDA are found by US Customs at the border they may be subject to seizure.
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Blinded by an Urge for Beauty". Xinhua News. 2010-07-14. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2010-07/14/c_13399343_2.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ a b "Lady Gaga's Dangerous Trend". CBS News. 2010-07-06. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/06/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main6650728.shtml. Retrieved 2010-07-06.
- ^ "Lady Gaga-style Contact Lenses Put Your Health At Risk". London: The Independent. 2010-07-08. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/lady-gagastyle-contact-lenses-put-your-health-at-risk-2021897.html. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ "Unapproved Contacts to Emulate Japanese Anime Look Not Worth Risk to Vision". The Seattle Times. 2010-07-09. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorials/2012320760_edit10contacts.html. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ "What Big Eyes You Have, Dear, but Are Those Contacts Risky?". The New York Times. 2010-07-03. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/fashion/04lenses.html. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
- ^ Corderoy, Amy (2010-07-10). "Girls Go Gaga Over Big Eyes, but the Fashion Lenses May Not Be Safe". Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/girls-go-gaga-over-big-eyes-but-the-fashion-lenses-may-not-be-safe-20100709-1041f.html?autostart=1. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ "Don't Follow Lady Gaga's Fashion Trends in Eyewear". Canoe.ca. 2010-07-13. http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_health_news_details.asp?news_id=31106&news_channel_id=131&channel_id=131&relation_id=1883. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Circle Lenses and the LAW". Legality. http://www.mycandyeyes.com.
- ^ "Decorative, Non-corrective Contact Lenses". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2006-11-24. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm071572.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-11.
