FDA, AOA Warn Of Dangers Associated With Circle Lenses
The New York Times (7/4, A1, Louis) reported on its front page, “Lady Gaga’s wider-than-life eyes were most likely generated by a computer, but teenagers and young women nationwide have been copying them with special contact lenses imported from Asia. Known as circle lenses, these are colored contacts…that make the eyes appear larger because they cover not just the iris, as normal lenses do, but also part of the whites.” But, Karen Riley, a spokeswoman for the FDA, said, “Consumers risk significant eye injuries — even blindness’ when they buy contact lenses without a valid prescription or help from an eye professional.” And, Dr. S. Barry Eiden, “an optometrist…who is chairman of the contact lens and cornea section of the American Optometric Association, said that people selling circle lenses online ‘are encouraging the avoidance of professional care.’”