New contacts pose risk to eye health

July 6, 2010

Lady Gaga's avant-garde style has teenage girls and young women scambling to emulate their idol, even if that means putting their own health at risk.

The New York Times looked into an emerging trend invovling a new kind of contact lens called circle lenses.

In her music video for the single Bad Romance, Lady Gaga appeared on screen with very large eyes, reminiscent of an anime character. This look was probably computer enhanced during post-production, but these new lenses, only available by import from Asia, offer those seeking to copy that look a new option.

The circular lenses are popular in Asia, and have been gaining momentum in the United States, but eye professionals warn that it is not safe to order contact lenses without consulting one's eye care specialist.

"Consumers risk significant eye injuries - even blindness - when they buy contact lenses without a valid prescription or help from an eye professional," FDA spokeswoman Karen Riley said in an e-mail after being briefed on the new phenomenon.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) also states that ill-fitting lenses may deprive the eye of oxygen which could lead to vision problems.