Decorative contact lenses pose harm to teenagers

Decorative or circle contact lenses similar to those used by rock star Lady Gaga may pose harm to teenagers copying her wide-eyed doll look, according to a warning from American eye experts.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reminded consumers in a recent press alert that contact lenses are medical devices that require prescription. The academy also warned that contact lenses not fitted properly may cause pain and inflammation or even corneal abrasion and infections that cause may lead to blindness.

Dr. S. Barry Eiden, chair of the Contact Lens and Cornea Section of the American Optometric Association, advised people who want to change the color of their eyes using contact lenses to consult licensed professionals first.

Circle lenses make the colored part of the eye appear larger like that of dolls by covering not only the pupil and iris but also some of the white part of the eye.