These “baby doll” contact lenses (also known as Big Circle Contacts) are the latest trend among teenagers and young women.  These contact lenses were made popular by Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance music video.  The appeal for these contacts is to create a “baby doll” or anime character look.  These contact lenses can be found online in a rainbow of colors for around $20-$30 per pair.

Here’s the problem:

1.  Contact lenses are a medical device, thus monitored by the FDA (US. Food and Drug Administration).  Contact lenses can only be purchased with a prescription from a licensed practitioner.  In other words, you still need a prescription from an eye doctor to purchase contact lenses, even if they are not being used to correct your vision.

2.  Improper fit of the contact lenses can cause damage to your eye, which may lead to scarring or even blindness.

3.  By purchasing these lenses from unauthorized places, consumers are not being told of the proper way to insert, remove and care for the lenses.  A big concern is teens sharing the contact lenses with their friends.  Improper cleaning and disinfection puts them at a higher risk for serious eye infections.

The American Optometric Association issued a statement regarding Cosmetic “Circle” Contacts.  Check it out.

Here is a video on how to put in contacts from a site selling these types of contact lenses:

This is an example of a video from an eye care professional: