NEW YORK— ECPs around the country, as well as professional groups such as the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) are issuing warnings and caveats to patients and consumers about the nature of contact lenses as medical devices and the need for professional fitting and prescriptions in light of recent news reports about the rise in popularity of “circle” cosmetic CLs over the Internet.

A front-page Sunday July 4 New York Times feature reported on a new style of contact lenses, known as “circle contact lenses”, which cover a portion of the whites of the eyes, making pupils appear larger and eyes more doll-like as a growing fashion fad among mostly younger women. The New York Times reported that while the so-called “circle” cosmetic contact lenses are not approved for sale in the U.S., it hasn’t stopped consumers (mostly teenagers and young adults) from purchasing the lenses online, where they are available from international “sources.”

The article made an impact throughout the optical industry and ECPs have weighed in on the dangerous trend.

The AAO’s statement reminds patients, “Any type of contact lens is a medical device that requires a prescription, proper fitting by an eyecare professional and a commitment to proper care by the consumer.” Legislation passed in 2005 requires exams and fittings by ECPs for all contact lens purchases.

The AOA told VM that it is working to inform consumers of the risk of these illegal lenses. AOA staff, the group said, led a meeting last month of federal officials convened by the Food & Drug Administration, concerned about the illegal sale of these and other decorative contact lenses.

“With the FDA’s focus of ‘Protecting and Promoting Health,’ the recent gathering served as a platform to brainstorm with FDA officials,” said Joe E. Ellis, OD, president of the AOA. “We found that FDA officials were shocked, as well as dismayed, by how easy these lenses can be obtained.

A spokesperson for the FDA told VM that so far the FDA has not issued any consumer warnings or notices about these cosmetic contact lenses; he could not predict if such an alert would be announced.

The Academy reminds consumers that inflammation and pain can occur from improperly fitted, over-the-counter lenses and lead to more serious problems including corneal abrasions and blinding infections. Meanwhile, the AOA is working with the consumer media to encourage people to visit an eyecare professional and get a proper prescription. “A beauty fad is not worth causing problems with your sight,” Ellis added.

Optometrists are encouraged to report any violations of the sale of contact lenses, or any adverse health consequences, to the AOA’s Washington office while the Academy of Ophthalmology recommends www.geteyesmart.org for more information on contact lens safety.

According to Michael H. Goldstein, MD, president of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO), “Any person who wishes to wear any type of contact lenses safely should be closely monitored by their eyecare professional. This is true even for cosmetic or decorative lenses.” Information on safe contact lens wear can be found online at ContactLensDocs.com and at FDA.gov. ■ ■