ST. LOUIS and ROCKVILLE, Md.—Continued concerns about the popularity of so-called “circle” or “anime” contact lenses have prompted another new joint statement by the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Contact Lens Section.

The cosmetic lenses, unapproved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, cover a portion of the whites of the eyes, making pupils appear larger and eyes more doll-like. The lenses have been popularized by pop performer Lady Gaga, in her “Bad Romance” video and the contact lenses have become a growing fashion fad among mostly younger women, purchased via the Internet. As Vision Monday reported in the July 19 issue, many ECPs and professional organizations have issued warnings to patients about the lenses, stressing that contact lenses are medical devices that need professional fitting and prescriptions.

The AAO/AOA CL Section joint statement, dated July 27 said, “Contact lenses are considered safe for the correction of vision when appropriately fitted by licensed eyecare providers. However, when contact lenses are obtained without a prescription and without appropriate training, fitting and follow-up, their use can result in complications including eye infections and permanent loss of vision.

“In 2005, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified all contact lenses, whether they correct vision or are used simply for cosmetics, as medical devices. In the United States, contact lenses cannot be obtained legally without a prescription. Several reports have been published linking severe eye infections to the use of cosmetic contact lenses obtained without a prescription. In fact, several of our doctors have encountered patients with complications as a result of inappropriate use of such lenses.”

“The circle lenses [referred to by media outlets] are currently not approved by the FDA and are being obtained without a prescription in significant numbers, primarily by teenagers and young women. Our concern is that the fitting, and professional follow-up care to determine the eye health response to lens wear, are not provided when these lenses are obtained without a prescription. The purchasers may also not be provided with appropriate lens care instructions. It has been scientifically established that individuals who obtain lenses via the Internet or mail order have an increased risk of infection of more than four times.”

The statement added, “Swapping or sharing of contact lenses is also of great concern. These seemingly innocuous cosmetic devices, if not individually prescribed for maximum fit and properly disinfected, can lead to serious vision loss. Consumers desiring cosmetic contact lenses to enhance their appearance should do so in consultation with their eyecare provider.” ■ ■