A circle contact lens, also known as a big eye contact lens and circle lens, is a cosmetic contact lens that makes the eye's iris appear larger; this product originated from East Asia.
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Circle contact lenses make one's eyes appear larger and come in a variety of colors and effects. They are a new fashion trend in Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan. The diameter of regular contact lenses that are sold in the United States are on average 14mm -16mm, similar to the diameter of the cosmetic circle contact lenses. The difference between the two types of lenses is that circle contact lenses are tinted not only in areas that cover the iris of the eye, but also prominently in the extra-wide outer rim of the lens. The result is the appearance of a bigger, wider iris and create an illusion of large, doll-like eyes.[1] The optical zone in the middle is transparent and it is large enough to provide clear vision.
The lenses are popular among Asian teenagers and young adults.[2][3] Many people consider circle lenses to be a fashion accessory rather than a medical device. They are often used to create a look reminiscent of anime characters.[4] They are also used to create the Kawaii look which is characterized by large eyes with anime-like features, or the Eoljjang look.
In Asia circle contact lenses can be bought in some stores. They can be purchased without a prescription (0.00 or plano or with prescription).[1] Their legality in the west varies with the local laws, and in the United States they are currently classified as a medical device and are not legal for sale without a valid prescription.[5]
Many issues concerning the quality of these lenses have arisen. Currently there are still companies selling circle contact lenses without the approval of health services. Many circle lenses are manufactured in Asian countries where there are no guidelines or supervision over the production of the lenses.[2]
The popularity of the lenses has spread to the United States, Australia,[6] and Canada.[7] Part of the the newfound interest is due to the video for Lady Gaga's song Bad Romance in which she displays larger-than-life eyes. The New York Times[8] noted that circle lenses were being worn around the country and were readily available in cosmetic and prescription variants on the Internet.[9]
In the United States contact lenses are considered a medical device. It is illegal to sell any type of contact lenses, including circle lenses, without a prescription. While many believe circle lenses are not traditional contact lenses, they are seen as such in the eyes of the law. The governing agency that regulates this law is called the Federal Trade Commission.
The law requires any seller of contact lenses to verify a valid prescription from the customer before shipping their order. Sellers that do not follow the law can face fines up to $11,000 per violation. Furthermore circle lenses are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. Sellers of circle lenses in the USA can not only face action by the, FTC but may also face action from the FDA for selling non-FDA approved medical devices. While circle lenses are approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration, they can have their certification removed when imported into the United States.