Lady Gaga “Big Eyes” Contact Lenses Spark Dangerous Trend

Big Eye contact lenses have surged in popularity since Lady Gaga stretched her pupils in the buzzworthy “Bad Romance” video, but many medical professionals fear the latest fad popularized by the pop phenomenon could lead to severe eye problems.

In the video, which has amassed more than 100 million views on YouTube since its release last year, the singer’s eyes appear to have been enhanced with the lenses. Although the effect in the video was created in CGI during post production, reports this week claim that Gaga’s “Bad Romance” has sparked a spike n the number of teens plopping down their hard-earned allowances for large lenses.

“In some cases, rarely (infections can) can even lead to blindness. Absent those things, corneal ulcers, scratches or abrasions in the corner of the eye, impairing vision either from the tears or from infection, and depriving the eye of oxygen all can set up the risk of infection and in rare cases, blindness,” argues Dr. Jennifer Ashton, who reminds consumers that the Big Eyes contacts have not secured approval from the Food & Drug Administration.

The oversized lenses — which are illegal in many countries, including the US — cover part of the white of the eye to give the wearer a cartoonish appearance. In the United States, where the sale of novelty contacts is prohibited, teens have reportedly turned to the web to purchase the lenses from foreign retailers.

“Consumers who purchase lenses without a prescription or without consultation from an eye doctor put themselves at risk of serious bacterial infection,” a statement from the American Optometric Association read Tuesday. “[It could also cause] significant damage to the eye’s ability to function, with the potential for irreversible sight loss.”