Perhaps the saddest aspect to the Lady GaGa doll-eyes phenomenon is that her eyes in the Bad Romance video, were digitally enhanced and not a result of contact lenses known as Circle Lenses.

The lenses, which are cheaply manufactured in Asia and available over the internet are becoming a worldwide craze despite being banned for sale in the USA. These oversized lenses which have been popular in Asia, with the popularity of anime, for many years now are seen as a cause of blindness.

These lenses are thicker than normal contact lenses and cover a large portion of the eye which allows for very little oxygen to reach the eyes causing blindness. Also, due to the large surface area of the plastic disc, there is a higher risk of causing scratches and cuts to the eyeball which can result in infections and blindness. Poor hygiene with cosmetic contact lens users such as sharing lenses, the prolonged use of lenses and not cleaning lenses with an approved solution results in infection as well.

It is recommended that an eye test is done by a registered, professional optometrist before embarking on a programme of wearing contact lenses since each individual eye has particular features which make generic lenses not fit for everyone. Also, buying contact lenses from non optometrists and dubious sources such as online, at parties or at flea markets or at beauty parlours is not only dangerous to your eyes and sight in general, but is also illegal according to the South African Optometric Association.

YouTube and other internet sources are awash with ideas and tips on how to use circle lenses and make up to recreate the Lady GaGa look and teenagers are especially vulnerable to falling prey to this fad. Dr Assumpta Madu, from New York’s Montefiore Medical Centre told the BBC that users could lose their sight within 24 hours according to both Gather and TheImproper’s entertainment and lifestyle correspondents. With such obvious danger being expressed by doctors overseas as well as in South Africa it is sad that many people are still not heeding the warnings. Lady GaGa herself had the benefit of digital enhancement in the Bad Romance video instead of putting her vision at risk through the use of Circle Lenses making the loss of vision through using unregulated and illegal contact lenses not only sad, but also unnecessary and completely avoidable.

According to Hannelie Booyens of You Magazine, if you are aware of the sale of illegal contact lenses, please contact the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (0123389301), the South African Optometric Association (0873107262) or Lucky Nkosi, the Ombudsman for Optometry (0726171124), and you could help save someone’s precious vision.