Many blind to the risks of cosmetic contact lenses

It is 2:30 pm on a Wednesday. Xidan, one of Beijing's largest shopping areas, is swamped with trendy adolescents and 20-somethings all looking for the latest fashion in shoes, clothes and accessories at bargain prices. Many of them are especially in the hunt for cosmetic contact lenses, a craze that made it to the mainland a few years ago. The lenses are popular because they enhance the color of the iris, making the eye appear brighter or larger, and in some cases entirely changing its color. Although unregulated, central authorities last month promised to reclassify the product to ensure those sold on the Chinese market meet strict safety standards in the future. Until then, however, health experts warn that consumers and traders are largely blind to the risks that shoddy contact lenses pose, and say youngsters are in danger of sacrificing their sight for fashion. Cosmetic lenses can be bought almost anywhere in China, from trained optometrists to small accessory stores, which offer them alongside nail polish, face glitter and hairclips. "We have dozens of colors, so you will at least find one suitable for you," said a saleswoman called Zhang at Mingzhu shopping center in Xidan. The most expensive pair at her shop cost 90 yuan ($15). "The gray and black colors are very popular. "For a more comfortable feeling, I'd choose a pair priced at more than 60 yuan," she said. "There are cheaper ones, though 30 to 40 yuan. Don't worry, the quality is also OK." Of course, it is not something she can really guarantee. The packaging for a mid-price pair she handed over as an example was all in Korean and carried no stamp to show it had cleared the Chinese quality supervision authority. Even optometrist stores do not require a medical checkup before they sell cosmetic lenses, which can also be made to order for shortsighted people. As Zhang was making her pitch, Xu Yuan, a regular customer, arrived and ordered five pairs of gray and purple lenses. She has been wearing them for about 10 hours a day for the past year. "I didn't have an eye test (before wearing cosmetic lenses)," said the 20-year-old saleswoman, who also works in Mingzhu mall. "I think they are safe, as I haven't suffered any severe problems. If I feel uncomfortable, I just take them out and let my eyes have a rest for a day or two."