Circle Lenses are special contact lenses that are designed to make the wearer’s irises appear larger, creating a doe-eyed, anime-like appearance. Many in the western world first became acquainted with them when the NYTimes and The Inquisitr recently ran pieces warning consumers of their potential dangers.
The fact of the matter is, Circle Lenses have been around in Asia for years now and are just as safe as regular contact lenses (provided that you purchase them from a reputable dealer). Just as long as you take care to clean and store them properly, do not wear them for extended periods of time, never wear them past their expiration dates, do not share them with friends, and wear the correct prescription strength (if needed) — which are all precautions you must take with regular contact lenses — they are perfectly safe.
I had dying to try them for a long time before the Times and Inquisitr articles ran, so seeing them in print made me take the leap.
After doing some research on popular brands and reputable dealers, I placed an order for Magic Color Geo Fresh Brown lenses for $15.99 ($19.49 with shipping) from TokioShine, taking care to get my prescription strength correct. They arrived in true Asian fashion, complete with a pink Hello Kitty contact lens case.
Here are my before and after shots, taken with my webcam because I’m not skilled enough to take self-portraits on my DSLR.
Before:
After:
The lenses are pretty comfortable and I didn’t have a problem with them at all. I would say that they seem to be slightly more flimsy (and by that, I mean more thin and flexible) than my regular contacts, but this is expected of all disposable contacts.
You wouldn’t be able to notice that I’m wearing contacts at first glance. However, if you peer at my eyes closely, you can definitely tell. If you want a clear picture of what the Geo Fresh Brown lenses look like, take a look at the first picture here.
My verdict? I personally wouldn’t use them for everyday wear, but I would definitely try them for a night out. I wouldn’t try different colors or crazy patterns because that’s just my personal preference, but they are widely available and I can see the appeal.
Have you, or would you ever try Circle Lenses?
I like books, gadgets, spicy food, and art. I dislike shopping, hot weather, and the laws of entropy. Although I am a self-proclaimed computer nerd, I still have a love for handbags and makeup... and I am always teetering on high heels. To learn more about me, visit the 
I think you look more beautiful without the lens. The huge iris between slit like eye lids looks a little creepy actually
@J — I’m sure you didn’t mean it this way, but I ask that in the future, you be a little more sensitive when describing the shape of Asian eyes…"slit like" is not very flattering and is considered offensive by many Asians.
I am really sorry. I would like to modify the comment if possible. Again I apologize to you and any Asian readers I might have offended.
I just mean to say that your eyes look perfectly beautiful the way they are. As with most other Asians.
@J — No problem. Like I said in my first comment, I’m sure you didn’t mean it in an offensive way.
Eeeeeeeeeek! Did you have them fit by an eye doctor? I can’t tell you how many horrible horrible things I’ve seen with poorly fitted contact lenses… PLEASE take care of your eyes! (Any lenses sold online-or elsewhere- without a prescription in the US are illegal 🙁 )
@E — I’ve been ordering my own contacts via 1800Contacts for years now, so I know my base curve and diameter. I emailed the company ahead of time to check these measurements prior to ordering.
thanks for posting this! i had a pair of circle lenses in the past and i loved them. never had any problems with them. but, when i tried to buy another pair, the site that i used before had shut down. now i can buy another pair. thanks again!
ps – i love your reviews and the droid apps you post. =)
i’ve been wearing these circle lens for a few years. they’re real popular/common in hk. but i only wear them on weekends. don’t wanna look like a "big eye doll" at work at all @,@""
Some of the photos I’ve seen of the circle lenses just look creepy. On you…I could tell the difference upon closer inspection, but don’t think it’s a major. Personally, I wouldn’t spend extra money on them. I’m not sure other people would actually even notice much of the time. I guess if it’s a confidence booster and YOU feel good, why not?
You’re so pretty! Though I agree; your eyes are lovely with out them.
i actually think that you look more pretty with the circle lenses (although maybe only for certain looks, while with other outfits you may look better without them) but i don’t think that is the case with many people.
No i understand why girls in korea look different than they did 10 years ago. But i thought that many looked better 10 years ago– a more natural look.
In my opinion, colored contact lenses enhance the personality of a person, it does for you too. You are looking beautiful with those colored contacts and the color suits you. But try grey sometime, it would look stunning on you.