Celebrity-inspired cosmetic lenses spark post-Halloween eye infection warnings in Korea

Han Ye-seul / Captured from Han's social media

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com.

Even after Halloween has come and gone, the health risks from trendy cosmetic contact lenses — often worn to complete costumes or imitate celebrity looks — remain a growing concern among eye experts.

Korean stars such as Han Ye-seul and Suzy have helped popularize cosmetic lenses, which change the color or size of the iris for dramatic effect. Their use has spread rapidly through advertisements, fashion shoots, and social media. Fans often nickname their favorite versions after celebrities, such as “Suzy lenses.”

But ophthalmologists are warning that the global surge in demand fueled by Halloween and online challenges among teens and young adults has also led to a rise in eye infections. The Conversation, an Australian nonprofit outlet, reported that colored and novelty lenses are now being sold widely through online marketplaces and social media platforms, with styles running from colored irises to cat-eye designs to ones that cover the entire eyeball.

Professor Neri Garcia Porta from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain said in The Conversation that cosmetic lenses can cause keratitis, ulcers and even blindness, and urged consumers to exercise extreme caution.

Serious side effects reported in Korea and abroad

Porta's warnings are not exaggerated. A 2018 Korean study titled “Serious complications of cosmetic contact lenses in Korea” analyzed 25 patients who experienced complications after wearing cosmetic lenses. Some suffered permanent vision loss or corneal opacity, while others required corneal transplants. In severe cases when the central cornea was damaged, vision could not be restored.

Prolonged use of “circle lenses,” a type of cosmetic lens designed to enlarge the appearance of the iris, has been linked to corneal neovascularization — the growth of new blood vessels that can cause visual impairment. In some cases, patients planning to undergo LASIK surgery have been deemed ineligible due to corneal damage from cosmetic lens use.

Experts advise wearing these lenses only on special occasions and for no longer than eight hours per day.

Booming market fueled by celebrity influence

Korea’s cosmetic lens market was valued at about 720 billion won (around 520 million dollars) in 2024, with an annual growth rate of three to five percent. The trend continues to expand thanks to K-pop idols, actors and social media challenges that encourage fans to mimic celebrity eye looks.

Actress Han Ye-seul reportedly uses Bausch + Lomb’s Naturelle Pure Black lenses for a deep, defined gaze, while Lee Min-jung popularized the Acuvue Define Vivid Style, nicknamed the “Lee Min-jung lens” for its natural brightness. Singer and actor Suzy often wears brown or gray tones to enhance her soft image, while Krystal Jung uses lenses to create an urban, chic aura in photo shoots. Actress Jun Ji-hyun has also favored the Bausch + Lomb Naturelle series for her clear, luminous eyes.

However, ophthalmologists warn that these lenses are often distributed online without professional oversight. Many are sold through retailers who do not provide sufficient information about hygiene or safe handling. Colored lenses in particular can strain the cornea, as they are thicker and less oxygen-permeable than standard corrective lenses.

A study published in the Annals of Optometry and Contact Lens found that contact lens wearers face up to 80 times higher risk of developing keratitis compared to non-wearers.

Government and experts call for tighter safety rules

Medical experts stress that wearing contact lenses is not a fashion choice, but a medical act. Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare recently proposed legislation classifying cosmetic contact lenses as medical devices, requiring warning labels and recommending eye examinations at the point of sale.

The Korean Ophthalmological Society also said, “Cosmetic lenses should be managed at the same level as medical devices, and stronger user education and regulations are urgently needed.”

Before using lenses, specialists advise thoroughly washing hands, cleaning and storing lenses properly, and visiting an ophthalmologist immediately if any discomfort occurs. Above all, they warn that people should not follow celebrity trends blindly — protecting one's vision must always come before fashion.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.