Many blind to the risks of contact lenses

By Yang Wanli | China Daily | Updated: 2012-02-22 08:15

Many blind to the risks of contact lenses
Concerns over the quality and safety of contact lenses are growing as they become increasingly popular. [Wang Jing / China Daily]

A female customer tries out a cosmetic contact lens at a store in Chaoyang district, Beijing. The lenses, which can entirely change the color of the wearer's eyes, have been popular among young Chinese people for several years. However, the quality of the products varies radically. Pairs are available online for just 28 yuan. [Wang Jing / China Daily]

Many blind to the risks of contact lenses
Above: Cosmetic lenses, such as this one, have been reclassified as "medical apparatus" and will soon be regulated by the State Food and Drug Administration.

Left: A display of some varieties of contact lenses on the market at an industry expo in Beijing in 2010. Provided to China Daily

Many blind to the risks of contact lenses

Substandard products can pose a serious threat to customers' sight, experts tell Yang Wanli in Beijing.

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.