I clicked on a few news links this week that explained a dangerous new trend in eyewear. We’re not talking glasses here but custom contacts that give eyes an Anime/Manga style.

These contacts are supposed to be unsafe, unsanitary and from what I’ve read you can only get them via the internet. Women of all ages are purchasing these things but its teens that are said to be hooked, changing them daily like earrings or handbags.

The fact that people are trying to alter their irises and pupils to look like cartoon characters is new to me. If it’s also new to you, the question you might be asking is… who came up with this idea?

Much of the media is pointing the finger at singer/entertainer Lady Gaga and the following video for “Bad Romance”. According to reports Lady Gaga’s Anime inspired look was digitally enhanced. We know better than to point fingers at any one person. So it goes in pop culture, life imitates art.

I’m a 40 year old housewife so its probably no surprise that I’m not wearing Anime Eyes while I type this up. I’ve never been one for eye enhancement beyond makeup. Even the trend towards longer, thicker, caterpillar-like lashes seems a bit wacky to me.

Remember the late 80’s, early 90’s when colored contacts were the big rage? I had friends that turned their deep brown eyes teal blue, and some went from light blue to saturated purple. The idea gave new meaning to the Crystal Gale song, “Don’t It Make my Brown Eyes Blue”.

Then there were the 8-ball, smiley face, planet earth contacts that thankfully went out of style quickly. Who knows what eye accessory will be in fashion in the next decade? Any ideas?

Instead of having Anime/Manga eyes, I’d rather draw them. Check out this video by Mark Crilley, creator of Miki Falls, teaching us How to Draw a Manga Eye via YouTube:

So what’s your take on Anime Eyes? Would you give them a look-see?