Korean circle lenses are known as cosmetic contact lenses too. They offer an opportunity for people who want to have a different eye color. There are so many pages and so many brands out there that sometimes it is difficult to keep track of all of them. Using contact lenses has risk, and you always want to be sure that you are using a good quality product. But how do I know if my contact lenses are safe?
The easiest way to know if your contact lenses are safe is by looking at the package and finding the appropriate certificates that deem them secure for your eyes. Someone out there took the time to actually test these lenses and they will let you know with some approved logos.
Contact lens certificates
Contact lenses were invented in Korea. Most of the colored contact lenses on the American and European markets come from Korea. At your optical shop, you can almost be sure that the lenses are made in Korea by manufacturers as Dueba, Geo, and Vassen. They supply most of the famous western contact lens brands and allow them to write their own brand on the contact lens boxes.
Korean certificates
Approval by the KFDA (Korean Food and drug admininstration) or the Korea Good Manufacturing Practice is the most common for contact lenses. You will find the letters KGMP or GMP in a little circle which means the contacts have been approved in Korea.
European certificates
ISO is the International Standards Organization and you will usually find it next to the CE marking (also known as CE mark). The later is a mandatory conformance mark on many products placed on the single market in the European Economic Area (EEA). The CE marking certifies that a product has met EU consumer safety, health or environmental requirements. It is the most renowned certificate in Europe. You will usually find them as the letters CE and the number 120 or 1023 underneath.
American certificates
USFDA is the US Food and drug administration certificate. This certificate is very difficult to get, only because it is more recent than other certificates and it takes several years to test one item to be approved by this body. Only a few brands have this certificate but do not be alarmed if you don’t find it in all of them.
Which contacts should I avoid?
In general I would just avoid wearing any contact lenses that come with no certificates or seals of approval. Some Chinese sellers in particular may sell you cheap lenses that have not been certified or approved by any bodies as the government and the law about these items is not as strong over there. However, Korean lenses tend to have the most trusted brands.
I have seen lens stores selling through Facebook , I personally wouldn’t trust this whithout double checking the items. I would avoid random sellers or very cheap offers and stick to trusted contact lens shops. For example, my trusted shop is Uniqso. They have a huge variety of lenses and their lenses are all certified and from trusted brands. I have many lenses reviews for many of their products and they always arrive super quick. Also, you can get a 10% off their products when you use the code ALICECOS. There are other big lenses shops like Pinky Paradise or Lens Village and their products are guaranteed and certified as well.
Also, do not forget to use the lenses properly. Keeping a good maintenance is crucial. Check they are not off and take them out inmediately if something feels wrong with them! Do not risk your eyes! Read my contact lens FAQs if you still have questions.
List of brands and certificates
I took the effort to go through a bunch of cosplay lens pages and check the certificates for the lenses. This list was last updated to the best of my knowledge on September 2019. Please double check with the sources to make sure the information is up to date! Also, if you don’t see your contact lens brand here it doesn’t mean that they don’t have the right certificate, I may not know the brand yet! Some brands like Vassen or Dueba will sell under different names. Also, most blisters will come with the certificates printed on them, but some come in the box. Make sure to ask your supplier if in doubt or research the brand you have purchased.
Most common brands and their certificates
| GEO Medical | US FDA, ISO, CE, Health Canada, Russian GOST-R, KGMP, KFDA, Taiwan FDA, Hong Kong MDACS, Vietnam VFA |
| Interojo | US FDA, ISO, CE, Health Canada, Russian GOST-R, KGMP, KFDA, China CFDA, Japan MHLW |
| NEO Vision | US FDA, ISO, CE, Russian GOST-R, KGMP, KFDA, China CFDA, Hong Kong MDACS |
| ColourVue | ISO, CE, Singapore HSA, Australian TGA, Canadian CAMCAS |
| Vassen | ISO, CE, KFDA, KGMP |
| G&G/Dueba/Barbie | ISO, CE, KFDA, KGMP |
| EOS | ISO, CE, KFDA, KGMP, Saudi Arabia MDMA, Brazil ANVISA, Russian GOST-R |
| Urban Layer | ISO, CE, KFDA, KGMP |
| Royal Vision | ISO, CE, KFDA, KGMP |
| Sweety | ISO, CE, KGMP |
| PIA (Lilmoon, Lucia) | Japan MHLW |
| SEED | Japan MHLW, ISO, CE |
If you want to know more about contact lenses you can read my articles about my first contact lenses or how to choose your contact lenses. Always make sure to follow the instructions of the seller and take care of your contact lenses. I hope you found this information useful.
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