News in brief

Dispensing optician Gordon Ayling, manager of D Glick opticians in Wickford, Essex, has issued a pubic warning to steer clear of a drinking game called vodka eyeballing (News 28.5.10).

Ayling told the Essex Echo newspaper that 'a girl in her early 20s came in after trying it and we had to direct her straight to Southend Hospital'. Optometrist Derek Glick described some of the possible effects of the fad: 'There could be ongoing pain and an aversion to light, and perhaps the need for a corneal transplant from a donor eye.'

Extra large cosmetic contact lenses that make eyes appear larger because they cover part of the sclera, not just the iris, have been popularised by Lady Gaga in her Bad Romance music video (above). Gaga's eyes were probably computer generated, but many American girls seeking a similar look have ordered contact lenses online from Asia without a prescription according to the New York Times. Concerns were also raised about whether the lenses prevent oxygen reaching the eyes.