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Contact Lens Patient Instruction Review
COSMETICS AND YOUR CONTACT LENSES
To maintain success in wearing contact lenses, here are some
makeup tips to follow.
Contacts should always be put on before applying any cosmetics. It
is crucial that your hands have been washed with an oil-free soap
that will not coat your lenses. Soft lenses will absorb oil, dirt, and
cosmetics and can cause eye irritation. These same things will coat
a rigid lens creating blur and discomfort.
The removal of eye and face makeup is equally important. Be sure
to remove your lenses first if your are a daily wearer. Use a water
based remover and apply it with a non-fibrous pad (sponge, makeup
squares, etc). Rinse thoroughly with water. When applying your
makeup, you may correct minor errors with a drop of remover on a
cotton swab.
MASCARA: Use a water based but water-resistant brand that is
designed for sensitive eyes. Apply it to the tips of the lashes and
allow layers to dry prior to reapplying. Two thin coats are preferable
to one thick coat as you will have less flaking and irritation. Replace
your mascara at least every three months to insure sterility and
never share.
EYELINER: Use a soft pencil type rather than a liquid or powdered
version which will flake off. Be sure to apply it only outside the lash
line on both lids to prevent blocking the glands that line your
eyelids. Replace it every three months.
EYE SHADOW: Use a pressed powder rather than liquid or creme
products which have an oily base and are hard to remove from the
contacts. Never use pearlized or frosted types which contain tinsel, a
rust forming ingredient which will stain your lenses. Apply the
shadow with a sponge wedge rather than a brush to control the
particles better.
OTHER MAKEUP PRODUCTS: Look for hypo-allergenic products and
avoid all oily, creamy items. Water based versions of all makeup
formulations are available. Many companies specialize in this sort
of cosmetic (Almay, Clinique, Allercreme, etc.) As many women are
allergic to fragrance ingredients, look for unscented versions of your
favorite products.
OTHER BEAUTY AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS: Aerosol products such as
hairspray, deodorant, cologne, etc., should be used before lens
insertion. If you must use hairspray with your lenses on, be sure to
keep your eyes closed and immediately walk out of the area as the
spray remains in the air for a prolonged period.
Apply and remove nail polish after handling your lenses.
If, despite all precautions, you get something in your eye while
applying makeup, rinse your eye with your lens lubricant or saline. If
irritation persists, remove the lens and clean thoroughly. Still a
problem? Remove the lens and call the office for further instructions.
DO NOT EVER:
makeup tips to follow.
Contacts should always be put on before applying any cosmetics. It
is crucial that your hands have been washed with an oil-free soap
that will not coat your lenses. Soft lenses will absorb oil, dirt, and
cosmetics and can cause eye irritation. These same things will coat
a rigid lens creating blur and discomfort.
The removal of eye and face makeup is equally important. Be sure
to remove your lenses first if your are a daily wearer. Use a water
based remover and apply it with a non-fibrous pad (sponge, makeup
squares, etc). Rinse thoroughly with water. When applying your
makeup, you may correct minor errors with a drop of remover on a
cotton swab.
MASCARA: Use a water based but water-resistant brand that is
designed for sensitive eyes. Apply it to the tips of the lashes and
allow layers to dry prior to reapplying. Two thin coats are preferable
to one thick coat as you will have less flaking and irritation. Replace
your mascara at least every three months to insure sterility and
never share.
EYELINER: Use a soft pencil type rather than a liquid or powdered
version which will flake off. Be sure to apply it only outside the lash
line on both lids to prevent blocking the glands that line your
eyelids. Replace it every three months.
EYE SHADOW: Use a pressed powder rather than liquid or creme
products which have an oily base and are hard to remove from the
contacts. Never use pearlized or frosted types which contain tinsel, a
rust forming ingredient which will stain your lenses. Apply the
shadow with a sponge wedge rather than a brush to control the
particles better.
OTHER MAKEUP PRODUCTS: Look for hypo-allergenic products and
avoid all oily, creamy items. Water based versions of all makeup
formulations are available. Many companies specialize in this sort
of cosmetic (Almay, Clinique, Allercreme, etc.) As many women are
allergic to fragrance ingredients, look for unscented versions of your
favorite products.
OTHER BEAUTY AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS: Aerosol products such as
hairspray, deodorant, cologne, etc., should be used before lens
insertion. If you must use hairspray with your lenses on, be sure to
keep your eyes closed and immediately walk out of the area as the
spray remains in the air for a prolonged period.
Apply and remove nail polish after handling your lenses.
If, despite all precautions, you get something in your eye while
applying makeup, rinse your eye with your lens lubricant or saline. If
irritation persists, remove the lens and clean thoroughly. Still a
problem? Remove the lens and call the office for further instructions.
DO NOT EVER:
- Share makeup products.
- Apply cosmetics to red, swollen eyes.
- Expose cosmetics to high heat.
- Reuse applicators for mascara or eyeliner.
- Use saliva or tap water to "stretch" items.
- Apply eye makeup while in a moving vehicle - you could
accidentally injure your eye. - Use a straight pin to separate your eyelashes. You could injure
the cornea. - Try more than one new product at a time if you are prone to
allergies. Read the labels and avoid those containing
thimerosal, lanolin, and fragrances.
