Makeup, false eyelashes, and contact lenses have become an essential part of beauty routines. While each can enhance one’s appearance, combining these elements can introduce ocular complications and serious adverse events. Understanding these risks and taking preventive measures is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision.
The importance of hygiene
If you wear contact lenses, you must strictly adhere to the recommended hygiene practices to prevent infections. Wearing makeup or applying it incorrectly around your eyes can lead to complications. Makeup particles can easily get trapped between the contact lens and the eye or adhere to the lens resulting in irritation and an increased risk of conjunctivitis and keratitis.
To reduce these risks, always wash your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses or applying makeup. Use clean, dry hands to insert and remove contact lenses, and avoid touching your eyes or lenses with makeup-contaminated fingers.
This is crucial in preventing the transfer of bacteria and other pathogens to the eye and preventing smudges on your contact lenses. In addition, always clean your false eyelashes according to the advice of your lash technician. Many types of cleansers exist and should be used every 2-3 days.
Choosing the right products
Oil-based or waterproof makeup can adhere to newer silicone-based lenses, causing blurred vision and discomfort. Additionally, some makeup products contain ingredients that can irritate the eyes or cause allergic reactions, especially when they come into direct contact with the lenses.
- Consider makeup products that are specifically designed by eye doctors for contact lens wearers and those who suffer with dry eye.
- Avoid using glittery or shimmery eyeshadows because particles can easily fall into the eye and become trapped under the contact lens, causing significant discomfort and may even cause an abrasion to the cornea.
- Avoid eyelashes applied with glues containing formaldehyde.
Application techniques
Always insert your contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid transferring makeup onto the lenses. When applying eyeliner, opt for a pencil or gel formula rather than a liquid one, as liquid eyeliners are more likely to flake off into the eye.
Apply eyeliner on the outer lash line rather than the inner rim to prevent particles from coming into direct contact with the lens. Always apply your makeup in front of the waterline. Moisturizer applied beyond the waterline can result in blurry vision.
Avoid applying mascara too close to the base of the lashes. These products can clog the meibomian glands along the base of the eyelashes leading to long-term dry eye problems.
Removal techniques
Makeup residue left on your eyes overnight can irritate and increase the risk of infection. Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover that is safe for contact lens wearers. Lid scrubs, such as Ocusoft, are beneficial to use each night. The scrubs clean bacteria from the lid and eyelashes, and are often recommended for those with ocular rosacea, blepharitis, a history of styes, and dry eye disease.
Risk of eye infections
Eye infections are a significant risk for contact lens wearers who wear makeup. Makeup applicators and products can harbor bacteria and fungi, which can be transferred to the eye. The warm, moist environment of the eye is a breeding ground for these pathogens, leading to infections such as conjunctivitis and keratitis.
Conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens.
Symptoms include redness, itching, and discharge from the eye. Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea and is usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections. It can cause severe pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Contact lens wearers who sleep in their lenses are very susceptible to keratitis.
It is recommended to replace makeup products regularly, every three to six months, and avoid sharing makeup with others. Cleaning makeup brushes and applicators frequently can prevent bacteria growth.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to makeup products or false eyelashes can be particularly problematic for contact lens wearers. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include redness, itching, swelling, and watery eyes. These reactions can be exacerbated by the presence of contact lenses, which can trap allergens against the eye. Choose hypoallergenic makeup products that are free from common allergens such as fragrances and dyes.
One of the most common complications of false eyelashes is an allergic reaction. These reactions can be triggered by the adhesive used to apply the lashes or the materials used in the lashes themselves. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to false eyelashes can include redness, swelling, itching, and watery eyes.
Dry eyes
Contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes by altering the blink rate and the balance of the components of the tear film. Lens wearers do not blink as often as they should or may have incomplete blinks. The use of eye makeup, particularly heavy or waterproof products, can further exacerbate this issue by blocking the oil glands along the edge of the eyelids, leading to decreased tear production and evaporation. An imbalanced oil component to the tear film is the number one reason for dry eye.
To prevent dry eyes, use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable, especially if you spend long hours in front of a computer screen or an environment with low humidity. Some patients may need more extensive dry eye therapies.
Contact lens care
Proper contact lens care is essential to prevent complications. Contact lenses should be rinsed with a multipurpose solution and rubbed with your finger according to the manufacturer’s’ instructions prior to storing for the night. Use a fresh lens case every three months and clean it regularly with a solution recommended by your eye doctor. Always dump the previous days solution, clean the case with soap and hot water, and let it air dry.
Never use water or saliva to clean your lenses, as these can introduce bacteria and other pathogens. Pathogens found in water can embed and growth within the lens and can cause infections that lead to blindness. If you wear daily disposable lenses, make sure to throw them at the end of the day and use a new pair the next morning.
Damage to natural lashes
Frequent use of false eyelashes can cause damage to your natural lashes. The adhesive used to apply the lashes can weaken your natural lashes over time, leading to breakage or loss. Limit the use of false eyelashes to special occasions rather than daily wear. Using a lash serum or conditioning treatment can also help maintain the health and strength of your natural lashes.
Irritation and discomfort
False eyelashes can cause irritation and discomfort, especially if not applied correctly. Poorly fitted lashes can poke the eye or rub against the eyelid, leading to irritation and a sensation of something being in the eye. Early studies show that individuals with false eyelashes may not blink as frequently or may have an incomplete blink resulting in dry eye.
Conclusion
While makeup, false eyelashes and contact lenses can enhance your appearance, combining the three requires careful hygiene and adherence to best practices to avoid complications.
Proper hygiene, choosing the right products, and following correct application and care techniques are essential for maintaining eye health.
Common complications include eye irritation, bacterial infections, and allergic reactions due to contact lens wear or alterations to the ocular surface. By prioritizing eye health, you can enjoy the benefits of makeup and contact lens wear without compromising your ocular health and vision.
