Contact lenses and cosmetics are part of many people’s daily routines. However, combining them can sometimes lead to problems like eye infections and irritation. According to a research article published in Heliyon, 35% of contact lens wearers had a history of eye infections, including keratitis, conjunctivitis, and blepharitis. The study ruled that common causes leading to infections involved skipping annual eye check-ups, wearing contacts in water, exceeding the recommended planned replacement of contacts and storage cases, and applying cosmetics like eye makeup.
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between vision correction or using cosmetics; there are ways to enjoy both without endangering your eye health. Here are four essential tips for safer contact lens wear when using cosmetic products.
Wash your hands first
Hand-washing may seem like an obvious step, but a survey conducted by the Centre for Ocular Research & Education among 2,000 contact lens users revealed that one-third of respondents do not wash their hands before inserting contact lenses. Professor Philip Morgan, head of optometry at the University of Manchester, stresses that when we wear lenses, there is increased direct contact between our eyes and fingers. This can transfer microorganisms from the hands to the cornea and lead to eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. The key to avoiding this is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before putting on or removing contact lenses. Professor Morgan adds that you should make sure your hands are completely dry as tap water contains bacteria that can damage the eyes.
Use daily disposables
Switching to daily disposable contact lenses can be a game-changer for skincare enthusiasts and makeup wearers. Unlike reusable lenses, dailies are discarded and replaced after each use. This means that there’s less opportunity for cosmetic products to build up on the lenses, decreasing the chances of infection. One study even found that those who wear reusable contact lenses are nearly four times as likely as those wearing daily disposables to develop a rare sight-threatening eye infection. Whether you’re short or long-sighted, you can easily find the right pair of daily contact lenses online. Lenstore is one that carries a variety of daily lenses, including Dailies AquaComfort Plus with blink-activated technology for all-day comfort, as well as 1 Day Acuvue Moist for those with astigmatism.
Avoid products with active ingredients
Certain skincare products contain active ingredients such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or salicylic acids, which can irritate the eyes and damage contact lenses. These ingredients are beneficial for skin health but can cause discomfort and increase the risk of eye infections if they come into contact with your lenses. That’s why we always put cautions on all of our products to avoid contact with your eyes. For instance, if you’re struggling with adult acne or rosacea and are using our ProSkin Rosacea cream, be mindful that it contains salicylic acid. As such, this cream must be applied after you’ve removed your contact lenses. Better yet, apply it during your nighttime regimen to avoid any accidental transfer.
Keep lens cases out of makeup bags
Although storing your contact lens case in your makeup bag might seem convenient, it poses several risks. Makeup bags harbour bacteria and makeup residue that can contaminate your lens case and, subsequently, your lenses. In fact, research shows that nine out of 10 used makeup products are contaminated with bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungus. So, instead, store your contact lenses in a clean, dry area away from your makeup. Ensure that you regularly clean your case with a sterile solution like the Opti-Free Replenish Solution, and replace the case every three months to maintain optimal hygiene.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses and cosmetic products without compromising your eye health.
