Makeup tips for contact lens wearers

Have you been recently detected with a vision prescription and are now worried about applying make-up? Or are you someone who’s been a long-time contact lens wearer, but worry about ruining your makeup, and even your eyes? Let’s bring an end to your agony.

Eye redness, itching and watering are some of the problems that contact lens wearers are quite familiar with and hence experts like Bausch & Lomb India's key opinion leader Proffesor Monica Chaudhry and andPremvardhan, Regional medical director, Eye-Q super specialty eye hospitals suggest tips that comes in handy the next time you want to apply makeup while wearing your contact lenses.

Always put you lenses in first: As a thumb rule, it is advised to always wear your contact lenses before you begin with your make-up ritual. This minimizes the chances of makeup getting on the contact lens and reduces the probability of your eyes catching any infection.

Clean make-up tools: It is advised to clean the make-up tools before applying makeup considering dust and dirt tends to clog the makeup brushes when used continuously. This step is especially vital when you are wearing contact lenses. You can immerse the makeup tools in hot water mixed with some gentle baby shampoo.

Clean your lenses too: If you are not using a Daily Disposable Contact lens which are made to be use and throw, you require cleaning your lenses after each use with approved contact lens care solution. You should follow your eye care practitioner's recommendation for the choice of solution. Bausch + Lomb's Biotrue Solution is effective for all types of Soft contact lenses.

Use oil-free and waterproof mascara: Opting for waterproof and oil-free mascara while wearing contact lenses is a better option, since using mascaras with strong oil-based substances can cause it to flake, and enter the eyes or bind with the contact lens thus causing irritation and watering eyes and ultimately ruining your make-up.

Use cream-based eye shadows: Instead of going for powder or glitter eyes shadows which may allow excess powder inside eyes, opt for cream-based eye shadows that won't smudge around your eyes.

Be careful with your waterline: It is usually advised to refrain from applying kajal or liner on your waterline, if you wear contact lenses. However, if you must, then invest in a kajal pencil that is most importantly smudge-proof and sharpened, in order to avoid getting any of it on your lenses.

Do’s and don’ts of contact lens wearers

Many people new to contact lenses, and even some experienced wearers, have practical questions about contacts. Bausch + Lomb brings to you the expert opinion of Dr Murali KrishnamacharyAasuri from Sulochana Eye Centre, Hyderabad on what to do, and what not to do, when wearing contacts.

• Do keep hands clean: Always wash your hands before putting on or taking out your contacts since our hands can be germs-laden
• Do wash your lenses and case properly: Never rinse your contacts with water, contact lenses should be always cleaned with a contact lens solution
• Do replace your contact lenses timely: Wearing contact lenses beyond the recommended time can lead to unhealthy eyes and discomfort. Major players like Bausch and Lomb have a wide range of contact lenses, ranging from traditional yearly lenses to monthly lenses and are now moving towards daily-use lenses.
• Don’t “top off” contact lens solution. Always use fresh contact lens solution when you’re storing your contacts overnight. Adding new solution to old solution has been linked to causing painful eye infections that are difficult to treat.
• Don’t sleep with your contacts on: It’s an absolute no to sleeping in contact lenses because it’s a period of decreased oxygen flow to the eyes. In case you have specific requirements you should consult with your Eye Care practitioner.
• Don’t ignore the warning signs of infection: As a thumb rule, if you are experiencing pain, redness, blurriness or light sensitivity, you must remove your lenses and see you Eye Care Practitioner.