You may just be in your teens, a PYT in her twenties, or experiencing that all-too-familiar mid-life crisis, but with common vision defects, you really don’t want to look too geeky wearing thick glasses all day long.
And eyeglasses also pose a hindrance when you want to play a game of tennis, hit the gym, or even embark on a trek into the wilderness.
In such situations as flaunting stylish looks, engaging in intense sports and hiking activities, contact lenses are indeed your saviours!
Whether you are buying your first pair of contact lenses ever, or have been using them for as long as you can remember, some basic insights are essential, to ensuring sharp, crystal clear vision at all times.
In this 2-minute read, let us delve into the world of contact lenses, providing you with essential care tips to keep your eyes healthy while still enjoying the freedom to experiment with makeup.
What Are Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are ocular devices, i.e., optical or related to the eye, much like spectacles. But instead of covering the eyes superficially, lenses are worn directly, touching the eyeballs and encompassing the external visible portion of the eyes.
Contact lenses, often simply called contacts, are usually worn to correct for vision anomalies such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism, wherein the person faces difficulty focusing on objects that are nearby, or farther away, or both.
Coloured Contacts:
Some people do sport coloured contact lenses, which are merely for cosmetic purposes, to alter the natural colour of their eyes.
These beauty accessories do not support eyesight in any way, but are mainly worn to enhance the appearance of the eyes and are available in an array of colours such as hazel, green, brown, blue and purple.
Benefits Of Wearing Contact Lenses
Contact lenses provide numerous benefits, offering vision correction without the constraints of eyeglasses. They provide a natural field of vision, eliminate the inconvenience of fogging or reflections, and are ideal for active lifestyles. Contact lenses also come in various types, cater to different vision needs, and often enhance aesthetic appeal. Regular eye check-ups are essential for safe and effective use.
Makeup Tips For Contact Lens Users:
Oh, and don’t you worry. You can very well apply elaborate eye makeup even with your lenses on, by following these super-easy tips.
- Opt for oil-free makeup products, especially when it comes to eye makeup. Oil-based products can disrupt the surface of the contact lens, leading to discomfort and blurry vision.
- Apply a primer to your eyelids, as this helps to hold the eyeshadow and liner in place, shielding them from overflowing and entering the eyes.
- Select hypoallergenic eye shadows to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Cream or powder-based shadows are preferable over pencil or gel forms.
- When applying eye liner, steer clear of the edges, lower eyelids so it doesn’t leak into the eyes. Prefer eye pencils over gel-based formulations.
- Choose water-based mascaras to avoid clumping and flaking, reducing the risk of particles entering your eyes and causing irritation.
Note: If you wear eye makeup every day, then it is ideal to go for disposable contact lenses, which can be replaced daily, to safeguard the eyes from any bacterial contamination.
Eye Makeup Application Tips:
Avoid Applying Makeup on the Waterline:
Refrain from applying eyeliner or mascara to the waterline of your eyes, as this increases the likelihood of makeup particles coming into contact with your lenses.
Use Quality Brushes:
Invest in high-quality makeup brushes to reduce the risk of stray bristles coming into contact with your eyes and lenses.
Replace Makeup Regularly:
Makeup products, especially eye makeup, have expiration dates. Regularly replace your products to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause eye infections.
Hygiene Practices While Wearing Contact Lens:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses or applying makeup. This minimizes the risk of transferring bacteria to your eyes.
- Insert your contact lenses before applying makeup to prevent particles from makeup products from coming into contact with your lenses.
- Similarly, remove your contact lenses before removing your makeup. This ensures that makeup removers and cleansers don't come into contact with your lenses.
How To Care For Contact Lens On A Daily Basis?
- Adhere to your eye care professional's recommended schedule for contact lens wear. Daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses require specific care routines.
- Clean your lenses with the recommended cleaning solutions and never use saliva or tap water, as these can introduce harmful bacteria.
- Avoid touching your lenses with sharp or long fingernails, and handle them gently to prevent tears or damage.
- Schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist to ensure your prescription is up-to-date, and your eyes are healthy.
- During eye exams, discuss your makeup habits with your eye care professional to get personalized advice depending on your eye health.
Conclusion:
With a thoughtful approach to both contact lens care and makeup application, you can enjoy the benefits of clear vision and flaunt your favorite makeup looks without compromising eye health. Remember to prioritize hygiene, choose quality products, and maintain regular eye check-ups to ensure a seamless blend of eye care and makeup glam.
References:
- Contact Lenses - By Bharat Gurnani; Kirandeep Kaur.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580554/
- Innovation in contact lenses: basic research and clinical science - By Eric Papasa,*, James S. Wolffsohnb,**, Lyndon Jonesc,**
https://www.journalofoptometry.org/en-innovation-in-contact-lenses-basic-articulo-S1888429610700170
