Cosmetics are popular amid both eyeglass and contact lens wearers today. However, makeup can present a special set of risks and challenges for those with corrective optical needs. Here’s a quick look at the potential hazards to the eyes, and how to properly wear makeup if you wear glasses or contacts.
Avoid Touching the Eyes with Unclean Hands
If you must touch your eyes when applying makeup, be sure to wash the hands or wear hygienic gloves. The fingers and hands—and especially the nails—are exposed to countless bacteria that can easily transfer into the eyes.
Never Share Cosmetics or Use Expired Makeup
Yes, cosmetics can be rather expensive, which can make keeping them beyond the expiration date rather tempting.
Keep in mind that bacteria love dark environments such as lipstick tubes and mascara bottles and sharing makeup can result in a lot of infection transference for them to thrive on.
Never borrow or loan used makeup and toss old cosmetics out and keep brushes and sponges sanitized to avoid not only eye infections but other skin problems, too.
Use Care When Applying Makeup
Eyeliner, foundation and that seemingly impossible to apply mascara can result in a few mishaps resulting in makeup or applicators touching the sensitive parts of the eye.
If you’ll notice, most cosmetic products recommend avoiding the eye area—even makeup removers—so heed their warning to prevent infection and irritation.
Cease Using Eye Makeup if Infection Signs Arise
Any signs of redness, itchiness or excessive eye fluid might indicate an infection. Stop using cosmetics immediately and see an optical professional for a diagnosis. If an infection is detected, you should discard any cosmetics utilized just before or during exposure to the culprit to prevent reinfection.
Talk to Your Optical Care Provider About Cosmetic Safety
Eye doctors are used to seeing individuals with eye infections and ocular issues sourced by the use of cosmetics. Be sure to seek their counsel concerning what type of products to avoid and which are safe for your particular eye condition and the type of corrective efforts you utilize. Their advice is likely to vary depending on whether you wear contact lenses, glasses or both.
