For those who use contacts a number of guidelines should be followed when using cosmetics. Here are some pointers for how to make sure your eyes remain lovely and safe.
Buying Cosmetics
To start, we strongly suggest that you use only products that are oil free and fragrance free. Further, to prevent flaking and smearing, which could result in irritating your lenses, buy waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Lastly it's important to replace makeup used around your eyes frequently - it is preferable to replace mascara monthly, liners after 3 months and eye shadows every six months.
How to Safely Apply Cosmetics
Always be careful to rinse your hands thoroughly prior to inserting your lenses. Put on all eye makeup gently so you don't touch your contacts. Try not to apply a brush or liner to the inside eye lid and start mascara at the midpoint of the lashes instead of the base. Never use someone else’s makeup or apply if the eyes are red or infected.
It's also very important to remove eye makeup daily with a hypoallergenic, oil-free cleanser. It's advised to remove contacts before cleaning off makeup.
Taking proper care in applying cosmetics during contact use can prevent irritated, itchy or inflamed eyes as well as scratches, breaks or breakdown of lenses.
When your eyes are red or irritated don't put on makeup. Feel free to call your eye doctor if you have any redness, discomfort, or irritation. Our Long Beach, CA optometrist will be glad to assist you with any contact problems that are troubling you.
The office is closed for lunch between 1PM to 2PM on WEEKDAYS.