Cosmetic Safety for Contact Lens Wearers

Misusing cosmetics when you wear contacts can lead to problems, including:

• Deposits on the lens.
• Eye irritation.
• Allergies.
• Injury.
• Infection.
• Dryness.

There are steps you can take for safely choosing, applying, and wearing cosmetics when you wear contact lenses. These steps will help protect your eyes and provide for long-term, problem-free contact lens wear.

• Choose unscented, hypoallergenic cosmetics made by a well-known brand name that you trust.
• Wash your hands before putting in or taking out your contact lenses.
• Don't borrow or lend your cosmetics to others.
• Keep false eyelash glue, nail polish and remover, and perfume and cologne away from contacts. They can damage the lenses.
• Wash all makeup brushes often.
• Take lenses out before removing makeup.
• Don't use hand creams or lotions before handling contacts because they can leave a film on the lenses.
• Apply makeup after inserting the contact lenses.
• Don't reuse your old mascara applicator with refills.
• Don't use frosted, pearlized, shiny, or other glittery types of eye shadow. These flake and are common causes of eye irritation and infection in people who wear contacts.
• Don't apply eyeliner to the inner edge of the lid or above the lash line on the lower lid.
• Don't use loose powder on the face.
• Don't apply creams too close to the eyes.
• Never apply eye makeup while in motion or while driving.
• Don't use water or saliva to wet applicator or thin cosmetics.
• Don't apply cosmetics if your eyes are red, swollen, or infected. Talk with your ophthalmologist or optometrist if symptoms continue.