» Adult Vision & Eye CareKeep Eyes Healthy and BeautifulUse Eye Cosmetics and Contact Lenses Correctly
The
cosmetics and personal care products industry generates more than $250
billion globally. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) monitors many of these products for safety, consumers need to
make sure they are using products correctly to help protect
themselves.
Improper use of eye cosmetics can lead to
eye infections, irritations and corneal injuries. Prevent
Blindness Mid-Atlantic is using April’s Women’s Eye Health and Safety
Awareness Month as an opportunity to offer free tips to the public on
the safe use of eye cosmetics. And, contact lens wearers should take
extra precautions as cosmetics are a common source of eye problems for
contact lens users.
“From adolescents beginning to experiment
with makeup to adults who wear it daily, we want to get everyone in the
habit of applying cosmetics in a safe way to avoid painful eye
injuries,” said Tim Gresham, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness
Mid-Atlantic. “All healthy eyes are beautiful!”
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic advises cosmetic users of all ages to:
- Never use makeup testers in stores or share eye makeup with others.
- Dispose of eye cosmetics three months after they are purchased, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
- Always apply makeup outside the lash line to avoid contact with the eye.
- Never
store cosmetics in extreme heat or cold conditions (such as a car), as
this can break down preservatives, allowing bacteria to grow.
- Never apply makeup while driving or riding in a moving vehicle.
- Never
apply eye cosmetics if eyes are already red, swollen, or if you have
recently undergone eye surgery until an eye doctor has given permission.
- Do
not dye eyelashes or eyebrows. No color additives have been
approved by the FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes or
eyebrows.
Whether
contact lenses are used for vision correction or simply to change the
appearance of eye color, they should never be considered merely
cosmetic. In fact, in 2005, the FDA stated that all contact
lenses are considered medical devices and therefore can only be used
under the direction of an eye care professional.
Contact lens users should:
- Visit a licensed eye care professional to be fitted for contact lenses.
- Use pressed eye shadows in conjunction with an eye shadow base to help makeup stay in place.
- Always insert contact lenses before applying makeup and remove them before taking makeup off.
- Never share or trade contact lenses with others.
- Before handling contact lenses, wash hands with soap and water, then rinse and dry them with a lint-free towel.
- Minimize contact with water, including removing lenses before going swimming or in a hot tub.
- Contact lens cases should always be cleaned with fresh solution – not water. Leave the empty case open to air dry.
- Do not use cracked or damaged lens cases. Lens cases can be a source of contamination and infection.
- Keep the contact lens case clean and replace it regularly, at least every three months.
» What You Might Not Know...
About Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic is the only local
volunteer-based nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to
preserve sight and prevent blindness. The primary means of
accomplishing our mission since 1957 is through vision screenings
for both children and adults, providing support groups for seniors,
and supplying public and professional education and information. For
more information, or to contribute to the sight-saving fund, call
toll-free, (888) 790-2020, ext. "0." We also gratefully accept online donations
here at this web site!
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