There are many new and seasoned contact lens wearers that have a few practical questions or things they are not clear about. The tips below should help clear up a lot of the confusion which is out there regardless of what brand you wear.
Is the lens inside out?
Many people who are new have this question. They are not sure if their lens is inside out or right way out. The problem is that the difference if any can be subtle, so before you place a lens on your eye ensure that it looks like a half ball and not really a soup bowl that has a rim. Place the contact lens on your finger so that it forms a cup. Then hold it up directly right in front of your eye so that you’re looking straight at the sides of the cup. If you see that it forms a “U” with the ridges on top flared out slightly then it’s inside out. But if it forms only a “U”, then the position is right.
If you have a tinted lens, put the lens on your finger tip and then look down into it. The edges of the lens will look very blue or they may be green mainly depending on the tint but this will not be the case if it is inverted.
There are some lenses that also have laser markings like the brand name printed on the edge which is intended to help you. So if it can be read properly then the lens is the right side out. If you place a lens inside out in your eye it will not hurt but just feel uncomfortable.
Contacts and UV light
License: Creative Commons image source
There are a number of studies that have traced a direct link between Ultraviolet or UV light to cataracts. Extended exposure to UV light can in fact cause a condition labelled “Photokeratitis”. This is why the majority of contact lenses available today have UV blocking agents. That said if you’re not able to tell if the lens has a UV blocker by looking at it, then don’t worry because the blocker is clear so as to not disrupt your vision. However it should be specified on the packaging of the product that the lens has a UV blocker.
Important note: UV blocking contacts despite being effective are not a replacement for regular sunglasses. This is because a contact just covers the cornea of your eye and not the whole eye. However, a UV blocking agent in the lens can help to protect a small portion of the eyes’ whites which is covered by pterygia and pingueculea.
More About Lenses: How about having matching contact lenses with your dress and makeup
Sunglasses that have added UV protection are much better for your eyes and your face that surrounds the eye. This is why these lenses have been designed to complement sunglasses that have added UV protection.
Contact lenses and eye makeup
License: Royalty Free or iStock
The biggest problem with eye makeup and contact lenses is that you can get makeup in your eye by mistake which can be annoying. But the situation can be worse with contacts because sometimes the makeup tends to stick to the lens instead of simply flushing out. To avoid or minimize the risk of this happening simply follow the directions below:
- Always put your contact lenses on prior to applying any makeup. Plus, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly prior to even touching your contacts so that you do not transfer oils, lotions and creams to your eyes via the lenses.
- Your lenses should be put on prior to applying an eyeliner
- Always use non-allergenic makeup
- Creamy eye shadow is highly unlikely to go into your eyes as opposed to their powered counterparts. But if a cream goes into your eyes it can cause extreme irritation. So, you’re better off choosing water based eye shadows.
- If you use powder eye shadow then keep your eyes closed during its application. Then make sure to brush off the excess prior to opening your eyes.
Replace the eye makeup you use every three months. You shouldn’t use old eye makeup since the buildup of bacteria overtime in the product can be dangerous to your eyes, often leading to an infection. If your makeup smells funny then it’s too old.
See also: Richness to your eyes
Author Bio:
Manu Alias is an optician and has over a decade of experience working with contact lenses. In addition to providing medical services as an optician he also has an online store via which he sells high quality contact lenses.
