Makeup contamination on contact lenses is a common issue that quickly blurs vision and causes significant eye irritation. The presence of cosmetic particles and residues creates a rough environment on the lens surface, leading to discomfort and potentially introducing bacteria to the eye. Proper cleaning is necessary to maintain lens clarity and protect the delicate ocular surface.
Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Removal
If a lens is contaminated, remove it immediately. Thoroughly wash your hands using a mild, non-lotion soap, then dry them completely with a lint-free towel. Never attempt to clean a lens while it is still in the eye, as this can cause corneal scratches or force debris deeper into the lens material.
Place the contaminated lens in your palm and add a few drops of fresh, sterile multipurpose or saline solution. Using the pad of your index finger, gently rub the lens in a back-and-forth or circular motion for 10 to 15 seconds. This mechanical action helps physically lift and loosen makeup particles or oily residue adhering to the lens surface.
After rubbing, rinse the lens extensively with a steady stream of fresh contact lens solution to flush away the loosened debris. Place the lens in a clean lens case filled with fresh disinfecting solution for the prescribed amount of time, ensuring it is fully submerged. Never use tap water, saliva, or any unapproved liquid to rinse or store your lenses, as these are not sterile and can harbor dangerous microorganisms.
Common Makeup Culprits and Contamination Types
Certain cosmetic products pose a greater risk to contact lens wearers due to their composition and particle size. The most frequent offenders are products used near the eye, such as mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. Mascara (especially waterproof formulas) and many foundations contain lipophilic oils or silicone-based agents that are easily absorbed by the plastic lens material, particularly silicone hydrogels.
Contamination generally falls into two categories: particulate matter and oily residue. Particulate matter includes fine powder flakes from eyeshadows or blush and glitter, which can cause micro-abrasions on the lens surface or the cornea itself. Oily residue, stemming from creams or heavy foundations, coats the lens, leading to a persistent film, blurred vision, and reduced oxygen permeability. Products applied near the waterline, like kohl eyeliner, are especially likely to clog the meibomian glands, increasing the risk of lens contamination and eye irritation.
Preventative Measures and Application Order
Proactive measures significantly reduce the chance of lens contamination, starting with a strict order of operations. Always insert your contact lenses before applying any makeup; inserting them afterward risks transferring cosmetic residue directly onto the clean lens surface.
When removing makeup, the reverse order is necessary: remove your lenses first before using any makeup removers or cleansers. Oil-free and fragrance-free makeup removers, such as micellar water, are recommended, as oil-based products can leave a film on the lens. When applying powder products, close your eyes and gently brush away any excess fallout before opening your eyes to minimize airborne particles settling on the lens.
When to Discard Lenses
Despite diligent cleaning, there are times when a contaminated lens must be discarded to protect eye health. If a lens was exposed to a non-sterile substance, such as tap water or household soap, it should be thrown away immediately, as the risk of severe infection outweighs any cleaning attempt. Lenses contaminated with glitter or metallic eyeshadow flakes often sustain microscopic scratches that cannot be removed through cleaning.
A lens that remains persistently cloudy, despite a thorough rub-and-rinse cleaning and a full disinfection cycle, indicates that the makeup residue has permanently bonded to the lens material. Once a lens’s physical parameters are altered by cosmetic absorption, or its surface integrity is compromised, it can cause chronic irritation, blurred vision, or increase the risk of eye infection. Continuing to wear a damaged or persistently contaminated lens is never worth the risk to your vision, so it is safer to dispose of it and use a fresh replacement.