Health Tip: Safe Use of Contact Lenses

Apply cosmetics properly to avoid problems

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(HealthDay News) -- It can be difficult to see that cosmetics and contact lenses may not mix, especially if the cosmetics are misapplied.

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The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions for contact lens wearers who use makeup:

• Always wash your hands before putting contact lenses in or taking them out.
• Keep cosmetic brushes and other tools clean.
• Invest in hypoallergenic cosmetics without fragrance, sparkle, glitter or anything else that may contain irritants such as crushed oyster shell or tinsel.
• Put lenses in first, then put on your cosmetics.
• Never wear someone else's makeup, or let anyone else borrow yours.
• Never re-use an old mascara applicator.
• Be careful to keep creams and powders out of your eyes.
• Skip makeup when your eyes are irritated, infected, swollen or red.

-- Diana Kohnle