A close look at contact lenses for women who wear makeup

MANILA, Philippines - Just recently, news reports warned consumers about unsafe contact lenses being peddled in sidewalks. Unregulated lenses sold by street vendors can cause blindness, eye experts warned. It was Francois de la Rochefoucauld, the 17th-century French writer and nobleman who wrote, “If vanity does not overthrow all our virtues, at least she makes them totter.” It is quite easy to understand that for those who persisted in buying and wearing this type of contact lens, good sense was unfortunately overcome by vanity.

However, even people who wear prescription contact lenses manufactured by reputable companies realize that vanity has a price. For many women, eyesight is affected when makeup inadvertently finds its way into the contact lenses. The popularity of durable and non- smudging cosmetics has grown throughout the years, so that when cosmetics are applied in the area of the eyes, these find their way to the contact lens via tears or perspiration. The problem is compounded by the fact that these “waterproof cosmetics” are not easily washed away. Since the makeup contains oils or silicone-based film forming agents, these agents adhere to the lenses and deform them, causing blurred vision and discomfort. Still, a healthy degree of vanity can be a positive thing. Women who like to use makeup and look good can opt for the new Air Optix contact lenses by Ciba Vision.

“The new-generation silicone hydrogel contact lenses have more oxygen content than water and promote greater breathability,” says Dr. Romeo Cayanan dela Cruz, clinical associate professor at the College of Medicine, University of the Philippines. He explains that the older hydrogel contact lenses are prone to dehydration because they consist mostly of water. “It is important for oxygen to pass through the contact lens to the eye because oxygen is essential to corneal health.” Insufficient oxygen may cause corneal swelling, lead to irritated red eyes and uncomfortable lens wear.

“Our primary concern is to keep the eyes healthy,” continues Dr. Dela Cruz. While there are new modalities to correct blurred vision, the use of contact lenses remains the preferred choice for many. Dr. Dela Cruz says that contact lenses “provide better visual acuity and peripheral vision than glasses.” Moreover, he explains that most individuals usually become farsighted when they reach age 40. Obviously, even those whose eyesight was previously corrected through more permanent methods (such as laser surgery) will need to wear glasses or contact lenses then. “Visit your doctor once a year to have your eyes examined,” recommends Dr. Dela Cruz.

Another benefit of Air Optix is its resistance to the effects of oil and dirt. “Unlike other silicone hydrogel (SiHy) contact lenses, Air Optix has a patented plasma treatment that prevents the penetration of oil-based eye makeup that leads to lens deformation and user discomfort,” says Dr. Jeanette Romualdez Oo, professional services consultant of Ciba Vision. “The plasma treatment acts as a barrier to prevent the oils from adhering to the lens while maintaining high oxygen permeability.”

Dr. Oo cites a Japanese study that proves the superior oil-adsorptive quality of Air Optix contact lenses. Among the silicone hydrogel contact lenses tested, only Air Optix contact lenses did not deform when oil was applied to it.

Still another benefit of the brand is that it helps retain moisture and prevents the lenses from drying out so that the lenses can be comfortably worn for longer durations.

While the Air Optix brand is approved for six days of continuous wear, Dr. Carmen Abesamis-Dichoso, fellow of both the Philippine College of Optometrists and the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE), says that it would be better if contact lenses were taken off. This will allow the eyes to rest. She stresses that proper lens care is important, and that correct hygiene should always be observed when handling contact lenses. Despite this, it cannot be helped that microorganisms and deposits will eventually build up on the lens’ surface. And thus, it is a good idea for contact lenses to be replaced regularly.