Make up is an every day essential for many people, but patients with keratoconus have to take extra precaution when applying and removing. Good quality products as well as contact lens and eye hygiene is very important and need to be taken into consideration if you plan on wearing makeup.

Many of us like to feel good and use make up to enhance our features- we are often asked- “Can I still wear make up when I have to wear contact lenses?” or “I had a graft can I still wear make up?” 

The answer is yes, but as with all things keratoconus related- there are a few things to bear in mind: 

How to Avoid Eye Infection

• Only use cosmetics that are designed for use around the eyes. Avoid products that contain untested or harsh chemicals.
• Throw away eye makeup after three months and get new products. Infection-causing bacteria grow easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup.
• Before applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are very clean.
• Always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid. These glands secrete oil that protects the eye’s surface.
• Never share eye makeup, even with family or close friends.
• When sampling makeup in stores use only fresh applicators and samples that have not been contaminated by multiple users. The safest choice is to avoid store samples altogether.
• If you develop an eye infection, like pink eye, immediately toss all of your eye makeup and don’t use eye makeup until the infection is gone

Can I wear makeup and other cosmetics while wearing contact lenses?

Absolutely. It is advisable, however, to wash your hands after handling any makeup or skin creams as they can damage the lenses and make them harder to keep wet in the eye since most makeup and creams have a lipid or oily base that can keep the tears from spreading over the lenses which can affect both vision and comfort.

Have a look here for The Eye Care Cosmetics and NATorigin ranges, designed to be as free-from as many chemical or irritating ingredients as possible. This, along with the careful selection of active ingredients and ultra-micronisation of particles, is why the products are so suitable for people with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Everyone loves a little sparkle, except when it gets into your eye. When using metallic or glittery makeup products be sure they don’t get into your eye, especially if you’re wearing contacts as particles may get under them and can cause corneal abrasions. When you wear eye makeup, especially powder or glitters, the loose particles can cause the tear film to break down and evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated. This usually occurs within 30 minutes of applying your makeup.

A mascara or eyeliner wand or a fingernail can scratch the cornea (corneal abrasion). Occasionally a corneal abrasion can become infected leading to a potentially blinding corneal ulcer. Corneal injuries are usually painful and always require prompt medical attention. When you get a scratched cornea, this can lead to the development of a sight-threating cornea ulcer.

Avoid the lashline

Don’t apply eye liner or eye pencils to the inner part of your lower eyelid (your lash line). This can clog the Meibomian glands, which help to keep your eyes lubricated, and this in turn can result in irritations such as blepharitis or dry eye

Top Tips:

If a makeup product is not labelled, keep it far away from your sensitive eyes.

1. Keep your eye makeup products clean. Always wash your hands and face before applying makeup. …
2. Only apply makeup to the outside of your eyes. …
3. Never share eye makeup. …
4. Replace your makeup often. …
5. Remove eye makeup daily.

Applying Faux Eyelashes

Eyelash extensions can be done safely, if applied by a professional. Most eyelash extensions are placed using tweezers and a specially formulated, semi-permanent glue. There are also magnetic eyelashes, which are applied with an eyeliner with tiny magnetic particles in it.

Both magnetic and glued lashes can irritate the sensitive skin around the eyes or dip into the eye and scratch the cornea if not applied well. To reduce the likelihood of these possible complications, wear false lashes for special occasions only, and make sure to have a professional do it. If you experience any discomfort, see an ophthalmologist right away.

Avoid Fake Fancy Dress Contact Lenses At All Times!

Coloured contact lenses can be safe provided they’re only sold by a reputable source, and you have consulted with your optician to get the correct prescription for them. Contact lenses issued without a prescription are illegal in the UK.

While basic colours are frequently available from opticians or prescription lens sellers, Halloween lenses often come with greater risk., the main problem with novelty lenses is their sizing, as they often don’t take into account the shape of your eyes in the same way that prescription contacts would do.

This means you could be using lenses that are too small or too big for your eyes, which can cause irritation and even infection in some circumstances. You risk grave infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, or AK, a rare but serious infection of the eye that can cause permanent vision loss or blindness, This infection is caused by a tiny amoeba (single-celled living organism) called Acanthamoeba.

How to Remove Makeup From Around the Eyes

Using a good quality product Remove all eye makeup at night before sleeping, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. If not removed properly, eye makeup can cause irritation. In one example, a 50-year-old woman who slept with mascara on for more than 25 years developed uncomfortable black lumps underneath her eyelids, which led to follicular conjunctivitis.

• Whatever eye makeup remover you use, avoid getting it in your eyes.
• Thoroughly rinse any remover off your eyelids.
• Brush a clean cotton swab along the base of the eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants.
• Be especially careful with exfoliating scrubs and don’t use them around your eyes. Cleansers with scrubbing beads or gritty additions can scratch and irritate your eyes.
• Be gentle with your eyelashes and the delicate areas around your eyes. Eyelashes are important for keeping dust and dirt out of your eyes. They also keep your eyes from drying out by blocking air movement over your tear film.