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(ARA) - What's worse than receiving
that dreaded fruitcake or garish tie for the holidays? How about
developing red, irritated eyes from too many late nights and
special makeup?
Holiday party-goers, especially
those who wear contact lenses, should take extra care to protect
and soothe their eyes, says the American Optometric Association
(AOA).
- Practice common sense and caution
when getting exotic with makeup over the holidays. If you experiment
with different colors and shades, think about what you are using.
"Avoid glitter, which is very popular this year. This especially
applies to contact lens wearers, because it can be very harmful
and irritating to your eyes," says Kerry L. Beebe, O.D.,
chair of the Clinical Care Group Committee for the AOA.
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If you wear contact lenses, choose
a water-based, hypoallergenic liquid foundation, instead of cream,
to prevent leaving a film on your lenses. Avoid lash-extending
mascara, which has fibers that can irritate the eyes, and waterproof
mascara, which cannot be easily removed with water and may stain
soft contact lenses.
In the dry winter months, use
an oil-free moisturizer and avoid using hand creams or lotions
before handling contacts since they can leave a film on your
lenses. Also, keep false eyelash adhesive, nail polish and remover,
perfume, and cologne away from lenses because they can damage
the plastic.
Hairspray should be used before
putting in contacts. If used while they are in, close your eyes
during spraying, and for a few seconds afterwards. Put on soft
contact lenses before applying makeup.
Be mindful of new apparel or
even new fragrances or perfumes. Certain fabrics -- like that
new holiday sweater -- can cause an eye irritation or an allergic
reaction. Without knowing it, you might touch the new fabric
and then rub your eyes. An allergic reaction can cause red, irritated
eyes.
Over-the-counter eye drops can
sometimes be overused for bloodshot, weary eyes. See your eye
care professional to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
For dry eyes with contacts, take
rewetting drops to your next party. They will help as the night
wears on, especially if you are reveling in a particularly smoky
room.
Resist the urge to quickly moisten
your lenses with saliva or bottled water if they become dry or
uncomfortable. Either one may contain bacteria that could lead
to an infection.
Too many parties and not enough
sleep? Cold packs applied under the eyes or witch hazel applied
to puffiness around the eyes may reduce swelling. |
Beauty Secrets of the World
