If the eyes are allergic to make-up

The skin around the eyes is susceptible to colourful, colourful carnival makeup. The Professional Association of Ophthalmologists gives tips. In the next few days and weeks, the fools will set off again with colourful makeup to drive away the winter. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a happy clown or a scary witch – the makeup that transforms us should be chosen carefully. It is not uncommon for individual ingredients to trigger allergies, be it the synthetic colours themselves or the solvents contained in the cosmetics.

Pay attention to the ingredients of the makeup.

The skin around the eyes and the delicate skin of the eyelids is susceptible and can swell and itch. Makeup particles often get on the eye’s surface, and the conjunctiva may also be affected.

Prof. Dr Norbert Pfeiffer, director of the University Eye Clinic Mainz and scientific member of the board of the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists, advises paying attention to the information about the ingredients when buying. Unlike medicines, however, the ingredients of cosmetics do not always have to be declared.

Be careful when using makeup.

In general, suitable makeup is recommended for contact lens wearers. The inner edge of the eyelid should also not be made up.

If you want to continue using the carnival makeup from the previous year, you should look closely: “You have to throw it away at the latest when water or oil settles out or when the makeup becomes grainy,” Prof. Pfeiffer makes clear. Bacteria and other pathogens can also nest in tubes.

Treatment of affected eyes

If eyes and lids “become too colourful”, the first thing to do is gently remove the makeup, greasy colours, for example, with the help of a greasy cream. Then, clean the skin with water and mild soap. Cold compresses and pads on the eyelids and cheeks relieve the symptoms. If the swelling and itching do not go away, the ophthalmologist can prescribe an antihistamine and, in severe cases, a cortisone preparation.

Foolish contact lenses for experienced wearers only

From an ophthalmological point of view, caution is advised when contact lenses with particular motifs are part of the foolish outfit. “These contact lenses are only suitable for experienced lens wearers,” Prof. Pfeiffer emphasises. “They are often not of excellent optical quality, and the printed motif makes the contact lens thicker and less permeable to oxygen. Therefore, they are often not as compatible as conventional contact lenses.” So-called “fun lenses” should also be fitted individually by an ophthalmologist.

When it comes to hygiene, there is no difference: “They have to be cleaned just like other contact lenses. Putting in a contact lens that is not completely clean or even contaminated with germs can lead to serious complications with corneal ulcers, which can even lead to loss of vision.” When the pupils are dilated in the dark, some motif lenses can obstruct the view. Therefore, these lenses should be taken out of the eye when driving at night.