Contact lenses for jesters and fools
Dr. Andrea Bannert has been with since 2013. The doctor of biology and medicine editor initially carried out research in microbiology and is the team's expert on the tiny things: bacteria, viruses, molecules and genes. She also works as a freelancer for Bayerischer Rundfunk and various science magazines and writes fantasy novels and children's stories.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.A cool look is part of the perfect carnival costume. However, if you put on contact lenses, you should pay attention to a few things in order not to endanger eye health.
The large, white-rimmed clown eyes shine, the cat looks boldly out of slit-shaped pupils - it is not just a lot of "moles" who unpack their contact lenses during the carnival. For some, "fun lenses" now ensure that the eyes open with a surprise effect. According to the professional association of ophthalmologists in Germany (BVA), however, some rules should be observed so that the fun of partying does not go away.
Correct make-up
When it comes to make-up, this means: Always insert the contact lenses first and then start painting. Liquid eyeliner or kohl pencil should only be applied outside of the lash line. Otherwise there is a risk that the cosmetics block the ducts of the eyelid margin glands. These can ignite. Possible consequences are barley grains or reddened eyelids. When removing make-up, the reverse order applies: first remove the lenses, then transform them back.
Hygiene is important
To avoid infection, wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing contact lenses. In addition, always clean the lenses manually - also to remove cosmetic residues.
Be careful with fun and crazy lenses
Lenses with eye-catching patterns or colors give the costume the final kick. But caution is advised here: Many of these "fun lenses" have extremely low oxygen permeability because the colors clog the pores of the lenses. "There is a risk of suffocation for the cornea," explains Dr. Dorothea Kuhn, Head of Contact Lenses at BVA. Therefore, they should really only be worn for a short time. Another danger comes from lenses with a very small artificial pupil - something for a cat's slit-shaped eyes. They restrict the field of vision in a funnel shape and thus increase the risk of road traffic.
Note the wearing time
Not all contact lenses are suitable for a night of dancing. Find out beforehand for which period your lenses are suitable.Daily disposable lenses, for example, shouldn't leave jitters in the eye for too long. "Wearing unsuitable lenses for too long leads to a significant oxygen deficit in the cornea," says Kuhn. This causes the cornea to swell and the wearer to see worse. In the worst case scenario, there is a damp chamber under the lens that can become infected. If you are unsure which contact lenses are suitable in your individual case, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
When the lens is stuck
It can happen that the small adhesive cups cannot be removed immediately after a long night - they stick to the surface of the eye. A sterile tear substitute, which you should drip into your eyes several times, helps. In this way, the dried out lenses become elastic again and can then be easily removed from the eye.
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