According to research done by the Nielson Company through online surveys, 90% of women who wear contact lenses in Singapore have experienced discomfort or eye irritation from their makeup coming into contact with their lenses or eyes.

The survey was conducted between February 22 and 25 of this year for Ciba Vision. The respondents were between the ages of 15 and 39, and the data they gave showed an overall lack of knowledge regarding the correct handling of lenses among the women in Singapore.

An alarming 83% reported they knew they didn’t handle their lenses properly, and 30% said they didn’t even know the proper ways to handle their lenses when they apply and remove eye makeup.

Bridgette Yeoh, a Consultant Optometrist, said that women should take care not to let their cosmetic products come into contact with their lenses, and that the lenses should always be removed with clean hands.

When applying makeup, it’s best to insert the lenses first, and when removing it’s best for women to take out their lenses before they begin using an eye makeup remover.

Researchers found that oil from cosmetics can affect the lenses to the point that their shape actually changes. “When the lens shape changes, the wearer will likely experience blurred vision, discomfort and reduced wearing time. Even though you may feel comfortable upon wearing the lens at first, it gets progressively uncomfortable through the day”, said Yeoh.