New contact lenses for those using eye makeup

CONTACT LENSES have long been used as a replacement for bulky, thick eye glasses for the comfort that others say these can provide.

But this tiny lens can actually be more bothersome when, at one point, it starts to cause dryness, irritation and redness to your eyes.

Previous reports have shown that people who wear the traditional hydrogel contact lenses for longer periods were more prone to those conditions due to lack of oxygen in the eyes.

Consisting mostly of water, the current hydrogel contact lenses available in the market allow one’s eyes to be prone to dehydration. This means that there is less moisture and oxygen transmissibility, making the eye more vulnerable to irritation, redness and even to corneal swelling.

Eliminates 3 problems

Ciba Vision however claims that its latest innovation, Air Optix, can eliminate three problems commonly associated with traditional hydrogel contact lenses and even other brands of the newer silicone hydrogel (SiHy) type of contact lenses.

“These new silicone hydrogel contact lenses have more oxygen content than water and promote greater breathability, making them less prone to dehydration and therefore provide more comfort than hydrogel contact lenses,” said Dr. Romeo Cayanan dela Cruz, clinical associate professor, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines in a recent briefing.

A research product of Ciba Vision, Air Optix lenses, are produced using the TriComfort Technology that help the lenses remain comfortable in three essential ways: optimal breathability (nourishing oxygen flows continuously); moisture retention (helps prevent the lenses from drying out); and superior resistance to deposit buildup on the lenses (lens surface is designed to resist deposits).

Air Optix lenses are made from state-of-the-art patented silicone hydrogel material that allows up to five times more oxygen through the lenses.

And while there are other brands of SiHy lenses introduced in the market, only Air Optix has the technology to resist oily dirt deposits brought about by tears, oil-based cosmetics and the environment, Ciba Vision claimed.

A local survey commissioned by Ciba Vision involving 100 Filipino women who wear contact lenses showed that 37 percent do not follow the proper methods of handling their contact lens when applying or removing eye makeup.

Common mistakes among survey respondents include putting on their contact lens after applying eye makeup or leaving their contact lens on while removing it. The survey also showed that 62 percent of respondents have experienced discomfort or blurred vision while applying or removing eye makeup while their contact lens are still on their eyes.

Recent study

“Not all SiHy contact lenses are created equal,” noted Japanese researchers who conducted a recent study on several brands of SiHy contact lens.

Conducted in partnership with leading eye care solutions company Ciba Vision and published in the 2010 issue of the Journal of Japan Contact Lens Society, the study was prompted by complaints from women about their contact lens being “cloudy” or uncomfortable despite being relatively new.

The study also found that oil-based cosmetics (e.g. mascara, eye liner, eye cream, etc.) and cleansing agents contaminate and eventually deform some contact lenses, blurring vision and causing discomfort.

Also, unlike other SiHy contact lenses, Ciba Vision claimed that Air Optix has a patented plasma treatment that prevents the penetration of oil-based eye makeup that leads to lens deformation and user discomfort. It acts as a barrier that prevents the oils from adhering to the lens while maintaining high oxygen permeability.

The Air Optix range of SiHy contact lens includes Air Optix Aqua breathable contact lenses, Air Optix for Astigmatism and Air Optix Aqua Multifocal.

So with proper handling and care, the use of contact lenses may still prove to be the most efficient and comfortable way to a clearer and better vision.