Before using cosmetic contact lenses, it is important to know how to care for them and your eye health. Our optician Benjamin created a FAQ specifically for colored annual replacement lenses. Although the FAQ is designed for the Vision Direct range of Phantasee crazy lenses, it applies to other brands of cosmetic contacts. Therefore you will below find an updated version.
How to insert my contact lenses?
1) Preparation for using contact lenses:
To avoid contamination, washing your hands is essential before any handling. Wash your hands, preferably with antibacterial liquid soap, for at least 10 seconds. Make sure to rinse thoroughly. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or cloth.
2) Insert contact lenses:
Place a lens on your finger and make sure the lens is clean and not upside down (it should have the shape of a bowl). Handle the lens avoiding contact with your nails. Hold your upper eyelid with your left hand index and middle finger, at the same time hold your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your right hand. Looking straight into the mirror, slowly place the lens on your eye. Carefully release your eyelids and blink. Gently massage your closed eyelid to center the lens. When positioned correctly, repeat the procedure for the other eye. Do not wear lenses if they appear damaged.
How to preserve lenses?
After each use, discard and replace the contact lens solution every time you put your lenses in the lens case. If you are not wearing your contact lenses often, do not forget to replace the solution every 15 days, and to ensure the lens case is always clean. You need to change the lens case every month. Do not use tap water, saliva or any cleaning products other than contact lens solution to clean your contact lenses.
Can I share COSMETIC contact lenses with someone else?
Never share your lenses with anyone. They are personal. The structure of the eye is unique to each individual, and by sharing, you risk getting a serious infection.
Can I swim with COSMETIC lenses?
Contact lenses are porous and may absorb chemicals, microbes or other impurities in the water, which may harm or irritate your eyes and possibly lead to an infection. The water can change the way your lenses fit, making them too tight and causing severe eye health problems. Therefore, a better option is using swimming goggles.
Can I drive with COSMETIC lenses?
It is not safe to drive while wearing cosmetic contact lenses. Cosmetic contact lenses are not intended to correct vision and can actually reduce visual acuity. Lenses placed on the eye may have optical effects. This can be annoying and also limit your field of vision. This type of lens can also influence the effect of glare and you can lose contrast, especially during the night. Therefore, we recommend to avoid driving with cosmetic lenses.
HOW to apply make-up with COSMETIC lenses:
- Wear contact lenses before applying make-up.
- Remove lenses before make-up.
- If possible, avoid using hairspray when wearing contact lenses. Apply hairspray before inserting lenses or close you eyes and apply hairspray carefully.
- Use oil-free eye makeup.
- If using facial creams for medical conditions, consult your doctor. Some medications can have side effects when absorbed by the eye or the surrounding skin.
Can I sleep with COSMETIC lenses?
Never sleep with your cosmetic contact lenses in. During daily wear, lenses collect all sorts of dust deposits. It is therefore important to remove them at the end of the day and clean them with a contact lens solution. If you sleep with lenses in, you may infect the cornea or the eyelid.
How long can I wear COSMETIC contact lenses for?
Phantasee contact lenses are yearly contact lenses. That means you can wear these contact lenses for 12 months maximum. Even if you only wear your contact lenses once in 12 months, you must dispose of them after 12 months. For other brands, check specifications where you purchased lenses, on the manufacturer’s website, or ask your optician for advise.
How long can I wear COSMETIC lenses on a daily basis?
We recommend that cosmetic contact lenses are worn for a maximum of 6 hours per day to avoid eye care complications.
ATTENTION: If your eye burns, stings and/or becomes very red, you experience blurry vision, shed an unusually high amount of tears, see halos or rainbows around objects, IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THE LENS. If symptoms persist IMMEDIATELY CONSULT AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST.
Two alternative contact lenses to Johnson & Johnson 1 Day Acuvue Moist depending on what base curve you used are Aura ADM 1 Day and 1 Day Acuvue Trueye.
