The time of year that many Canary Islanders are looking forward to is here.
The Tenerife Carnival is an explosion of joy, music, and color. The streets are filled with festivities, the air is thick with fun, and throughout the islands, the murgas (satirical singing groups), large crowds, and parades embody one of the most traditional celebrations with their parodies and spectacular displays. Tradition dictates originality in the costumes, in harmony with glitter and accessories, and the eye makeup is no exception. However, the misuse or overuse of makeup, as well as the use of false eyelashes or costume glasses , can cause serious eye damage.
The most common ailments following this holiday are eye irritation, conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, eye allergies, and even infections . Here are some tips to help you avoid eye discomfort:
Choose suitable makeup that won't harm your eyes:
To choose makeup that won't harm your eyes, consider the following:
- Buy quality products from trusted brands and avoid counterfeit or dubious products.
- Make sure the products are specifically designed for use around the eyes and are hypoallergenic.
- Check the expiration date and discard any expired products.
- Don't share your eye makeup with other people.
- Make sure to thoroughly clean your brushes and applicators after each use.
- If you have sensitivities or allergies, consider using mineral makeup or fragrance-free products. If you experience irritation or discomfort, discontinue use immediately.
Tips for using novelty contact lenses:
Novelty contact lenses can be a fun way to change your appearance, but it's important to take certain precautions to avoid damaging your eyes. Here are some tips for caring for your eyes while wearing novelty contact lenses:
- Make sure you get your novelty contact lenses from a reliable source and that they are approved by an eye care professional.
- Wash your hands before handling contact lenses, and be sure to follow the cleaning and storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Do not wear novelty contact lenses for longer than recommended by the manufacturer, and do not wear them while sleeping.
- If you experience discomfort or irritation while wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately and wash with plenty of water.
- Never share your novelty contact lenses with other people.
- Do not wear novelty contact lenses if you have an eye infection or any other eye condition.
Eye care when applying sprays and hair products:
It's important to be careful when using sprays and other hair products to avoid damaging your eyes. Here are some tips for protecting your eyes while using hair products:
- Use hair products away from your eyes and make sure not to spray the product directly into them.
- If possible, use a headband or cloth to protect your eyes while applying the product.
- If you use a hair dryer to dry your hair, keep the dryer at least 30 centimeters away from your eyes to prevent hot air and chemicals from coming into contact with them.
- If the product gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with warm water and seek medical attention if you experience pain or irritation.
- Consider using natural and gentle hair products instead of products with harsh and aggressive chemicals.
Remove your makeup before going to bed:
It's very important to remove eye makeup before bed to prevent eye diseases and maintain good overall eye health. Makeup, especially eye makeup, can contain bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause eye infections, irritation, and other problems.
In addition, makeup can also clog pores around the eyes, which can lead to breakouts, blocked sebaceous glands, and general skin problems.
Therefore, it's very important to remove all eye makeup before going to sleep, preferably with a gentle, fragrance-free makeup remover, and to make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or applying any product to them. This will help prevent eye problems and maintain good eye health.
Artificial tears, great allies:
Finally, we would like to remind our patients that if they plan to visit the La Palma carnival, a festival known in the Canary Islands as Los Indianos, where talcum powder is the main attraction, they should protect their eyes with sunglasses and a hat, and bring plenty of artificial tears. Talcum powder is a very drying substance, so extra tears are advisable.
Consult a professional:
We must not forget that contact lenses—of any type—are a medical device , and as such, must be used under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can verify that the ocular surface is suitable for their use. In this particular case, supervision is even more crucial, since it almost always involves people without a prescription who do not usually wear contact lenses and lack knowledge about their handling, manipulation, cleaning, and care.