by Eveline Gan     HAVING been a frequent contact lens user for the past 15 years, I've had my fair share of eye-related problems associated with regular lens wear.   More often than not, vanity overrides good sense, and problems such as dry eyes, eye irritation and eye infections would not deter me from putting on my contact lenses.   Likewise, it appears that vanity - in the form of eye beauty products - is one of the main reasons why female contact lens wearers suffer eye problems, according to a recent survey.   Conducted by The Nielsen Company on more than 500 Singapore women who wear contact lens, the survey found that 90 per cent of them suffer eye problems such as irritation, discomfort or blurred vision due to their lenses coming into contact with eye beauty products. These products include mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow and make-up cleansers.   Of the women surveyed, 83 per cent do not practise correct lens-handling regime. A third in the group said they were unaware of the proper way of wearing and removing contact lenses with eye make-up application and removal.   The survey was done in collaboration with CIBA Vision to raise awareness of the proper lens-wearing regime.   Problems such as eye dryness and irritation are commonly associated with improper contact lens wear. However, a 2010 Japanese study published in the Journal of Contact Lens Society has found that such eye problems are linked to the adverse effects eye cosmetics and cleansing products have on silicone hydrogel (SiHy) contact lenses. Most soft contact lenses available today are made of hydrogel. SiHy is the latest material to be used to produce soft lenses (see box).   The researchers found that build-up of deposits from oil-based cosmetics and cleansing agents can contaminate SiHy contact lenses and even change their shape. When applied close to the meibomian glands on the upper and lower eyelids, oils from cosmetics such as mascara and eyeliner can further worsen eye problems, according to the journal abstract.   After testing several brands of SiHy lenses, the researchers found that those made with plasma treatment resist deposits better.       When your contacts are out of shape ...   Bridgette Yeoh, consultant optometrist at Stan Isaacs, said wearing an out-of-shape contact lens is akin to wearing a pair of shoes of the wrong size.   "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.   Explaining what happens when contact lenses are exposed to oils from cosmetic products, Yeoh added: "Oil resists water. The presence of oil will break down the natural tear film on the lenses too quickly, leading to increased friction. The contact lens moves around in the eye more than it should and, in turn, irritates the underside of the eyelid."   Yeoh added that oil deposits also encourage more dirt and germs to accumulate on the contact lens, which puts the wearer at a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis and eye infections.   Short of getting rid of your eye make-up, you can reduce your risk of eye problems by handling your contact lens the right way. This includes wearing your lenses before putting on eye make-up. When removing make-up, you should remove your lenses first before you use cleansing products.   Yeoh also advised consumers to have their eyes examined by an eye care practitioner before purchasing any type of contact lenses.   What are your contact lenses made of? Contact lenses have come a long way since the first contact lens - made from blown glass and extremely uncomfortable - was invented by German ophthalmologist Adolf Fick in 1887. In the 1930s, an American optometrist introduced the lighter plastic lens.   Today, the latest generation of soft contact lenses are made of silicon hydrogel which "allows the eye to breathe normally", said consultant optometrist Bridgette Yeoh. Compared to other materials which dry up the eye, silicone hydrogel lenses are a good choice for new lens wearers, said Yeoh.       90% Female contact lens wearers who have experienced eye problems due to their lenses coming into contact with eye beauty products.   83% Do not practise correct lens-handling regime.   8% Despite their eye problems, only a small percentage consulted their eye care practitioners for advice.               This article was featured in Today April 19, 2011. http://www.todayonline.com/Health/EDC110419-0000310/Is-your-mascara-spoiling-...?