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Most brides spend extra time applying makeup on their wedding day. Whether you are planning to do your own makeup or hire a professional makeup artist, brides who wear contact lenses should take special care with makeup selection and application, says the American Optometric Association. Tearing and irritation, while a minor annoyance, could lead to more serious problems during or after the wedding.

When shopping for makeup, choose a water-based, hypoallergenic liquid foundation, instead of cream, to prevent leaving a film on your lenses. Avoid lash-extending mascara, which has fibers that can irritate the eyes, and waterproof mascara, which cannot be easily removed with water and may stain soft contact lenses.

On your wedding day, don't use hand creams or lotions before handling contacts - they can leave a film on your lenses. Instead, use only an oil-free moisturizer. Keep false eyelash cement, nail polish and remover, perfume and cologne, away from lenses because they can damage the plastic. Use hairspray before putting in contacts. If applied while the lenses are in, close your eyes during spraying and for a few seconds afterwards. Put on soft contact lenses before applying makeup. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses should go on after makeup is applied.

In addition to makeup application, tinted contact lenses can produce a dramatic effect for the day. A bride can change her eye color from blue to green or transform brown eyes to blue. Tinted lenses- prescription or non-prescription - are safe, but must be fitted by an eye care professional only. This ensures that the lenses fit your eyes and provide you with instructions for proper care and disinfection. Wearing tinted lenses or lenses that do not fit your eyes correctly can cause serious damage to the cornea and to your general eye health.

Finally, entrust someone with your contact lens case. Resist the urge to quickly moisten your lenses with saliva or bottled water if they become dry or uncomfortable. Both may contain bacteria that could lead to infection. For more information about contact lens selection and care, visit AOA's Web site at www.aoa.org and click on Eye Conditions and Concerns.

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Last updated: 10/10/03