Comparative study

Study conducted in 2010-2011 by Heloïse Bui, licensed optician, on the influence of cosmetics on contact lens wearers* and sensitive eyes, comparison between Eye Care Cosmetics and regular cosmetics

*the contact lens wearers are given hydrogel silicone lenses highly sensitive to deposits

Context

In France, there are 4 million contact lens wearers, about 6% of the population.
1/3 of wearers are between 16 and 25 years old - 64% are women - 72% wear silicone hydrogel lenses.
75% of women wear makeup..

Sample population studied

  • Female gender.
  • Makeup users.
  • Wearers and non-wearers of bi-monthly contact lenses in silicone hydrogel preserved in a multi-function solution.
  • With, or without, signs of sensitive eyes.
  • Aged between 18 and 30 years.
  • Presenting no signs of hormonal changes likely to induce physiological modifications of the eye, not pregnant, not in menopause.
  • Not presenting occular problems.
  • 2 groups of 15 women:
    • 1 group of contact lens wearers.
    • 1 group of non-contact lens wearers.
  • Test conducted over 1 month, each group used regular makeup for 15 days, the other used Eye Care Cosmetics makeup for 15 days.

Summary of results obtained with Eye Care Cosmetics products and with regular cosmetics

1. Study of the lacrymal film

  • a. Eye Care Cosmetics disturb lacrymal flow less than regular cosmetics.
  • b. The rate of appearance of eye debris is reduced with Eye Care Cosmetics compared with regular products.
  • c. Eye Care Cosmetics has a significantly lower impact than regular cosmetics on the lipid layer.
  • d. Neither regular cosmetics or Eye Care Cosmetics have an influence on the break up time of the lacrymal film.

2. Study of eye lashes

  • a. Eye lashes and area stay cleaner with Eye Care Cosmetics.

3. Study of the Meibomius glands

  • a. Eye Care Cosmetics do not obstruct the Meibomius glands unlike regular cosmetics.

4. Study of Bulbary Conjunctivitis

  • a. Contrary to regular cosmetics, Eye Care Cosmetics do not provoke hyperaemia*, do not aggravate it if it already exists, even reduce it in some cases by 20%.
    *red eye

5. Study of the Cornea

  • a. In the case of stingy eyes with contact lenses (cellular problems - sensitive eyes), the use of Eye Care Cosmetics triggered disappearance of the stinging, contrary to regular cosmetics.

6. Study of Visual acuity (evolution throughout the day)

  • a. Visual acuity diminished by 17% for the population studied with regular cosmetics and by just 7% with Eye Care Cosmetics makeup.

7. Study of contact lenses

  • a. Contrary to regular cosmetics, Eye Care Cosmetics do not provoke deposits on the lenses.

Summary of the subjective evaluation between regular cosmetics and Eye Care Cosmetics products

The population tested was questioned on the comparison between regular cosmetics and Eye Care Cosmetics according to 3 criteria and answered the following:

  • Uncomfortable sensation at the end of the day:
    70% of panelists stated they felt a difference between the two types of product
    • 1. Reduction in sensation of ocular itching with Eye Care Cosmetics.
    • 2. Reduction in sensation of stinging / ocular discomfort with Eye Care Cosmetics.
    • 3. Reduction in makeup debris with Eye Care Cosmetics.
  • Hold:
    83% of panelists noticed no difference in hold throughout the day.
  • Ease of makeup removing:
    87% of panelists found removing Eye Care Cosmetics products easier and faster, entailing less friction, source of irritation, compared to regular cosmetics.

The Eye Care Cosmetics products turned out to be the most comfortable.

Conclusion

Eye Care Cosmetics products bring a significant improvement to contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes:

  • reduced alterations on the lenses
  • reduced deposits
  • reduced sensation of discomfort
  • reduced diminution in visual acuity
  • reduced disturbance of the lacrymal film.

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