Your eyelashes often touch your glasses because of a combination of factors related to the natural curl and volume of your lashes, your makeup routine, and the fit of your eyewear. It's a common issue that can cause smudges on your lenses and discomfort.
Understanding the Main Reasons
According to eyewear experts, there are several key reasons why your eyelashes might be brushing against your eyeglass lenses:
- Voluminous Eyelash Curl: Sometimes, your natural eyelashes have a significant upward curl. This voluminous curl brushes up against your frames, causing them to contact the lenses directly. This is especially true for people with naturally long, curly lashes.
- Mascara Application: Wearing a lot of mascara can add considerable volume and length to your eyelashes. While enhancing your look, this added bulk can make your lashes extend further than usual, increasing the likelihood of them hitting your lenses and potentially smudging your glasses when taking them off.
- Improper Glasses Fit: One of the most common culprits is that your glasses fit too close to your face. If the frames sit too snugly or the nose pads don't provide enough clearance, there isn't sufficient space between your eyes and the lenses for your eyelashes to move freely.
Practical Solutions and Tips
Addressing the issue typically involves adjusting your eyewear, modifying your makeup, or managing your lashes.
1. Adjusting Your Glasses Fit
The fit of your glasses is crucial. Ensuring adequate space can prevent contact.
- Visit an Optician: The most effective solution is to have an optician adjust your frames. They can:
- Adjust Nose Pads: If your glasses have adjustable nose pads, an optician can extend them to push the frames slightly further away from your face, creating more clearance.
- Reshape Temples: The temples (arms) of your glasses can sometimes be adjusted to alter the tilt and position of the frames on your face.
- Consider a Different Style: If adjustments aren't enough, you might need a different frame style that naturally sits further from your eyes, such as frames with deeper bridges or more pronounced nose pads.
- Choose Proper Frame Size: When selecting new glasses, pay attention to the "base curve" of the lenses and how the frames sit on your face. Frames that are too flat for your face curve can sit too close.
2. Modifying Your Makeup Routine
For those who wear mascara, minor changes can make a big difference.
- Less Mascara at the Roots: Try applying mascara primarily to the tips of your lashes rather than coating them heavily from the roots. This can reduce the overall volume and length closest to your eye.
- Different Mascara Formulas: Some mascaras are designed for volume, while others focus on length or curl. Experiment with formulas that offer less projection or use a curling mascara to direct lashes upwards and away from the lens.
- Avoid Over-Curling: While an eyelash curler can help lift lashes, over-curling them outwards can sometimes exacerbate the problem if the curl pushes them into the lens. Aim for a gentle, upward sweep.
3. Managing Eyelash Curl and Length
If natural lash volume is the primary cause, consider these options.
- Eyelash Perm or Lift: A professional eyelash perm or lift can semi-permanently curl your lashes upwards, potentially directing them away from the lenses rather than straight out.
- Trim if Necessary (Extreme Cases): In very rare instances for exceptionally long lashes, some people might consider a very slight, professional trim. However, this is generally not recommended as eyelashes serve a protective function and grow back relatively quickly.
- Consider Contacts: If wearing glasses continues to be an issue due to eyelash contact, contact lenses eliminate the physical barrier entirely, providing a clear field of vision without any eyelash interference.
Table of Solutions Overview
| Problem Area | Common Cause | Effective Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Glasses Fit | Frames sit too close to face | • Visit an optician for professional adjustments (nose pads, temple arms) • Choose frames with a more suitable bridge or deeper set • Ensure frames are properly sized for your face |
| Eyelash Volume/Length | Voluminous curl, heavy mascara application | • Apply less mascara, especially at the roots • Use a less "extending" mascara formula • Consider an eyelash lift/perm to direct lashes upward • Avoid excessive eyelash curling that pushes lashes forward |
| Smudging | Eyelashes brushing lenses (often with makeup) | • Address underlying fit/volume issues • Clean lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner |
By identifying whether the issue stems from your glasses, your eyelashes, or a combination of both, you can implement the most effective solution to enjoy clear, smudge-free vision.
