Ask the experts

When it comes to questions about your eyes, we strongly recommend you ignore Google and turn to our panel instead.

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“I don’t wear a lot of eye makeup often. When I do though, I can’t decide what kind of remover I should go for. I have tried cold cream, but it makes my eyelashes sticky.   I tried an oil-based remover, but it stung and left a rash beside my eyes. What do I choose?”

– Najlae Sameer, Jumeirah

Response : Sara Capela, Makeup artist:

“Firstly, congratulations on paying attention to your eyes. Understanding the importance of proper eye makeup removal is important, and you have taken a step in the right direction. Everyone has a different and personal method but, for sensitive eyes, you should avoid experimentation with products that haven’t been specifically developed for the eye area (like, for example, cold cream). Go for premium tried-and-tested products.

My suggestions would be Lancôme Bi-Facil Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (a favourite with makeup artists worldwide) or Clinique’s Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes and Lips (a great choice that removes makeup gently without irritating the skin). Good luck!”

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“I have finally decided to wear contact lenses, but am confused about what kind I should choose. Should I go for daily wear or extended wear, considering I spend long hours at the office in front of my computer?”

– Farah Raza, Al Mankhool Road

Response : Dr Edmondo Borasio, Specialist Ophthalmologist, Moorfields Hospital:

“Daily disposable contact lenses are always preferable to extended wear ones, as they carry a lower risk of infection. The other advantage is they are thinner and more porous, thereby offering greater oxygen transmission and comfort. If tolerance to contact lenses is poor, laser refractive surgery such as LASIK, PRK or LASEK are some of your available options.”

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I have had ocular migraines for years. I have the classic jagged strobe effect, which is usually no big deal but, recently, my eyes crossed and stuck that way. My fingertips went numb, as did the side of my tongue and bottom lip. I saw a neurologist, who felt it was a more intense type of ocular migraine. The MRI showed nothing significant. I am wondering what exactly happened to me.”

– Shaukat Azeem, Deira

Response : Dr Clare Roberts, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Moorfields Eye Hospital:

“About 30 per cent of migraine sufferers have classical migraine with visual symptoms known as aura. Visual aura without a headache is called ocular migraine. Sensory auras also occur, but are less common. They are usually one-sided and consist of tingling followed by numbness. They are often felt first in the hand, then around the mouth. Your symptoms sound just like a sensory aura. Migraines do not usually cause the eyes to cross. Any sensory or motor (movement) symptoms that last longer than a few hours should be assessed by a neurologist. Your general practitioner will be able to recommend suitable medications, depending on other aspects of your health.”

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I had a cataract surgery two years ago. Is it possible to have a cataract return to the same eye? In the past six months, my eye has rapidly become cloudy again.”

– Shima Al Naimy, Sharjah

Response : Dr Chris Canning, CEO and Medical  Director, Moorfields Eye Hospital:

“Cataract surgery involves removing a cloudy lens from the eye and replacing it with a plastic one. The plastic lens is supposed to stay clear forever, and it is very rare for it to become frosted. It is far likelier that the membrane, left in the eye as part of the operation, has become cloudy. This requires treatment with a special laser that cuts the membrane inside the eye using light. The treatment takes under a minute and is not painful. It is done in an outpatient procedure without anaesthesia. Once cut, the membrane will seldom, if ever, re-grow.”

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I’m a 16-year old, slightly dark-skinned, college student. Every time I go into a makeup store, the salespeople suggest I wear dark eye makeup because of my skin shade. However, dark colours make me look old  and serious. At  the same time, light colours like pink and blue make me look chalky and clownish. Also, my eyes are pretty small and eyeliner doesn’t look right on me. What do you suggest?”

– Malvi Asar, Ajman

Response : Sara Capela, Makeup artist:

“Being dark-skinned is an advantage because your skin tone can easily pull off more vibrant and intense colours as compared to others. Try gold or bronze colours, as well as champagne and shimmery colours for a more subtle, yet striking, look.

If you want to be bold and more adventurous, try jewel-tone colours like purples, greens, or bright blues, which should effectively bring out the best in your eyes. Dark colours (blacks, browns, etc.) are great when used on top of the upper and lower lash line, to create the illusion of bigger eyes. To enhance this effect, trade your dark eyeliner for a white one on the waterline (where you would apply your kohl pencil) and you will notice the difference.

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