Makeup May be Attractive. Eye Infections, Injuries and Allergic Reactions Are Not

Makeup is used so the person wearing it appears more attractive. When it’s applied around the eyes, makeup can cause eye infections, allergic reactions or injuries, which won’t do anything for your looks. Image courtesy of CooperVision By taking some precautions you can reduce the risk of eye infections, according to Cooper Vision:

• Before applying makeup, your face and eyelids should be very clean
• If cosmetics are used longer than the manufacturer recommendations, bacteria and fungi can grow in them. They should be discarded and replaced according to the manufacturer’s suggestions, commonly every three months for mascara
• Clean your brushes and other applicators regularly. If you’ve suffered an eye infection, discard and replace all eye makeup to prevent reinfection
• Sharing cosmetics, including using products in stores, can spread infections. Conjunctivitis, the swelling of the membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelid and the outer surface of the eye, can be transmitted this way. Using disposable applicators can help reduce the risk of infection but bacteria and fungi may still be present in the cosmetic container if it is not wiped clean between uses
• The Food and Drug Administration recommends storing all eye cosmetics below 85˚F. At higher temperatures the preservative is more likely to deteriorate
• Metallic, glitter, sparkle powder or other makeup can flake off. Flakes may get into the eye, into the tear film and irritate your eyes. Glitter eye makeup often causes corneal irritation or infection, especially for those wearing contact lenses. Larger glitter or inclusions in makeup can scratch the eye, making it feel like there’s sand or dirt in your eye.

You may also have an allergic reaction to makeup used around your eyes. Allergens found in cosmetics include nickel, iron oxide, preservatives and fragrances. The makeup may not cause the problem, but how it’s applied may be the problem. It requires a steady hand. A physical injury to the eye can cause corneal abrasions. For this reason, you should never put on makeup in a moving vehicle—especially if you’re driving. Makeup can also impact your contact lenses because it, or the oils in makeup, can smudge or stick on the lens. Thoroughly wash your hands before putting in your contact lenses, then apply your makeup. This rule has one exception: if you wear hard, or rigid, contacts, apply your makeup, wash your hands, then insert the lenses. When makeup is removed ordinary soap and water may not be enough, especially with mascara. When it dries, it can become stiff and cause the natural eyelash to break, possibly leading to lid disease, ocular surface disease, and contact lens intolerance. Baby shampoo is an inexpensive and ophthalmologist-recommended product for washing eyelids and around your eyes. Thoroughly rinse any remover off your eyelids and use a cotton swab along the base of your eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants. If you have questions about makeup use and how it may impact your eye health, or you think you’ve suffered an infection, allergic reaction or injury because of makeup, contact us at 610-437-4988 or fill out our contact form so we can start the conversation and work together to protect your sight. Houman Ahdieh, MD Lehigh Valley Center for Sight https://www.lvcenter4sight.com eyedoc@lvcenter4sight.com

https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/makeup-may-be-attractive-eye-infections-injuries-and-allergic-reactions-are-not/