Eyes and Makeup

The vast majority of women use eye makeup to enhance their appearance. While most women rarely experience problems associated with wearing eye makeup, it is possible to develop allergic reactions or sustain eye infections and injuries from using these products. These conditions range from mild irritation to serious vision loss or potentially blindness.

Problems Caused by Wearing Eye Makeup

The most serious issue that can result from using eye makeup is an injury to your cornea. This is most likely to occur while applying your eye makeup. It is very easy to scratch your cornea with your mascara applicator or eyeliner wand if you are not being careful. If the abrasion is severe, your cornea may become infected, causing a potentially blinding corneal ulcer. If you sustain a corneal abrasion while applying your makeup, go to your ophthalmologist immediately to have your eye examined and treated.

While eye makeup contains preservatives that prevent the formation of bacteria, it is still possible for bacteria to grow in your eye makeup on occasion. This can lead to eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Some women may experience allergic reactions from the preservatives in their eye makeup, causing itching, tearing, and redness of the eyes. Other women will find that their eyelids swell up or flake from an allergic reaction. If this happens, you should try using different products until you find one that you are not allergic to.

Safety Tips for Using Eye Makeup

The following tips will help you reduce the risk of problems associated with wearing eye makeup:

Apply your eyeliner outside the lash line to prevent direct contact with your eye.
Make sure your eyeliner pencil is sharpened in order to prevent scratching your eye or eyelid.
Replace your eye makeup every six months, more frequently if you wear contact lenses, to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
Purchase fresh eye makeup after an eye infection.
Never apply eye makeup in a moving vehicle. It may increase your risk of scratching your cornea.
Do not share your eye makeup with other people. It increases the likelihood of infection.

If you experience any eye problems from using your eye makeup, please contact an eye doctor in your area today.