“Sometimes patients do not realize that the improper use and handling of eye makeup can adversely affect their eye health,” commented Fairfield County Ophthalmologist Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices in Norwalk, Westport and Wilton, CT. The proper use and care of eye makeup is important for helping to keep your eyes both healthy and beautiful. There are a number of steps and precautions to think about.
First, throw away eye makeup after three months. Infection-causing bacteria grow easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup. If you develop an eye infection, immediately toss all of your eye makeup. Second, never share eye makeup, and when sampling makeup in stores use only fresh applicators and samples that have not been contaminated by multiple users. In fact the safest choice is to avoid using store samples at all. Third, if you tend to be allergic, introduce only one new eye makeup or care product at a time. If there is no reaction, add another new product, and so on. If you notice an allergic reaction, find out what the ingredients are and let your eye doctor know. Avoid products that contain untested or harmful chemicals. In general, before applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are very clean. Always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid. These glands secrete oil that protects the eye’s surface. If you tend to have dry eyes, avoid metallic/glitter, powder or other makeup that flakes. Flakes can get into the tear film and increase your eyes’ irritation. Glitter eye makeup is a common cause of corneal irritation or infection, especially in contact lens users. Finally, always remove all eye makeup at night before sleeping, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. Brush a clean cotton swab along the base of the eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants. If you use eye makeup remover, avoid getting it in your eyes and thoroughly rinse remover off your eyelids. If at any time you have eye surgery, do not wear makeup around the eye until your eye surgeon tells you it is safe to do so, and then use only fresh, new makeup. For more information or if you have questions about eye makeup and eye health please call Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113.
