Putting on makeup is a part of most women’s morning routines, whether it is just a bit of mascara, eyeliner or even an entire face makeup.

But, what if that bit of mascara or eye liner is actually aggravating your eyes causing irritation, dry eyes and potential infections?

Eye make are usually safe to use but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi and viruses. Eye lashes and skin usually have bacteria on them, while applying make these get transferred to the skin and also the make kit via makeup tools like brushes and sponge. These bacteria can grow in the moist surface of the makeup kit leading to symptoms like irritation, itching, redness, discharge, crusts on the eye lashes, etc.

Eye makeup can also clog the meibomian glands in your eyelids, which are responsible for making the oil for your tears. When your tear film isn’t working properly, dry eye symptoms are easily triggered causing irritation, watering, itching and discomfort. Dry eye disease occurs when your tears aren’t providing adequate lubrication for your eyes, which can cause uncomfortability, and even stinging and burning.

• Change the  eye makeup every 3-4 months or as recommended by the details on the product. Always look at the expiration date on your products.
• Do not share your products. Sharing products can led to increase in contamination which increases the risk of eye infections.
• Always clean and change your make-up tools. Makeup tools also carry lots of germs and bacteria on them so ensure to clean them regularly. Also replace them as needed.
• “Lens First”, when using contact lenses and eye makeup remember the “Lens First rule” always wear the lens first, then apply your eye make. Always remove your lens first and then remove the eye makeup. This rule helps to protect your contact lenses from getting damaged or contaminated with eye makeup. This will also help in minimizing irritation, dryness, and increase contact lens comfort.
• Avoiding using makeup with glitter particles as they can increase irritation and discomfort. Small particles from the eye makeup can also get trapped on contact lenses causing irritation.
• Incase of any itching, irritation, burning sensation, discomfort with the eye makeup discontinue the use and replace the products.
• Avoid using cheap products. Some of these eye products can have chemicals and irritants that can cause redness, discomfort and infections.
• Avoid using waterproof eye makeup, especially with contact lenses. Waterproof eye makeup are hydrophobic in nature and are difficult to clean. They can also clog the glads on the eyelid margins which can cause eye infections, swelling, or dryness.
• Always remove your eye makeup before sleeping. Always use mild makeup remover specially designed for your eyes. Hypoallergenic are know to work very well for removing eye makeup.
• Avoid using eye makeup if your eyes are red, irritated or inflamed. Using eye makeup when the eyes are sore can increase the risk of eye infections.
• Always store your makeup in a cool and dry place. Heat and moisture can increase the bacterial growth and minimize the effectiveness of the preservatives used to protect your eyes from infections.
• Replace your eye makeup if any of the products have caused eye infections and start fresh.

1. Blepharitis: It is an inflammation of the eye lid margin which causes redness, irritation, itching, discomfort  and crusts on the eyelashes.
2. Stye / hordeolum: It is an infection on the eye lid margin caused due to clogged pores. Its causes swelling and bump on the eye lid margin similar to a pimple on your skin. It can be painful.
3. Pink eye/Conjunctivitis: This is a very common infection causing inflammation and infection in the eye. It causes redness, irritation, itching, watering and discharge.  This infection can be bacterial, allergic or viral. It can also be contagious and can easily spread to others.

In majority of the cases infection or inflammation caused due to eye makeup can be easily treated. In some severe cases it can cause damage to the eyes leading to partial or complete vision loss. This problem is easily avoidable if we follow proper eye makeup routine and take good care of the eyes.

So, is your makeup causing you dry eye, itching, irritation, discomfort or a sand paper kind of feeling in the eye? Are you already suffering from dry eye disease and need to check if using eye makeup is increasing your severity and frequency of  your dry eye symptom? 

World Eye Care Foundation’s eyecare.live brings you the latest information from various industry sources and experts in eye health and vision care. Please consult with your eye care provider for more general information and specific eye conditions. We do not provide any medical advice, suggestions or recommendations in any health conditions.