When you add that splash of color to your lids, are you putting your vision at risk? What about that heavy eyeliner? Will using it mean you will need eyeglasses in Cape Cod in the future?
A plethora of makeup products are available to enhance our eyes and change their appearance. But are they safe to use? The truth is, these products can be bad for our eyes, but there are things we can do to minimize our risk.
Here are some of the risks posed by eye makeup:
- Waterline eyeliner: Most eyeliner is worn outside the eyelashes. This type of eyeliner is applied to the rim of the eyelid rather than the exterior portion. Using this style of eyeliner poses a risk to our eyes because bacteria from the makeup can come into direct contact with our eyes and cause an infection.
- False eyelashes: This cosmetic product is designed to enhance or extend our lashes. As with waterline eyeliner, bacteria can build up on these eyelashes as we wear them, and the germs can work their way into our eyes.
- Color contact lenses: If you’ve ever worn these to change the hue of your irises, you probably did not damage your eyes. However, since you’re placing an external object on your eye, you run the risk of contaminating the surface of the eyeball with bacteria or using an incorrectly shaped lens, so it could cause problems with your eyes.
- Mascara: As soon as you use a mascara wand for the first time, it becomes contaminated. Every time you use it, there is some risk of the presence of bacteria. This can transfer to your eyes as you apply your mascara.
- Scratching: Some makeup can become irritable and cause you to rub at your eyes, which can lead to scratching. Eye scratches can also be caused by a jab from a mascara wand or eyeliner pencil. These can leave scratches on the cornea.
- Powder: Makeup products that are powdery, dry or flaky can fall or blow into the eyes. This can cause swelling, irritation or redness.
Fortunately, the use of makeup products doesn’t automatically mean you will suffer from an eye infection and eventually need eyeglasses. Take the following precautions to prevent damage to your eyes:
- Toss it: Check the expiration date of your makeup. If it’s expired, throw it out. Old makeup is more likely to cause problems. Invest in new products to help keep your eyes healthy.
- Clean it: How clean are the brushes you use to apply your makeup? These can become grimy, dirty and crusty over time. Be sure to use only clean brushes to protect your eyes from debris and bacteria.
- Apply it: If you’re going to use eyeliner, apply it on the exterior only. Placing this product on your waterline increases the risk of eye pokes and infection from foreign material in the eye.
- Hoard it: Sharing and generosity are good general concepts, but not when it comes to makeup. Don’t share these products—you’ll risk the transfer of bacteria from your friend’s makeup to your eyes.
- Buy it: If you choose to use color contacts, get them from a quality provider. Look for someone who offers prescription lenses. It’s important to ensure you get the right lenses for your eyes, even if they are not corrective.
Would you like to learn more about your eyes and what might cause the need for eyeglasses in Cape Cod? Contact your local experts at Bayview Optometrics today!