Numerous beauty procedures and cosmetics applied on or near the eyes can cause or exacerbate dry eye, according to specialists, In extreme cases. These products and procedures can cause permanent damage to the ocular surface, meibomian glands, and eyelashes, so ophthalmologists need to be aware of these potential dry eye culprits, said the speakers of the instruction course on the ingredients and habits that affect dry eye disease.\n<\/p>\n
Both men and woman have used minerals and dyes to enhance their looks, and today they spend nearly $400 billion on cosmetics and procedures worldwide. Women do the majority of spending, and women disproportionately suffer from ocular surface disease.<\/p>\n\n
Current trends in lash beauty and eyelid tattoos can impact the ocular surface, Lash extensions, false lashes, and lash embellishments can all damage the natural eyelashes even when done properly, Lashes naturally protect the corneal surface from pollutants and debris, but lash extensions can actually have a reverse effect. Studies have shown that super long lashes can alter the air dynamics around the eye, creating miniature wind tunnels that actually funnel particles toward the eye, she said.<\/p>\n\n
In addition, the glue used to affix the extensions to the lashes contains formaldehyde, a known and potent ocular surface irritant. False lashes, which are also affixed by glue, can cause similar irritations, but have an additional effect of ripping out the natural, new lashes when they grow in weight of eyelash embellishments, like rhinestones and feathers, can cause traction alopecia that can lead to permanent lash loss.<\/p>\n\n
Part of the problem with these procedures is they are often performed in salons by technicians who have little or no knowledge of ocular surface anatomy or physiology.<\/p>\n\n
Cosmetic eyeliner tattoos can have some of the most dramatise ocular surface effects. The needle penetration can destroy meibomian glands, while the ink pigments often contain common irritants like iron oxide or nickel.<\/p>\n\n
Some of the pigments can have ingredients that are known to be toxic, like lead and chromium, and some pigments are industrial grade and used for automobile or even airplane paint.<\/p>\n\n\n
Eyelash growth serums, waterproof makeup, harsh makeup removers, and anti-aging products are among the culprits of cosmetics that can have toxic or irritating ingredients that make up 1% or more of the total product, but there are often many ingredients below this threshold that can cause irritation or toxicity.<\/p>\n\n
In addition, product marketing can often be misleading. Labelling products as hypoallergenic, organic, vegan all-natural, dermatologist tested, and even ophthalmologist tested, does not mean they are safe for the ocular surface.\n<\/p>\n