Dry Eyes
Dry eyes is a very prevalent ocular condition, it affects millions of people every year. There are many factors that contribute to whether someone experiences dry eyes. No matter what the cause of one's dry eye is, makeup can amplify the problem.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eyes?
- Irritation.
- Redness.
- Itching.
- Burning.
- Tearing.
- Fluctuation in vision throughout the day.
- Blurred Vision.
- Eye pain, dull or sharp.
- Feeling of something in the eye which can be described as sandy or gritty.
How Does Makeup Contribute to Dry Eyes?
Eye makeup can disrupt the outermost layer of our tear film known as the oil layer. When the oil layer is altered it causes the tears to evaporate from the eyes very quickly. Evaporative tear loss is one of the major reasons why one will start to experience eye irritation and other symptoms associated with dry eye.
Tips for Makeup Wear to Avoid Dry Eye Symptoms
- Avoid waterproof makeup. Waterproof makeup contains more chemicals that could be irritating to the eye. It could also cause clogging of the glands that are responsible for producing the oil part of our tear film therefore causing fast evaporation of the tears.
- Avoid makeup with sparkles. While makeup with sparkles and shimmers catch your eye, the particles can get into the tear film and cause irritation.
- Do not apply eyeliner on the "waterline". The oil glands that produce the oild tear film are found on the waterline of the eye. By applying makeup to that area, you are clogging the pore of the gland. Therefore reducing the oil tear film that lubricates the eye.
- Remove makeup thoroughly every night. Failing to remove your eye makeup every night is a very large contributor to dry eye. Makeup that is left on overnight causes the eye to constantly be exposed to chemicals and bacteria that can harm the ocular surface. In addition, it can clog the oil glands thereby reducing the oil layer of the tear film. Micellar wwater, a baby shampoo later, or even eyelid scrubs are great ways to remove eye makeup.
- Discard all eye makeup after it has been open for 3 months.
- Avoid false eyelashes or lash extensions. While your eyelash extensions are beautiful, they are prone to bacteria buildup which can harm the tear film and surface of the eye.
- Regularly clean your makeup brushes. Makeup brushes can become contaminated with bacteria. Clean ytour makeup brushes with soap and water or spray them with hypochlorous acid.
Author
Lindsey Barouh, OD
Lindsey Barouh, OD, is a board-certified optometrist at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC, where she treats patients at the practice’s offices in Blue Bell, North Wales, and Hatboro, Pennsylvania.
As an optometrist, Dr. Barouh's areas of special interest include routine eye care, such as contact lenses and the management and treatment of various ocular diseases.
Like her colleagues, Dr. Barouh is committed to providing compassionate care and comprehensive vision treatment to patients throughout Greater Philadelphia. She treats every patient as an individual, offering them the most personalized care in a warm, welcoming environment.
