If the prospect of acne breakouts and clogged pores is not enough to deter you from sleeping in your makeup, there are other, more important reasons to avoid this harmful habit. According to eye doctors, not removing your eye makeup before bed could lead to serious problems and possibly even blindness.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently published a study of a 50-year-old woman in Australia, who went to a doctor complaining about eye pain and swollen, heavy eyelids. When the doctor looked under her eyelids, she discovered a number of calcified lumps, which turned out to be 25 years’ worth of built-up mascara particles. The deposits were scratching the patient’s eyeball and cornea, and she had developed a chronic infection called follicular conjunctivitis. Had the woman not seen a doctor, the infection could have worsened and the woman could have lost her eyesight permanently.
Luckily, doctors were able to perform an emergency operation to safely remove these masses (although the woman had permanent scarring on her eyelid and corneal surface).
Use Proper Technique for Eye Makeup Application and Removal
Nearly every woman occasionally sleeps in her makeup, and the likelihood that you will go 25 years without removing your mascara is extremely low. Nevertheless, this is not the only report of a serious eye infection stemming from the (mis)use of eye makeup.
Let it be a good reminder to use common-sense techniques for eye makeup application and removal. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following:
- Thoroughly remove your makeup at night and go over the base of your eyelashes with a clean cotton swab to remove any remnants. Even the tiniest bit of mascara, eyeshadow or eyeliner could get into the corner of your eye and cause irritation or infection.
- Use caution not to get eye makeup remover in your eyes.
- Be mindful of expiration dates. Toss creamy or liquid eye makeup after three months, as it can harbor dangerous bacteria.
- Do not share your eye makeup with anyone else.
- Try to avoid store samples.
- Stay away from glitter eye makeup or other makeup that flakes easily and can get under your lids.
We Care about Your Ocular Health
At Laser Eye Center of Miami, we care about your ocular health and vision. If you experience eye pain, blurry vision, dry eyes or any other similar symptoms, we encourage you to come in for a consultation to have your eyes checked. Taking the right precautions can prevent small problems from getting bigger and threatening your health and well-being. To get in touch with us, please call or send us an email today.