Your eyelids and eyelashes have naturally-occurring bacteria that can be transferred to products such as eyeliner and mascara. This provides the dark, damp environment bacteria loves. Once there, they grow and can be transferred back to your eyes as you apply makeup, increasing your risk of infection.
That mascara wand can do more than just make your lashes longer. It can also give you an eye infection. Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics. In rare cases, women have been temporarily or permanently blinded by an eye cosmetic, according to the FDA.
Over time, mascara buildup (especially if not removed properly) can cause lashes to become brittle and break easily. Ingredients in mascara can also clog follicles if left on lashes overnight or for too long, affecting lash growth and potentially irritating the delicate skin around the eyes.
Bacteria, viruses or fungi that are present elsewhere on the body or picked up from another person who is infected cause eye infections. They can be highly contagious, so it's important to take precautions to avoid catching eye infections.
Always (always!) remove all makeup before going to sleep. It's that simple. If not removed, eye makeup can cause follicular conjunctivitis and styes, eyelid cysts, and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid that affects eyelashes and tear production).
Failing to remove mascara and eye makeup from the eyes can lead to concretions, solid masses that form underneath the eyelids after material accumulation. The masses can erode the cornea, cause eye pain and irritation, and, left untreated, may lead to blindness.
If you are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, see an eye doctor. They will examine your eyes and may take a sample of any discharge to help determine the cause of the infection. Depending on what your eye doctor finds, treatment may consist of prescription eye drops, steroid drops and/or oral antibiotics.
Conjunctivitis will normally get better on its own, without any medical treatment, in around one to two weeks. Bathing and cleaning the eyelids with sterile pads/cotton wool and clean water (Boil the water and then let it cool down), is normally all that is needed.
The symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis are similar to those of viral conjunctivitis but can also include: thick green or yellow discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together. swelling of the eye surface. eyelid swelling and pain.
We understand it's tempting to leave your mascara on, but you should know that leaving your mascara on your lashes isn't healthy for your eyes or lashes. Eye Irritation. Leaving mascara on your eyes overnight can cause it to flake off and end up inside your eyes, causing irritation.
Unfortunately, those who overuse it run the risk of ending up with falling or thinning eyelashes. It is advisable to reduce the duration of mascara wear, and to prioritize gentle eye makeup removal.
Heavy or oil-based makeup products can block the meibomian glands along the eyelid. These glands produce an oily substance necessary for healthy tears. When clogged, however, they create the ideal environment for bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of a stye.
Throw away and replace any eye or face makeup you used while infected. Replace contact lens solutions that you used while your eyes were infected. Throw away disposable contact lenses and cases that were used while your eyes were infected. Clean extended wear lenses as directed.
Putting your pink eyes to bed can help ease discomfort and speed healing. “Adequate sleep gives the eyes a break,” says Rubin Naiman, PhD. “During sleep, complex changes occur that replenish the eye's moisture and protection.” Aim to sleep at least 8 hours each night.
If people have persistent allergic conjunctivitis, they may need treatment with topical steroid eye drops, such as loteprednol etabonate (Alrex/Lotemax).
Can feces cause conjunctivitis? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, bacteria from the anus can cause bacterial conjunctivitis if it comes into contact with the eye. Touching the eyes after touching the anus or not washing the hands properly after using the toilet may lead to bacterial conjunctivitis.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage often occurs without any obvious harm to your eye. Even a strong sneeze or cough can cause a blood vessel to break in the eye. You don't need to treat it. A subconjunctival hemorrhage may look alarming, but it's usually a harmless condition that disappears within two weeks or so.
You cannot obtain antibiotic eye drops over the counter. They require a doctor's prescription. However, you can use some over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms of various eye infections, including chalazion and styes.
Salt water: Salt water is a popular natural home remedy used to treat certain eye issues such as eye infections. Turmeric: Turmeric is a multifaceted herb that contains curcumin that may have medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Myth 7: It's ok to wear makeup when you have pink eye
Although makeup is not always the cause of irritation or infection, it can become contaminated and spread virus and/or bacteria from an infected eye to a healthy one. To be safe, discard and replace any eye makeup (and applicators) that you used prior to infection.
This can lead to bacterial infections like styes or pinkeye. You also risk fungal infections and general irritation. Most problems caused by makeup contamination are minor and temporary. However, these infections can progress into vision-threatening conditions.