When it comes to eye make up, some women will hoard their favourite pieces for months – and in some cases, even years.
But this habit could be causing them far more harm than they realise.
Optometry Australia’s resident optometrist, Luke Arundel, has seen first-hand the damage caused by cosmetic mistakes and recently shared his top beauty tips to help women avoid eye infection and damage.
Optometry Australia’s resident optometrist, Luke Arundel, has seen first-hand the damage caused by cosmetic mistakes and shared his top beauty tips to help women avoid eye damage
1. DON’T APPLY EYELINER ON THE INNER LASH LINE
While the tightlining technique is all the rage on beauty blogs, Mr Arundel warns against this cosmetic method.
‘Optometrists call the fragile skin around the eyes ‘periocular skin’ and they have a strong opinion about where on that skin you should apply your eyeliner,’ he said.
‘There has even been a small study to set the record straight about the dangers of what beauticians refer to as “waterlining” or “tightlining” which is applying eyeliner inside your lower lash line.
‘The study quantified the migration of a conventional cosmetic eye pencil in two different locations: behind the lash line and inside the lash line (the waterline).
‘The results showed the glitter particles of the pencil eyeliner migrated more readily and contaminated the tear film when applied inside the waterline.
Mr Arundel said this has ‘implications for contact wearers and patients with dry eye syndrome or sensitive eyes’.
While the tightlining technique is all the rage, Mr Arundel warns against this cosmetic method. While the method pictured is okay, it should never enter the wet area of the eye
How long does eye make up last?
Generally, the use-by date for liquid or gel eyeliner and mascara is three months.
Pencil eyeliner lasts about two years.
Powder eye shadow can last up to two years.
2. THROW OUT YOUR MAKE UP AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE
While many people keep their make up for a long while, this could be causing serious damage to their eyes.
‘A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found 97.9 per cent of participants reported using or previously using make-up after the expiration date, with mascara being the most frequently mentioned product,’ Mr Arundel said.
‘Yet, the microbiological analysis of 40 mascara samples revealed the presence of bacteria and fungi which can cause nasty bacterial eye infections.
‘By law, cosmetic manufacturers don’t have to put a use-by date on their products.
However, you can check a product’s official expiry date by running the batch code through checkfresh.com or apps like Check Your Cosmetics.
3. BE CAREFUL WITH EYELASH EXTENSIONS
Eyelash extensions have skyrocketed in popularity of late… but they can be risky.
According to Mr Arundel, risks associated with this beauty trend include infections of the cornea and eyelid, the permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes, eyelid swelling and allergic reactions.
‘There has been a steady increase in the number of cases associated with allergic reactions to the glue used to adhere extensions to existing lashes, the loss of natural eyelashes, conjunctivitis and even corneal damage due to tweezer injury,’ Mr Arundel said.
‘Repeated use of eyelash extensions can cause tractional alopecia, where the natural lash falls out due to excessive tension and weight placed on the hair shaft.
‘This can damage the hair follicle, which can slow down or cease any further production of natural lashes.’
‘Repeated use of eyelash extensions can cause tractional alopecia, where the natural lash falls out due to excessive tension and weight placed on the hair shaft,’ he said
Mr Arundel says that if women insist on the extensions, they should ensure that their beauty therapist has been trained in this procedure, that the equipment used has been sterilised and that the environment where the procedure will take place is clean.
‘They should ask their therapist what glue they will use and avoid places that only use formaldehyde-based adhesives as these are often linked to allergic reactions,’ he added.
‘If there is any discomfort after the procedure, any noticeable inflammation of the eyelid, grittiness, blurred vision or loss of the natural eyelashes, you should see your optometrist immediately.’
4. TAKE CARE WITH NOVELTY CONTACT LENSES
A popular accessory on Halloween, novelty contact lenses are a popular beauty buy.
But they can also cause serious damage to the surface of your eye.
‘Halloween can be a scary time for optometrists, for all the wrong reasons. Buying novelty lenses online or over the counter can lead to eye infections, damage, and even permanent blindness,’ Mr Arundel said.
‘The surface of the eye is extremely delicate and wearing non-prescribed novelty contact lenses, particularly those from a dubious source, could cause eye damage ranging from mild infections to sight-threatening conditions such as corneal scarring and even blindness.
‘Buying novelty lenses online or over the counter can lead to eye infections, damage, and even permanent blindness,’ Mr Arundel said
‘Contact lenses are not “one size fits all”.
‘It is important to make sure the lenses are prescribed by an optometrist who will measure each eye to properly fit the lenses and evaluate how the eye responds to contact lens wear using a microscope.
‘The optometrist will then instruct them on appropriate insertion and removal techniques and correct contact lens care to minimise the risk of irreversible eye damage.’
5. GET YOUR EYES TESTED
Many people put up with sore, teary and itchy eyes for months before even thinking about getting them tested.
Mr Arundel said if these symptoms persist, people should be getting their eyes tested by an optometrist within a few days.
‘You may think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination is the only way to really be sure,’ he explained.
‘Not only may it lead to improved everyday vision – and quality of life – it could detect that something more serious is going on, and prevent loss of vision.
‘If you can squeeze in the time to see a beautician, you can manage an appointment with an optometrist.’
‘You may think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination is the only way to really be sure,’ he explained