An optometrist is warning people that some common habits could lead to blindness – and you need to stop. Whether you wear makeup to express yourself or simply because you enjoy it, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks that may be lurking in your makeup bag.
Imran says “Never share your makeup, as cross-contamination can spread viral infections, leading to eyelid swelling, eye inflammation, or even discharge. If you’ve shared cosmetics and notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your optician.”
Using out-of-date makeup
Forget to wash your hands before applying makeup
Whether you forget, or you quickly want to reapply your makeup on a night out, if you haven’t washed your hands first you could be spreading harmful bacteria. “Your hands come into contact with many surfaces that contain germs that can damage your eyes. When you don’t wash your hands these germs get transmitted to your makeup applicator and then to all of your makeup where these germs can multiply. Eventually, these germs will be transmitted to your body,” warns Imran.
Wearing your makeup overnight
We’ve all been there, it’s late and you don’t have the energy to take your makeup off and go to bed with a full face of makeup. Leaving all of your makeup on your face while you sleep is likely to result in blocked pores, breakouts and blackheads but it can also damage your eyes.
“Mascara can get into your eyes when left on overnight and can clog your tear ducts and irritate your eyes, this increases the risk of an eye infection. While you may be too tired to take your makeup off, you should never skip the removal process as you leave yourself open to serious infections that can cause vision loss,” says Imran.
Allergic reactions
Even if you don’t do any of these common habits, wearing makeup around the eyes can still cause an allergic reaction, and it’s important to know what to do if it happens. The expert advises: “If your eyes start to itch, swell or you have dry skin on your eyelids from makeup then immediately stop using the product that you think has caused it. While it’s tempting to scratch your eyes, don’t do it as it can cause further damage. “If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them while your eyes recover and if your symptoms get worse make an appointment with an eye care specialist as medicine may be needed to help.”
