Investigating the effect of eye cosmetics on the tear film: current insights

Abstract

Eye cosmetics are frequently applied among female populations of all age groups around the world. However, the migration of cosmetic products across the eyelid margin has been reported, and this is thought to exacerbate tear film instability and symptoms of dry eye. Furthermore, numerous adverse effects and complications have also been reported with eye cosmetic wear, and the associated inflammatory responses may potentially increase the propensity toward ocular surface disease development. Prospective studies have demonstrated that eyeliner application at the inner eyelash line is associated with higher levels of tear film contamination and ocular discomfort than application at the outer periocular skin. A recent randomized trial also highlighted the potential for eye cosmetic wear to compromise the efficacy of lipid-based dry eye supplements. This review outlines the current evidence base and understanding regarding the periocular migration of eye cosmetic products, the effects of cosmetic product contamination on tear film function, and the use of dry eye treatments in eye cosmetic wearers.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on digital device-related ocular health

“…The association between cosmetic usage and dry eye has revealed a migration of the product onto the surface of the eyes, and this, coupled with the chemistry of compounds used in such preparations, is associated with tear film instability, leading to dry eye. [ 26 ] Headache disorders are more commonly seen in females[ 27 ] and may account for a few of the symptoms such as sensitivity to light, headache, glare, blurring of vision. The higher incidence of symptoms in females is similar to findings of most of the previous studies.…”

Association of sensitive skin with sensitive corneas and sensitive eyelids

“…Lens and eye cosmetics have been shown to modify corneoconjunctival properties, especially moisturizing by lacrimal and sensory inflammation, with individual variations. These experimental studies can be considered experimental inductions of sensitive corneas since irritation is induced in all humans (such as skin irritation), whereas sensitivity is only induced in some individuals (such as sensitive skin) that have hyperexcitable nerve endings for putative genetic reasons and certainly because of the accumulation of environmental factors that damage these nerve endings.…”

“…Thus, the consensus conference introduced the notion of neurogenic pain to describe all clinical pictures where the patient complains of pain of any degree but is associated with no obvious organic lesions . The cornea is the ocular equivalent of the epidermis, and eye sensory disorders, dry eyes or ocular intolerance to lens or cosmetics can be associated with changes in corneal and conjunctival innervation. Consequently, the existence of eye disorders similar to sensitive skin seems to be probable.…”

Tear Film Break-Up Time and Dry Eye Disease Severity in a Large Norwegian Cohort

“…Similar to the present study, the female sex has been linked to less stable tear film as well as an increased severity and frequency of dryness symptoms in comparison with male sex [ 44 ]. Several factors, including low androgen and high estrogen levels in reduced lacrimal and meibomian gland function, have previously been pointed out in addition to the use of eye makeup products by females [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 ].…”