UWaterloo Researcher Warns Inappropriately Applied Eyeliner Causes Vision Problems

Monday, June 15 2015 | 00 h 00 min | Vision Science

A study completed by Dr. Alison Ng while at Cardiff University found that eyeliner applied to the inner eyelid can contaminate the tear film and may cause vision problems including irritation, blurred vision and infection.

The research team observed that after just five minutes glitter eyeliner applied to the inner lid margin resulted in 15 to 30% more particles in the tear film than when makeup is applied outside the lash line only.

The waxes, oils, silicones and natural gums present in makeup can cause redness and discomfort when they enter the tear film, particularly for contact lens wearers, but the greater concern is that old makeup harbouring bacteria can lead to infections. Dr. Ng, now a fellow at the University of Waterloo, recommends, “If you thoroughly sharpen your pencil eyeliner before each application and get rid of the stuff that’s stuck to the end, you’ll have a fresh tip which can help prevent infection. With a twist-up eyeliner, cut some off the end before each use.”

Further information: https://uwaterloo.ca/news/news/study-finds-eyeliner-application-may-cause-eye-problems