Is Eyeliner Safe for Your Eyes? Here's How To Keep Your Eyeliner From Injuring Your Eyes

Are you putting your eyes at risk with your cosmetics? It's easy to forget about eye health when you're putting on your makeup or removing it. Here are a few preventative steps to help you avoid eye damage that can be caused by your makeup.

When did you last consider the cleanliness of your cosmetics? We don't think our eye pencils, shadows, mascaras, and brushes as defiled with microbes, growth or other frightening bacteria. However, they can end up not only dirty in a way we don't see with our eyes, but they can also quickly become a potential danger to our eye health.

These are a few ophthalmologist recommendations to keep your eyes safe: 

1. Follow the three-month rule.

We can quickly forget how long we've been using a product, especially if we're nowhere near finishing it. The three-month rule means throwing out any product after about three months. This might seem wasteful, but the health of your eyes should take priority over having to stop by Sephora to pick up your favorite eyeliner again.

The longer you've been using the product, the more likely it is that microorganisms or unwanted bacteria have sullied it. The eye area is sensitive, and exposure to harmful bacteria could leave you with a genuine eye disease. It's just not worth it to take the chance. Better safe than sorry right?

One approach to help keep track of time is to add a tiny sticker with the date so that you can know precisely when you need to toss it.

2. Read names and maintain a strategic distance from unsafe ingredients

Focussing on the ingredients is critical. For instance, those containing kohl occasionally contain lead. Read the labels and boxes!

A few other ingredients it's better to shy away from are BHA (aka butylated hydroxyanisole), urea, phthalates, talc, and sulfates.

These potentially dangerous ingredients are usually disguised as additives, stabilizers or solidifying/anti-caking agents. Too much of any of these can add to the risk of cancer and other eye issues.

3. Skip the lash line application

Numerous ladies jump at the chance to apply eyeliner along the lashline. This is sometimes alluded to as "waterlining." The danger of this is that it can obstruct oil glands the cornea uses for protection. Because the lash line is so close to the eye, it's even more likely that microscopic organisms can pollute the eye. Lash lining is even more dangerous for contact lens wearers and those with especially dry or sensitive eyes

4. Avoid the glitter

Look, I love glitter but adding this sparkle is also putting your eyes at more risk. Glitter can easily chip off and enter the eyes, causing irritation such as itching and redness, or at worst, a corneal disease.

5. Sensitive eyes need sensitive products

If you're one of us with dry, sensitive eyes, look for products labeled "hypoallergenic." Hypoallergenic eye cosmetics are a good idea for every eye type though because they're less inclined to disturb the eyes.

6. Curl the lashes, then apply your mascara

To keep from having to place the mascara wand too close to your eyes, first curl your lashes. Mascara wands can too easily scratch the corneal surface of your eyes. It should go without saying, take your time when applying mascara! Don't do it in the car or on the bus or train etc. It's common sense, but many of us have done it. It's hard to resist when short on time or late for work.

7. Avoid eyelash curlers containing nickel

You may not know yet, but it's possible you're allergic to nickel. This cheap metal is found in a lot of curlers on the market, but if you look, you'll find one without. Avoid the risk and take the time and spend the extra cash to get one without nickel if you can.

Are your eyes feeling bothered? An ophthalmologist appointment should be made asap if you experience any of these symptoms:

Eye pain

Light sensitivity

Vision changes

Eye swelling

Discharge from the eye