Caution Can Save Your Sight

Eye cosmetics are intended to make the eyes more attractive, and should never introduce the risk of harmful infection or potential loss of sight. And, while most eye products are safe when used properly, there is the additional risk of injury from the applicator, as well as serious reactions or infection resulting from the use of unapproved color additives.

Keep it clean - Eye cosmetics are usually safe when you buy them, but misusing them can allow dangerous bacteria or fungi to grow in them. Then, when applied to the eye area, a cosmetic can cause an infection and even blindness.

Don't swap or share - Not even with your best friend. Another person's germs may be hazardous to you. The risk of contamination may be even greater with "testers" at retail stores, where a number of people are using the same sample product. If you're unable to avoid the urge to sample cosmetics at a store, make sure they are applied with single-use applicators, such as clean cotton swabs.

Hold still - Always resist that temptation to apply makeup in the car or any moving vehicle. Should you hit a bump, come to a sudden stop, or are hit by another vehicle, you risk injuring your eye (scratching your cornea, for example) with a mascara wand or other applicator. Even a slight scratch can result in a serious infection.

A caution about colors - In the United States, the use of color additives is strictly regulated. And, it's important to note that while a variety of color additives are approved for cosmetics in general, they are not always approved for use in the area of the eye. One color additive of particular concern is kohl. Also known as al-kahl, kajal, or surma, kohl is used in some parts of the world to enhance the appearance of the eyes, but is unapproved for cosmetic use in the United States. Kohl consists of salts of heavy metals, such as antimony and lead, with reported links to lead poisoning in children.

Some eye cosmetics may be labeled with the word "kohl" only to indicate the shade, not because they contain true kohl. If the product is properly labeled, you can check to see whether the color additives declared on the label are in FDA's list of color additives approved for use in cosmetics, then make sure they are listed as approved for use in the area of the eye.

Eyelash Dying - Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries, including blindness. There are no color additives approved by the FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. And, eyelash and eyebrow dyes containing coal tar colors should be avoided altogether.

False eyelashes or Extensions - False eyelashes and eyelash extensions require adhesives to hold them in place. Remember that the eyelids are delicate, and an allergic reaction, irritation, or other injury in the eye area can be particularly troublesome. Check the ingredients before using any of these adhesives.

Safety Checklist - The FDA suggests the following safety tips when using any eye cosmetic:

1. If any eye cosmetic causes irritation, stop using it immediately. If irritation persists, see a doctor.

2. Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around the eye is inflamed. Wait until the area is healed. Discard any eye cosmetics you were using when you got the infection.

3. Be aware that there are bacteria on your hands that, if placed in the eye, could cause infections. Wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics.

4. Make sure that any instrument you place in the eye area is clean.

5. Don't share your cosmetics. Another person's bacteria may be hazardous to you.

6. Don't allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or contaminated with dirt or soil. Keep containers clean.

7. Don't use old containers of eye cosmetics. Manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase.

8. Discard dried-up mascara. Don't add saliva or water to moisten it. The bacteria from your mouth may grow in the mascara and cause infection. Adding water may introduce bacteria and will dilute the preservative that is intended to protect against microbial growth.

9. Don't store cosmetics at temperatures above 85 degrees F. Cosmetics held for long periods in hot cars, for example, are more susceptible to deterioration of the preservative.

10. When applying or removing eye cosmetics, use care to avoid scratching the eyeball or other sensitive area. Never apply or remove eye cosmetics in a moving vehicle.

11. Don't use any cosmetics near your eyes unless they are intended specifically for that use. For instance, don't use a lip liner as an eye liner. You may be exposing your eyes to contamination from your mouth, or to color additives that are not approved for use in the area of the eye.

12. Avoid color additives that are not approved for use in the area of the eye, such as "permanent" eyelash tints and kohl. Be especially careful to keep kohl away from children, since reports have linked it to lead poisoning.