Since ancient history, women have worn cosmetics to enhance the appearance of their eyes. Most people who wear eye makeup never have a problem related to makeup use. Some women can, however, develop an allergic reaction, infection or injury of the eye or eyelids. These problems can range from minor annoyance, such as tearing of the eyes, to visual loss or even blindness.

Who has problems with eye makeup?

Contact lens wearers and people with allergies or sensitive skin are more likely to confront problems while using eye cosmetics. However, anyone who wears eye makeup should be aware of basic safety tips to help prevent injury or infection.

What are some safety tips to using eye cosmetics?

* Apply eyeliner outside the lash line (away from the eye) to avoid direct contact of the cosmetic with the eye. There also will be less chance that the liner will flake off into the eye.
* Keep eyeliner pencils sharpened so that the rough wood casing won't scratch the eye or eyelid. As the pencil becomes old, the liner tip becomes stiff, requiring more pressure to apply. When this happens, replace the pencil with a new one.
* Replace cosmetics every six months (more often if you wear contact lenses) to avoid excess contamination with skin bacteria. After any eye infection, such as conjunctivitis, buy fresh eye makeup.
* Even though eye makeup removers are designed for use around the eye, they can irritate the eye. Apply them carefully to the eyelid and avoid getting them in your eye.
* Never apply eye makeup while in a moving vehicle. You may accidentally poke the applicator into the eye during a sudden bump or stop.
* Never use saliva to thin old or clumped makeup or to wet a mascara wand. Your saliva contains bacteria from your mouth.

Everyday Eye Care

Here are some safety tips you should follow if you wear contact lenses.
Make sure to:

* Get regular eye exams to assure the continued health of your eyes.
* Always have a back-up pair of glasses with a current prescription in the event that you have problems with your contact lenses.
* Always ask your eye care professional before using any medicine or using topical eye products, even those you buy without a prescription. Some medicines may affect your vision or irritate your eyes.
* Ask your eye care professional about wearing glasses or contact lenses during sports activities to minimize your chance of injury.
* Apply cosmetics after inserting lenses and remove your lenses before removing makeup.
* Apply any aerosol products (hairspray, cologne, and deodorant) before inserting lenses.
* Always inform your employer if you wear contact lenses. Some jobs may require the use of eye protection equipment or may require that you not wear lenses.
* Follow and save the directions that come with your lenses. If you didn’t get a patient information booklet, request one from your eye care professional or look for one on the manufacturer’s website.
* Replace contacts as recommended by your eye care professional. Throw away disposable lenses after recommended wearing period.

Do Not:

* Sleep in daily wear lenses because it may increase your chance of infection or irritation.
* Purchase contact lenses from gas stations, video stores, record shops, or any other vendor not authorized by law to dispense contact lenses. Contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription. See Buying Contact Lenses to help you take simple precautions to make your purchase safe and effective.
* Swap contact lens with another person. Swapping provides a way to transfer germs between people. Contact lenses are individually fitted. Incorrectly fitted lenses may cause permanent eye injury, infection and may potentially lead to blindness.
* Smoke. Studies show that smokers who wear contact lenses have a higher rate of problems (adverse reactions) than nonsmokers.
* Swim while wearing contact lenses. There is a risk of eye infection from bacteria in swimming pool water, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean

Hi

One can even dip the cotton swabs or balls into rose water while adding up to three drops of castor oil to it. These cotton balls are then placed on the eye lids to alleviate the burning or the stressed eyes. Not only will this technique allow the eyes to relax but also help in curbing many problems related to it. Tea water without milk and sugar is also known to work wonder for the eyes. Make it a weekly eye care regime to wash the eyes with a very dilute tea solution, which is strained to remove even the traces of tea leaves. Prior to splashing the eyes with this solution it is necessary to allow it to cool at the room temperature.

Thanks