Eye cosmetic usage and associated ocular comfort
Alison Ng1, Katharine Evans, Rachel North
1School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. NgA@cardiff.ac.uk
Summary
Regular use of eye cosmetics, especially multiple products, is common and linked to perceived ocular discomfort. Further research is needed to understand the impact on eye health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cosmetic Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Eye cosmetics are widely used, with products like eyeliner applied near the ocular surface.
- The short- and long-term ocular effects of eye cosmetic formulations are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of eye cosmetic usage.
- To identify relationships between ocular comfort and the use of eye cosmetics.
Main Methods:
- An online survey with 23 questions was administered to collect data.
- Data included demographics, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, and eye cosmetic usage habits.
- Perceived comfort differences with and without eye cosmetics were recorded.
Main Results:
- 1360 female respondents completed the survey; 83% regularly used eye cosmetics, with mascara being most common.
- Cosmetic users had similar OSDI scores to non-users, but reported greater ocular discomfort when using cosmetics.
- Occasional users (less than 3 times/week) reported reduced comfort when using cosmetics, and eyeliner users showed a trend towards reduced comfort.
Conclusions:
- Extensive use of multiple eye cosmetics is associated with perceived ocular discomfort.
- The impact of widespread eye cosmetic use on the ocular surface and tear film may be underestimated.
- Further research is warranted to evaluate the effects of eye cosmetic formulations on ocular health.
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