Marginal Eyeliner Use and Meibomian Gland Function

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Chronic use of cosmetics, particularly near the eyelid margin, is common.
• Potential links between cosmetic use and ocular surface health remain under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chronic cosmetic use on the eyelid margin.
• To determine if cosmetic use contributes to tear film instability and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Three groups of subjects were assessed: rarely wear makeup (No-M), frequent wear outside the margin (Min-M), and frequent wear on the margin (W-M).
• Evaluations included tear film assessments (lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, tear breakup time), meibomian gland evaluation (excreta grade, number secreting), and ocular surface staining.
• A masked examiner assessed dry eye signs and symptoms.

Main Results:

• Eyeliner use on the eyelid margin (W-M group) showed significantly higher grades for meibomian gland excreta compared to non-users.
• Increased ocular staining (corneal and conjunctival) and poorer meibomian gland secretions were observed in the W-M group.
• No significant differences were found in lipid layer thickness, tear breakup time, or meibomian gland dropout among groups.

Conclusions:

• Eyeliner application on the eyelid margin is associated with increased ocular surface staining.
• This practice leads to decreased quality of meibomian gland secretions.
• Reduced meibomian gland excretion may impair meibomian gland function and potentially lead to glandular atrophy over time.