Can Eye Makeup Contribute to Dry Eye?

Many people consider makeup to be a permanent step in their normal routine, as essential as their choice of clothing. Eye makeup can accentuate features, but for those who suffer from eye dryness, products like eyeliner, mascara, and even eyeshadow can make symptoms worse. The team at Schwartz Laser is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal eye health through the delivery of exceptional care in addition to patient education.

Learn more about factors contributing to dry eye below.

Tear Film and Dry Eye

The eye’s tear film plays a central role in dry eye. Three layers make up the film: the mucous layer, the watery layer, and the oil layer. Each must be functional to ensure the eyes remain healthy. The oil layer is the outermost part of the film and is created by the meibomian glands. Any dysfunction in the glands can lead to the tears evaporating too quickly, resulting in an unbalanced tear film and dry, irritated eyes.

Eye Makeup and Dry Eye

While dry eye can be the result of several factors, those who regularly wear eye makeup could be at a heightened risk of developing problems with their meibomian glands, such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This condition occurs when the meibomian glands are unable to produce enough oil to nourish the eyes due to blockages. The meibomian glands are found along the rim of the eyelids, near the eyelashes. If you apply a cosmetic product near this location, it could block the natural flow of oil coming from the meibomian glands. This is especially true when using makeup techniques such as “tightlining,” which is when eyeliner is applied specifically to the inner rim of the upper and lower eyelids.

What Can I Do About Dry Eye?

You may be able to prevent dry eye by limiting the application of cosmetics near the eyelash line. Protecting the eyes from harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or wind, can also improve dryness. As far as treatment, those with dry eye have several options depending on the cause, which include:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
• Blepharitis
• Excess screen time
• Certain medications
• Environmental factors

At Schwartz Laser, dry eye is treated by addressing the eye’s natural drainage process. The tear ducts can be blocked using devices known as punctal plugs, allowing your tears to remain in the eyes much longer. Additionally, laser treatment may be recommended in some cases to close the tear duct permanently.

Contact Us Today

If you are ready to find relief from dry eye, contact the experts at Schwartz Laser to schedule a consultation today.