Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Published : April 2, 2015 3:48 PM IST
Love lining your eyes with an eyeliner? Well, you might be paying the ultimate price for beauty -- they health of your eyes.
According to a recent study, applying eyeliner on the inner portion of your eyelids could lead to vision problems and contaminate your tear film. According to Dr. Alison Ng, a University of Waterloo scientist who was a part of the study, this is the first time anyone has researched the ill effects of applying a pencil eyeliner.
How was the study performed?
The scientists used video recordings to observe and compare the amount of eyeliner particles that migrated into the tear film - the thin coating protecting the eye - after applying makeup in different styles. You may also like to read how eyeliner, kaajal and other makeup can harm you.
What did the study find?
The study found that within five minutes of application, between 15 and 30 percent more particles moved into the eye's tear film when subjects applied eyeliner to the inside of the lash line, compared to outside it. The makeup also moved more quickly into the eye when the eyeliner was applied inside the lash line.
As time passes, the amount of makeup entering the tear film steadily dropped and by two hours, there was a negligible amount of eyeliner left. However, Dr. Ng and her colleagues say - the eyeliner can alter the tear film, adding to discomfort.
How can it harm your eyes?
The material used to make eyeliners often contain waxes, oils, silicones and natural gums to help the eyeliner stick to the eyelids and last for prolonged periods. Also, the liner has to adhere through blinking, sweating and the secretion of natural oils. That is why, when these particles enter the eye, it results in complications including irritation and redness, introduction of harmful bacteria from the eyeliner, and in some cases, eye infections or blurred red vision.
Dr. Ng said that people who wear contact lenses were most likely to notice some problems, adding that pencil eyeliner, if thoroughly sharpened, gives a fresh tip which can help prevent infection.
The results are published in the journal Eye and Contact Lens Science and Clinical Practice.
Image source: Shuterstock
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