Can Eyeliner Make You Blind? -

Eyeliner is a staple in many makeup routines, used to define and enhance the eyes. While it’s generally safe, improper use or unhygienic practices can lead to eye irritation, infections, or even more severe issues. So, can eyeliner make you blind? The short answer is that it’s improbable, but certain risks exist if misused.

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How Eyeliner Can Harm Your Eyes

There’s always a risk that eyeliner can do some damage. The same thing applies to any eye makeup, including mascara or certain eyeshadow formulas. Understanding the risks is crucial to ensureing you can prevent eye damage.

Infections

While the answer to can eyeliner make you blind isn’t always yes, it can do severe damage to your eyes. Applying eyeliner too close to the waterline—the area directly above the lashes—can lead to bacterial contamination.

This can cause infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), which, if left untreated, could potentially result in severe eye issues, although blindness is rare. A study from the American Academy of Ophthalmology highlights the dangers of sharing makeup or using expired products .

Allergic Reactions

Some eyeliners contain ingredients that might trigger allergic reactions, leading to swollen, red, or itchy eyes. If the reaction becomes severe, it can affect vision, though this is typically reversible once the allergen is removed.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, symptoms of eye allergies can include burning or a feeling of grittiness. If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure you discontinue use immediately. Consider switching to a new brand or formula because you may be allergic to the one you’re using.

Corneal Abrasions

If you accidentally poke your eye with the eyeliner pencil or brush, it can scratch the cornea, causing a corneal abrasion. These are painful and, in extreme cases, can lead to infections or ulcers, potentially impacting vision if not treated promptly. The Mayo Clinic reports that most corneal abrasions typically heal, but complications can arise if not managed.

Some people with a corneal abrasion may notice that their vision is drastically worse after the accident. However, in many cases, vision may improve as the abrasion heals. It’s best to discuss any concerns with a professional throughout the course of treatment.

Toxic Ingredients

While rare today, some eyeliners may contain harmful chemicals like lead or other heavy metals. These toxins, if used long-term, could pose risks to eye health. A report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) advises checking the ingredient lists of cosmetics for potentially harmful substances.

Preventing Eyeliner-Related Eye Issues

It’s crucial to take steps to prevent any issues from eyeliner before they happen. To avoid any risk to your vision when using eyeliner, follow these simple tips:

Avoid the waterline: Keeping eyeliner away from the waterline reduces the risk of bacteria entering the eye. Try wearing eyeliner on just your top lid or the outter part of your bottom lid to avoid your waterline.
Use clean products: Always sharpen eyeliner pencils before use, and avoid sharing eye makeup to prevent the spread of bacteria. Purchase new eyeliner if you’ve had a bacterial infection to ensure you don’t accidentally use contaminated eyeliner.
Check expiration dates: Makeup, especially eye products, has a shelf life. Expired products can harbor bacteria. It can be hard to remember the exact date you start using a product, and most only say they’re good for 12 months after you open them instead of having an actual date. Consider picking up some blank sticky labels to write an expiration date on your makeup.
Remove makeup properly: Leaving eyeliner on overnight can cause irritation and infection. The eyeliner may slowly move into your eye as the night progresses. You can also accidentally rub your eye, leading to you getting eyeliner in your eye. Always remove makeup before you go to sleep. Consider picking up some makeup remover wipes for nights you’re too exhausted for a full routine that involves makeup removal, cleansing, and skincare.