Eye cosmetic usage and associated ocular comfort.
OBJECTIVE
Eye cosmetics usage is commonplace and whilst some products such as eyeliner are applied with close proximity to the ocular surface, there is little knowledge of the short- and long-term ocular effects of eye cosmetic formulations. This study aimed to investigate the use of eye cosmetics and identify any relationships between ocular comfort and cosmetic usage.


METHODS
Results were collated from an online survey comprising 23 questions that recorded demographics, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, extent and range of eye cosmetic use and perceived comfort differences with and without eye cosmetics.


RESULTS
The 1360 female respondents (median age 25, interquartile range 20-34 years) completed the survey; 83% reported using eye cosmetics regularly (≥ 3 times per week) with mascara being most commonly used. Fifty three per cent used at least three different eye cosmetics products regularly. OSDI scores of cosmetics users were similar to non-users (p = 0.083), but perceived comfort was greater when cosmetics were not used (p < 0.001). In occasional cosmetics users (use of products < 3 times per week), 65% reported a reduction in comfort when cosmetics were used. Median OSDI scores suggested a trend towards reduced comfort amongst eyeliner users (p = 0.07) although frequency and type of cosmetic products used did not appear to influence OSDI scores.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows the use of multiple eye cosmetics is extensive and associated with the perception of ocular discomfort. With such widespread use of these products, more research is required to assess the effect on the ocular surface and tear film, which may be underestimated.
School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. NgA@cardiff.ac.uk
Alison
A
Ng
Katharine
K
Evans
Rachel
R
North
Christine
C
Purslow
D000328:Adult; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000523:psychology; D005123:Eye; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D013666:Tears / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
D003358:Cosmetics