Women who apply make-up on train commute ‘risk eye damage’

WOMEN should not apply their makeup on the train because a sudden jolt could mean they scratch their corneas, an expert has warned.

Dr Susan Blakeney, clinical adviser to the College of Optometrists, also says ignoring expiry dates on make-up can cause “unpleasant” infections.

Concerns have arisen that women could be risking unnecessary eye problems by failing to observe commonsense routines.

“Talking about good make-up hygiene and habits may seem trivial, but we’re keen to encourage people to take some simple steps, such as hand-washing and taking notice of expiry information, that may help minimise potential risks to eye health,” said Dr Blakeney.

“The human eye is pretty resilient, but poor hygiene can lead to unpleasant infections. And the modern-day phenomenon of applying make-up on the journey to work undoubtedly increases the risk of scratching your cornea.

“This may not only lead to discomfort, but may also put the cornea at greater risk of infection.”

Dr Blakeney made her comments ahead of National Eye Health Week, which begins tomorrow. A survey of make-up users by the College of Optometrists revealed more than half fail to check instructions on how long they should keep their mascara for, with almost a fifth admitting they did not even know that expiry information existed on such products.

Dr Blakeney also recommended not sharing make up with others. She said: “You wouldn’t share your toothbrush with anyone else, yet over half of 16-to24-year-olds admitted sharing their mascara with friends and family.”

She also said it was best to put contact lenses in before applying makeup. “Water-soluble – rather than waterproof – make-up is preferable as if it gets into your eye, it will dissolve in your tears and not get trapped under your contact lens.”

Dr Blakeney recommended washing and drying hands before applying make-up or putting in contact lenses and avoiding touching eyes wherever possible.

“By following these simple steps and paying a bit more attention to the health of your eyes and eyelids, you stand a better chance of spotting any problems as early as possible,” she said.

“If your eyes or eyelids start to feel itchy or sore, or if their appearance [without make-up] changes to look red, swollen or watery, avoid using makeup and go to see your optometrist.”

‘The practice of applying make-up on the journey to work increases the risk of scratching your cornea’