Makeup is a lovely way to express yourself and maybe enhance your own natural beauty. But just make sure that’s what you’re doing and not actually detracting from your own great looks. And you do have naturally great looks, makeup or not. But if you choose to wear makeup, you should know the possible risks to your eye health if you don’t take certain precautions. Your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA has some beauty tips for you.

Don’t Keep Using Old Makeup

Replace your makeup at least once every three months if not sooner. Using old makeup means you could be subjecting your eye area to bacteria. Consider a typical makeup routine where you apply mascara to your eyelashes. Then you delicately use the tip of your finger to separate a few lashes that look “clunky.” Now you apply more mascara, only this time, the mascara wand is being brushed through where you just had your fingertips. Now the wand goes back into the container, where that bacteria can spread throughout the mascara product. Replace old makeup, and this applies to allmakeup, not just mascara.

Use Fake Eyelashes Carefully

Ideally, you aren’t wearing fake eyelashes, because glue has no place near the eyes. But if you must wear them, be incredibly careful. This isn’t the time to be rushing through your makeup routine or getting sloppy.

Avoid Glittery Eye Shadow

Glittery eye shadow and powders in general can flake off and get into the eyes. It’s more than just a nuisance. If the makeup is adulterated, meaning it has bacteria in it, that means that makeup has a stronger chance of causing an eye infection.

If you do end up with an eye infection or any other kind of eye problem, contact your optometrist in Pittsburgh, PAright away for an appointment.

Eye health is critical to overall wellness, and as people age, the face increased strain and potential issues, as your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA can tell you. Supplements are heavily marketed in all the media outlets; on TV, in magazines, in drug stores and more. Many wonder if supplements can help protect or even improve their eye health. You certainly need vitamins and minerals for eye health, that’s for certain. What’s less certain is whether supplements have the ability to improve eye health. Let’s see.

Key Nutrients for Eye Health

Research shows that vitamins and minerals, especially those high in antioxidants, can support eye health. Vitamin A, found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, is crucial for maintaining good vision and preventing night blindness. Similarly, vitamin C, an antioxidant present in citrus fruits and berries, protects the eyes from free radical damage, which can contribute to age-related conditions. Vitamin E, found in nuts and seeds, is also beneficial for eye tissue health.

Minerals such as zinc play an important role in eye function as well. Zinc is found in high concentrations in the eye and supports the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in foods like spinach, kale, and eggs, are often included in eye health supplements because they help filter harmful blue light and support overall retinal health.

Can Supplements Play a Role?

Okay, we’ve shown how various vitamins can support eye health. But does that mean you should be taking supplements? Not necessarily. Supplements aren’t as closely regulated by the FDA, and some brands can be adulterated with ingredients that may not be great for you. If you’re interested in supplements, talk to your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA to learn more about whether they are right for you. There may be other ways to improve your eye health that are more directly connected to proven science.

As your optometrist in Greensburg, PA, we share your desire for optimal eye health. The eyes are one of the finest features on the face, and they can enhance your overall appearance. Many people find it enjoyable and helpful to apply eye makeup to further enhance their eyes’ natural beauty. This has been done for centuries and is perfectly acceptable and safe, as long as considerations are made. It’s important to understand how eye makeup can impact eye health.

Transference of Bacteria

The application of eye makeup entails using certain tools like brushes and sponge-tip applicators over and over again. These applicators can easily become harbors for bacteria if not cleaned after each use. Once a dirty applicator comes into contact with the entire container of eye makeup, that powder, cream, liner or mascara also becomes filled with bacteria. Then it’s reused and the bacteria is once again transferred to the eye area. This scenario also holds true for fingers, when used to rub around the eyes or lashes.

Blockage of Tear Ducts

When makeup is applied too near the actual eyeball, the tear ducts can become clogged. A buildup of makeup debris can inhibit the melbomian glands from functioning properly. The result may be dry eyes or worse.

Transference of Disease

Siblings and close friends who share eye makeup may be sharing more than they bargained for. Eye diseases like conjunctivitis are highly contagious, sometimes long before there are visible symptoms.

Practice Good Eye Makeup Hygiene

To avoid problems like the ones mentioned above, practice good eye makeup hygiene. Wash hands before applying makeup, wash and/or replace applicators often and never share eye makeup.

To book your next eye exam in Greensburg, PA, contact Lappen Eye Care today!

The issue can sound scary—microscopic mites living around your eyes. However, these little bugs are more common than most people know, which is why many are surprised to hear they have an infestation when they visit for an eye exam in Pittsburgh. Take a look at a few questions patients tend to have about Demodex mites below.

How do Demodex mites get around your eyes?

Demodex mites are naturally present on your skin and can migrate to the eyelid where they sometimes cause irritation. These tiny insects thrive in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, but sometimes, the mites can get more populated, which can cause eye health concerns.

How do you know if you have Demodex mites in your lashes?

Most people have Demodex mites to some degree that live on their skin and around facial hair, including the eyelashes. However, if there is an overabundance of these microscopic mites or you are especially sensitive, you may experience:

• Itchy or irritated eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Crusty debris on eyelashes or eyelids
• Increased sensitivity to light or products
• Frequent eye infections

If you experience these symptoms, consult an eye care professional for evaluation.

Can you get rid of Demodex mite issues on your own?

While a severe case of demodex mites may require a trip to the eye doctor, you can control the outbreak to some degree by adopting a few good habits, including:

• Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
• Use tea tree oil or products containing it to cleanse the eyelids.
• Apply warm compresses to loosen debris and soothe irritation.
• Avoid using heavy or oily cosmetics on the eyes.
• Regularly wash pillowcases and towels in hot water.
• Maintain good overall hygiene and skincare practices.

Discuss Your Eye Health Concerns with a Pittsburgh Eye Doctor

From dust mite concerns to eye disease evaluation, the best Pittsburgh eye doctor is always on your side. Reach out to the team at Lappen Eye Care to discuss all of your visual health concerns or schedule an appointment.