The impact of eyeliner usage on dry eye symptoms

The objective of this study was to investigate whether eyeliner use is associated with an increase in dry eye symptoms. A survey was conducted to collect data on cosmetic usage and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores from a diverse public sample. Additionally, eyecare professionals were queried regarding their practice of inquiring about cosmetic use during patient consultations. The survey included specific questions about eyeliner application and the calculation of OSDI scores, with a score of 13 or higher indicating the presence of dry eye symptoms. Individuals who reported using eyeliner had a significantly higher rate of OSDI scores above 13 compared to non-users (42.93% vs. 33.38%, p < 0.001). Notably, subjects who applied eyeliner to the lid margins exhibited an even more pronounced increase in high OSDI scores (48.17%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant proportion of patients (23.37%) expressed reluctance to discontinue cosmetic use when advised in medical contexts, while only 48.19% of healthcare providers routinely inquired about cosmetic use during patient consultations. The usage of eyeliner is associated with higher OSDI scores, underscoring the need for both eyecare practitioners and eyeliner users to be more cognizant of the potential impact of eyeliner on the ocular surface.