via freepik
You know that mascara you’ve been using since high school? The one rolling around at the bottom of your makeup bag, half-dried and probably expired?
Yeah. That one might be wrecking your eyes.
Most people think about skin irritation, allergic reactions, or clumpy lashes when they talk makeup mishaps. But here’s what we don’t talk about nearly enough: your mascara (and your whole eye routine, actually) could be messing with your vision.
Let’s break down the risks, what’s real vs overhyped, and what Canadian optometrists actually want you to know.
First: Yes, Your Mascara Can Hurt Your Eyes
This isn’t fearmongering. Mascara goes on your lashes, yes—but lashes are literally your eye’s first line of defence. So when they’re coated in product, especially one that flakes or clumps, particles can get into your tear film, scratch your cornea, or cause buildup along the lid margin.
What can go wrong?
- Clogged oil glands (hello, styes and blepharitis)
- Irritation or dryness from flaking formulas
- Conjunctivitis from contaminated wands or expired tubes
- Allergic reactions from preservatives or fragrance—Health Canada monitors and regulates ingredients in cosmetics, but not all products are created equal
- Corneal abrasions from aggressive removal or stray brush strokes
And if you wear contact lenses? Multiply the risk.
Dirty Wands, Old Tubes, and the “I Forgot to Take It Off” Factor
If you’re sleeping in your mascara, consider this your wake-up call. Leaving product on overnight traps bacteria and debris near your eye, which can lead to infections or even meibomian gland dysfunction—aka oil glands that stop working properly.
Even worse? Using old mascara. Most formulas expire within 3 months of opening. After that, it’s a petri dish.
Mascara hygiene matters and yes, there are actual medical guidelines around it. The Canadian Ophthalmological Society recommends replacing mascara every few months and avoiding shared or expired products to prevent infections and long-term damage.
Here’s what else to keep in mind:
- Never share mascara (not even with your bestie)
- Toss it after 3–4 months, max
- Replace the wand if it gets bent, frayed, or touches a non-sterile surface
- Always remove it gently with a non-irritating remover or micellar water
Lash Extensions & Eye Health: A Whole Other Level
If you’re into falsies or lash extensions, the risks don’t disappear—they just shift.
Poorly applied extensions or heavy glues can lead to:
- Traction alopecia (yes, your real lashes falling out)
- Allergic dermatitis from adhesives
- Eye infections from tools or environments that aren’t clean enough
- Difficulty cleaning the lash line properly, which = long-term irritation
And while extensions might give you volume, they can make regular checkups harder—your optometrist has to work around the drama.
What Canadian Optometrists Say About It
Most eye doctors don’t say “don’t wear mascara.” But they do say: be smarter about it.
If your eyes are feeling gritty, red, or just off lately, it might be worth talking to a professional. Clinics offering state of the art eye care in Toronto regularly see patients with vision concerns that turn out to be makeup-related—not major medical events, but habits that quietly mess with your eye health.
Here’s what they recommend:
- Switch to ophthalmologist-tested formulas
- Clean your lash line with a gentle cleanser or diluted baby shampoo if you wear makeup daily
- Don’t overuse waterproof mascara—it’s harder to remove and more likely to cause lash breakage
- Get your eyes checked annually, even if your vision feels “fine”
TL;DR: Pretty Shouldn’t Mean Painful
You can absolutely have bold lashes and healthy eyes. You just have to treat your eye area like it’s skin too, because it is.
Your eyes do a lot more than look cute in selfies. So don’t sabotage your sight over a half-used tube that should’ve been in the trash last Christmas.
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