Schaumburg, IL - Careless
use of eye makeup and hair dye can cause eye damage and even loss of sight.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 261,000
product-related eye injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in
2000. Hair dye, a commonplace product used at home by thousands of women, can
cause serious eye damage and blindness if used incorrectly. Warnings against
the potential lethalness of these products are stated boldly and clearly on
the packages, but not all consumers heed these warnings," said Daniel D.
Garrett, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) spokesperson. Last year alone, there
were more than 4,000 eye injuries caused by hair products.
"Cosmetics, while not as
dangerous as hair dyes, can also lead to eye injuries and irritations, but
simple precautions can eliminate virtually 100 percent of these types of eye
injuries," added Garrett. PBA is offering the following tips for using eye
cosmetics safely:
- Wash your hands before
applying cosmetics. Some bacteria can be transferred from your hands to your
eyes.
- Disposable applicators
are the best to use, but keep all applicators clean and in good condition.
Do not reuse old applicators.
- Cosmetics should be
kept away from excessive heat and cold that could break down the
preservatives, allowing bacteria to grow. Do not carry mascara in your purse
or leave makeup in your car.
- Avoid "natural" and
"preservative-free" products. Bacteria may thrive in these products.
- Moisture promotes the
growth of bacteria so do not moisten cosmetics with water or saliva.
- Do not share your
makeup with others or use someone else's makeup.
- Do not switch mascara
brushes from one vial to another.
- Never apply makeup
while driving or riding in a moving vehicle.
- To reduce the chance of
allergic reaction, use cosmetics labeled "fragrance-free," "hypo-allergenic"
or "for sensitive skin."
- Always remove makeup
every night. Never sleep with eye makeup on.
- Read Labels, learn
about the chemicals you are using and avoid
these chemical ingredients
Contact lens wearers must
take extra precautions when applying and removing eye cosmetics. Improper use
of cosmetics could lead to lens deposits, scratches, eye irritations,
allergies, dryness, injuries and infections.
Aside from cosmetics,
women should be aware of the potential hazards associated with common
household products they use everyday. Every year, thousands of eye injuries
are caused by general purpose cleaning products, bathroom products, bleaches,
detergents, oven cleaners, and drain cleaners.
If you do splash your eye,
there are steps you should take immediately to avoid incurring permanent eye
damage. For chemical splashes, the eye should be immediately flushed for at
least 15 minutes to dilute or remove the chemical. If water is not available,
use any drinkable liquids on hand such as milk, juice, or any soft drink. Open
the eye as wide as possible during flushing. If you wear contact lenses, do
not remove them - flush over the lens immediately.
Seek medical treatment
immediately after flushing. When you call the doctor or go to the emergency
room, make sure you have the chemical container handy so that you can report
on exactly what chemical was involved.
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