What causes redness in eyes after using eye shadow?

Question

Hi doctor,

Before a few months, I started to have red eyes with dryness. It occurred after using eyeshadow makeup. I flushed my eyes with water but redness still persisted. I visited the doctor and he told me the condition as pink eye. I started using pink eye drops. The problem went away and it came back again after few days. I stopped wearing contact lenses and started using artificial tears regularly. I got some relief. I went to an optometrist for an annual eye examination and he told me that I have a bit of dryness in my eyes. Again the dryness was minimal. He recommended me to continue using artificial tears and I tried a new one. I had trouble in booking appointments due to pandemic. But I want to control it. Please help me.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the photo (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and it does not look like infective conjunctivitis. If it recurs again and again, then you can take a note of it whether it occurs on the days of wearing cosmetics and when wearing contact lenses. The makeup can deposit under the lens and it cause inflammation. Secondly, if you are wearing contact lenses for many years, then you can develop intolerance to it gradually. So every time when you put it, you can see the eyes to be turned pink at the end of the day. Thirdly, usage of contraceptives can aggravate dry eyes and it is seen more in contact lens users. Certain systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome can manifest as dry eyes. More commonly ocular surface disease has a vicious cycle of dryness that causes inflammation and aggravates dryness. It is managed by using a mild steroid eye drop called Fluromethalone four times a day for a week along with frequent lubricating eye drops. Cyclosporin eye drops can also be used for a month or two instead of Fluromethalone. You need to look for stiffness or painful joints or dry mouth. Try to stay away from lenses for a month and see for improvement. You might need Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) for power removal once the pandemic subsides.