Ocular manifestations of long-term mascara use.

Full Abstract

Mascara, a widely used cosmetic, is associated with eye pathology. The authors report 3 cases of eye problems secondary to long-term mascara use. Two patients had multiple pigmented conjunctival lesions; one of these had a history of melanoma of the hand. Conjunctival biopsy revealed nonmelanocytic pigment granules within conjunctival stroma cells in both cases. The other patient had a history of dry eye, and also showed pigment clumping around a punctal plug. The third patient had canalicular obstruction from a mascara-laden dacryolith ("dacryomascaralith"), the first such case reported. A literature review revealed cases of eyelid dermatitis, infectious keratitis, a conjunctival mass ("mascaroma"), and others. Ophthalmologists should be aware of mascara's associated eye problems. The physical findings combined with a high index of suspicion, especially in cases of heavy mascara use, may allow for an accurate diagnosis and spare the patient an otherwise unnecessary invasive procedure.

Author information

Author/s: Ciolino, Joseph B (JB); Mills, David M (DM); Meyer, Dale R (DR);

Affiliation: Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12159,, USA. Joseph_Ciolino(-atsign-)meei.harvard.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article

Journal: Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery (Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 Jul-Aug; vol 25 (issue 4) : pp 339-41

Dates: Created 2009/07/20; Completed 2009/09/01;

PMID: 19617808, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 9/1/2009)

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