(NAPSA)—Departmentstore and drugstore makeupaisles arefilled with a tempting array of makeup colors and products for the eyes. But knowing how to apply and remove eye makeupproperly will not only make your eyes beautiful; it will also protect your vision as well. “Makeup is a part of many women’s everyday routine, but they should be aware that improperly applied makeupis risk to the eye,” says Cynthia Bradford, M.D., clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma. “Even something as simple as testing a sample at the makeup counter can lead to problems. We want the public to know how to look their best without jeopardizing their eye health.” Through its EyeSmart campaign, the Academy wants to remind consumers to use healthy and safe habits when using and testing makeup. Dr. Bradford explains: “Proper care and caution when using makeupcan preventeye infections that range from minor cases that can be treated with medication to moreserious cases that could impair vision.” Here are some safe makeuptips from Dr. Bradford: Infection:It’s very important to remember that makeup expires, especially eye makeup. Eye makeup should be thrown away three months after it is purchased but immediately if you develop an eye infection when you are usingit. Liquid or creamy makeupcan harbor bacteria easily. Once you open and use mascara, cream eye shadow or face base, you should replace it within three months. If you have eye surgery, do not wear makeup aroundthe eye until your ophthalmologist tells you it is safe to do so and then only use fresh, new makeup. Never share your makeup with anyoneelse. Allergy: If you tendto be easily allergic when you try a new product, introduce only one new product at a time. If there is no reaction, you can add another new product. If you try a new productline of makeup and add too many products at once, it is hard to pinpoint which oneis the offending product. If you notice that you becomeallergic to a product, you should find out what the ingredients are in the product and bring that to your doctor’s attention. Dr. Bradford recommends using the least amount of products on or around youreyes to preventirritation or infection. Applying: When applying makeup, be sure yourface and eyelids are very clean before you begin. Never apply makeupover the oil glandsof the upperor lowereyelid, as these oil glandssecrete oil that protects the surface of the eye. To avoid covering the oil glands or inadvertently applying makeupdirectly on the eye, always apply makeupoutside the lash line, away from theeye. Removing:At night, removeall eye makeup,especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. Use a clean cotton swab to brush along the base of the eyelashesto get the last resistant debris of eye makeupoff. If you use an eye makeup remover, make sure you don’t get any in your eye. When you are done, rinse the removeroff your eyelids completely to avoid possible irritation of the eye or lids. If you think you have an eye infection or allergic reaction to your eye makeup, it is important to seek medical help by contacting your ophthalmologist. Learn about eye diseases and the names of eye M.D.s in your area by visiting www.GetEye Smart.org.
