Experts warn of ‘serious’ concern concerning masks, lashes, tattoos

Optometrists are sounding a warning bell over the use of face masks, fake lashes and eye tattoos on eye health and vision.

Face masks, fake lashes and eye tattoos have triggered a dramatic surge in dry eye syndrome, prompting experts to call for “serious” caution.

The concern arises out of extended use of masks which has been pegged by experts as a cause of impaired vision.

Optometrists are warning mask wearers to use surgical tape to seal the top of masks and trap breath from escaping and evaporating tears.

Research released last year has shown face coverings contribute to a prevalence of dry eyes in 68 per cent of mask wearers.

Increased use of fake eyelashes and liner tattoos are also damaging the function of tear ducts and causing inflammation, where in the worst case scenario, are seriously impairing vision, optometrists have warned.

Experts say N95 masks provide better protection against coronavirus infection different to surgical masks. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“There has been a prevalence in dry eye syndrome caused by many factors during the pandemic, including poor-fitting masks … surgical tape around the nose or using N95 masks can prevent this,” Maria Markoulli, associate professor of School of Optometry and Vision science at UNSW, said.

“I would exercise serious caution before getting fake eyelashes or upper eyelid tattoos as cosmetic procedures can cause glands that produce tears to produce an oily layer which can cause a toxic and inflammatory response and damage to the ocular surface.

“In the worse case, they can affect the quality of vision and cause permanent damage.

“If you don’t wash your eyes when you get new false eyelashes debris can cause crusty eyes and a toxic effect – I would strongly advise consulting an optometrist before getting any cosmetic procedure to make an informed decision,” Ms Markoulli said.

In 2003, a Blue Mountains study of people aged 50 or older found 57.5 per cent of participants with dry eyes and 16.6 per cent reporting moderate to severe symptoms.

Prolonged use of digital phone and computer screens discourages full blinking that can lead to dry eyes also known as computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain.

Symptoms of digital eye strain include eye tiredness, blurriness, soreness, strain, pain, burning, dryness, and light sensitivity.

A study published by the British Medical Journal in 2016 found 97 per cent of respondents reported digital devices were linked to sore eyes.