An eye examination checks your vision and assesses the overall health of your ocular structures, including the retina and optic nerve. Preparing for this appointment involves questions about what to bring or avoid, such as wearing cosmetics. The products applied around your eyes can directly interfere with the accuracy and effectiveness of the comprehensive eye exam.
How Cosmetics Affect Eye Exam Measurements
The physical presence of cosmetics can create mechanical barriers that hinder a thorough assessment of your eye’s surface and surrounding areas. Products like heavy mascara or eyeliner can obscure the lash line and lid margins, making it difficult for the doctor to examine the tiny meibomian glands that secrete oils for the tear film. This obstruction can complicate the diagnosis of conditions like blepharitis or dry eye, which rely on a clear view of the eyelid anatomy.
Several diagnostic procedures utilize specialized instruments that require direct access to the eye or surrounding skin. During non-contact tonometry, mascara can flake or smear, potentially contaminating the equipment or causing discomfort that affects the test’s precision. For contact lens fittings, makeup residue can contaminate the lens or alter measurements like keratometry, which maps the curvature of the cornea for a precise fit. Powder eyeshadows and foundation applied too close to the eye can also interfere with high-magnification imaging, such as fundus photography.
Makeup and The Dilation Procedure
Wearing eye makeup is particularly problematic if your eye exam includes pupil dilation, a standard part of a comprehensive assessment. These drops are intended to widen the pupils so the eye care professional can gain an unobstructed view of the retina and the optic nerve. The moisture from the dilating drops can cause mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow to run, leading to smudging that irritates the eye’s surface.
This running makeup can introduce cosmetic particles and potential bacteria directly into the tear film. Introducing foreign substances like makeup flakes increases the risk of eye irritation, stinging, or even infection, particularly if the cosmetics are old and harbor microbial contamination. A clean ocular surface is necessary for the drops to work effectively and for the doctor to safely examine the internal structures of the eye under the slit lamp microscope.
Practical Preparation for Your Appointment
The definitive recommendation for a successful eye exam is to arrive with a completely bare face around the eyes. This means avoiding all forms of eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, as well as heavy foundation or concealer near the orbital area. Light, non-eye-area makeup, such as lip color or a light layer of foundation on the cheeks, is generally acceptable and will not interfere with the examination.
If you forget and arrive at your appointment wearing makeup, most eye clinics maintain a supply of gentle, oil-free wipes for removal. While this is an option, it requires time and the act of rubbing the delicate periocular skin before the exam can cause temporary redness or irritation. Should you need to reapply makeup after your examination, wait at least 30 minutes post-exam, especially if dilation drops were used, to allow the eyes to stabilize and any residual medication to be fully absorbed.