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Gaur warns that skipping proper makeup removal for your eyes can lead to severe eye infections.

The image she highlighted was originally from a 2018 case report titled \"Subconjunctival Mascara Deposition\" found in the American Academy of Opthalmology Journal by Dana Robaei, Ph.D.

The report highlighted a 50-year-old woman who was experiencing chronic foreign body sensation in both eyes. She admitted to 25 years of heavy mascara use with inadequate removal which led to the darkly pigmented subconjunctival concretions that are noticed in the photo of her flipped eyelid.

The patient's condition was associated with what is known as follicular conjunctivitis and punctate corneal erosions.

\"This, fortunately, is a rare case that needed surgical removal of the embedded mascara,\" Gaur told \"Good Morning America.\"

Typically surgery isn't needed if the patient generally keeps good eyelid hygiene, she said. Instead, a topical antibiotic can be used to treat most conditions.

\"Overall, these have a good prognosis but the best thing is prevention,\" she added.

\"PHOTO:
Getty Images, ABC News Photo Illustration
PHOTO: Sleep in Eye Make Up
>

5 ophthalmologist-approved preventative tips for avoiding eye infections

1. Always make sure that all eyelid makeup is removed properly and thoroughly.While there are people who attempt to remove their makeup at night, Gaur advises that they may not be doing a thorough job.When there is makeup consistently left behind, it eventually causes build-up and inflammation on the eyelid margins -- also known as blepharitis.

2. Replace eye makeup every three to four months to ensure that you’re not using any brushes that are starting to harbor bacteria.\"Another common culprit is that people use their mascara or eyeliner for far too long,\" said Gaur. \"It is recommended that we should only use it for about three to four months and discard it thereafter. Long use of mascara or eyeliner can cause bacteria buildup on makeup brushes and leads to eyelid inflammation.\"

3. Avoid sharing eye makeup, especially mascara and eyeliners, with others as this can transmit infections.

4. Keeps makeup brushes clean between uses.

5. If an eye infection develops, discard any makeup that was used on or near the eye area.

What's the worst that could happen?

Research shows that underlying eye conditions such as dry eyes, blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or any history of eye infections could also make conditions worse when you are inadequately removing your makeup.

\"Worst case scenario -- this could lead to blindness from severe eye infections and permanent scarring,\" Gaur said.

Eye surgery after-care

If your eye infection does result in having surgery, Gaur said you will need to keep your eyes clear of any makeup a few days leading up to the procedure.

Patients can resume wearing eye makeup approximately two weeks post-surgery.

\"Eye makeup around the time of any ocular surgery can increase the risk of eye infections, so why play with increasing that risk?\" said Gaur.

If you are experiencing any kind of eye irritation or infection, please consult with a board-certified ophthalmologist for a proper diagnosis.

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