Mascara wands, curling irons, nail polish, and hair spray are part of most people’s daily routine, so it is easy to forget they can hurt the eyes. A study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in New Orleans is a useful reminder that everyday products cause thousands of emergency visits.
What the researchers found
Researchers analyzed the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and found that nearly 42,500 people went to U.S. emergency departments with eye injuries from cosmetic and personal care products between 2005 and 2024. Products involved included heated styling tools, facial spray, eyelash glue, hair products, nail cosmetics, and eye makeup.
- Women and girls accounted for 82% of the injuries.
- The average patient age was 24, but children 4 and younger made up nearly a quarter of cases.
- Chemical burns made up 46% of eye injuries in patients under 18, compared with less than 1% in adults.
- 83% of all chemical burns were linked to a child getting hold of a product, most often skin care and fragrances (40%), nail cosmetics (22%), and sprays and shampoo (22%).
- Among children 4 and under, 70% were hurt while using a product without supervision.
- Adults most often had cuts, bruises, and scratches to the eye (56%), and another 22% had heat burns.
The findings were presented at a medical meeting, so they should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Why the cornea is vulnerable
The clear front surface of the eye is delicate. A chemical splash or a brush with a hot styling tool can injure it in seconds, and a scratch from a mascara wand or nail can be very painful. As the lead researcher noted, these products seem low risk because they are household items, but chemicals and very hot devices can cause significant injury.
Simple ways to prevent injuries
- Store products high and closed. Keep liquids, sprays, nail products, and fragrances out of children’s reach.
- Supervise little ones. Most injuries in young children happened without an adult watching.
- Handle heat carefully. Keep curling irons and straighteners away from the face and let them cool where children cannot grab them.
- Spray away from the eyes. Close your eyes or shield them when using hair spray or facial mist.
- Be gentle with lash glue and applicators. Work slowly, in good light, with a steady hand.
If something gets in the eye
For a chemical splash, rinse the eye right away with plenty of clean, lukewarm water and seek urgent care. For pain, light sensitivity, or blurry vision after a scratch or burn, do not rub the eye; get it examined promptly.
Our role
Khanna Vision Institute evaluates eye injuries and corneal surface problems at our Beverly Hills and Westlake Village offices. Severe trauma should always go to the nearest emergency room first.
Contact lens wearers face their own set of everyday risks; there is a practical guide to safer lens habits at LA Lasik Cost.
Source: Eye injuries from beauty products send thousands to ER every year (Medical Xpress / HealthDay, 10/12/2026). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.